Hire a Car in Naxos Town and Explore the Largest Cyclades Island
Naxos Town, known locally as Chora, is the capital of the largest island in the Cyclades. It is a town of whitewashed houses, a Venetian castle, a lively waterfront and the Portara — the unfinished temple gate that stands on an islet at the harbour entrance and has become the symbol of the island. The town itself is pleasant to walk, but Naxos is too large and too varied to see on foot. From the long beaches of the south-west coast to the marble villages of the interior and the ancient temples scattered across the hills, a hire car is the practical way to experience the island properly.
We compare deals from operators based in and around Naxos Town, so you can collect near the port or arrange a handover at your hotel. Whether you are staying in Chora itself or along the coast at Agios Prokopios, booking ahead gives you a wider choice of vehicles and avoids the summer rush at the ferry dock.
Cyclades
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Naxos Town (Chora)
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Beaches, mountain villages, ancient sites
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Interior roads can be steep and winding; allow extra time for mountain routes
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Naxos Town: Portara, Castle and Waterfront
The Portara dominates the harbour approach — a massive marble gate from an unfinished Temple of Apollo, standing on a small islet joined to the mainland by a causeway. It is the classic Naxos sunset spot. Behind the waterfront, the old town climbs uphill to the Venetian Kastro, a 13th-century fortified quarter of narrow alleys, old mansions and small museums. The town squares fill with cafes and tavernas in the evenings, and the harbourfront sees ferries arriving from Athens and the neighbouring islands throughout the day.
Beyond Chora: Beaches, Villages and Ancient Valleys
Naxos is big enough to hold real variety. The south-west coast has long sandy beaches at Agios Prokopios, Plaka and Agia Anna — some organised, others quiet and backed by dunes. Inland, the mountain villages of Halki, Filoti and Apiranthos are built of local marble and connected by roads that wind through terraced valleys and olive groves. The ancient Temple of Demeter at Sangri and the giant kouros statues lying in the countryside are reminders of the island’s long history.
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Naxos has been central to Aegean life for thousands of years. In mythology, it was here that Theseus abandoned Ariadne after slaying the Minotaur, and where Dionysus found her and made her his bride. The island’s marble was used for sculpture and architecture across the ancient world, and the giant unfinished statues lying in the countryside are testament to a quarrying tradition that continues today.
The Portara, that massive doorway standing alone on its islet, is all that remains of a temple begun in the sixth century BC and never completed. The Venetians who ruled the Cyclades from the thirteenth century built the Kastro in Naxos Town and left towers and fortified mansions across the interior. The island’s villages — Halki, Filoti, Apiranthos — grew up around agriculture, marble and trade rather than tourism, and they retain a character that some of the more famous islands have lost.
Today, Naxos balances its history with a present that draws visitors for beaches, food and a slower pace of life. The island produces potatoes, cheese and kitron liqueur that are prized across Greece. A hire car is the key to experiencing both sides: the lively harbourfront of Chora and the terraced valleys, ancient paths and hidden coves that fill the interior.
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Excess and cover
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Fuel policy
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Mileage and territory
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Extras and return
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Choose for people, bags and roads
A category normally represents a group of similar cars, not a promise of one exact model.
- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
Driving in Naxos
Traffic drives on the right. The main roads around the island are generally in good condition, but interior routes can be narrow, steep and winding, particularly around the mountain villages. Signposting is reasonable but not perfect, so a offline map app is useful backup. Parking in Naxos Town is tight in summer; many visitors leave the car at their accommodation and walk into the centre.
Ferry and Access
Naxos Town is the main ferry port, with regular connections from Piraeus, Rafina and other Cyclades islands. The crossing from Piraeus takes several hours, while Rafina is closer and Mykonos is only a short hop away. If you are island-hopping, check whether your rental allows drop-off at a different port or if you need to return the vehicle to Naxos Town.
Beach and Sightseeing Routes
The coastal road south from Chora runs through Stelida and out to the beach strip at Agios Prokopios and Plaka — an easy drive with plenty of places to stop. Heading inland towards Halki and Filoti takes you into the Tragea valley, famous for its olive groves and Venetian towers. The road to Apiranthos is one of the most scenic on the island.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: Visit Greece.
Build a realistic first journey
Naxos Town to Agios Prokopios and Plaka
Follow the coast road south-west from the port through Stelida and out to the long beaches that have made Naxos a favourite for families and independent travellers alike. Agios Prokopios has organised sunbeds and water sports, while Plaka offers a quieter stretch of sand backed by low dunes. The road is straightforward, but allow extra time for traffic in July and August.
Chora to Halki and the Tragea Valley
Drive inland from Naxos Town towards the village of Halki, passing through olive groves and past old stone towers. Halki itself is a small village with a citron distillery and a handful of tavernas. The surrounding valley is one of the greenest parts of the Cyclades, and the roads are generally quiet outside peak season.
Naxos Town to Apiranthos
This is one of the most rewarding drives on the island — a winding mountain road that climbs from the coast to the marble village of Apiranthos, with its museums, local dialect and views across the Aegean. The village is built on a slope, so parking is limited and a short walk from the centre is usually required.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth hiring a car in Naxos Town?
Yes. Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and public transport, while available, does not reach every beach or village. A car gives you the freedom to explore early in the morning, stay out for sunset, and reach inland villages that buses skip entirely.
Can I pick up a car at Naxos Port or Airport?
Most operators have desks or meeting points at the port in Naxos Town and at the small airport near Agios Prokopios. Some also offer hotel delivery for a surcharge. Compare pick-up options when booking, especially if you are arriving on a late ferry.
What type of car is best for Naxos?
A compact car is fine for the main roads and coastal routes. If you plan to explore rougher tracks to remote beaches or travel with a larger group, consider a small SUV or a larger saloon with more ground clearance. Availability is best if you book ahead.
Are there tolls or fuel stations to worry about?
Naxos has no toll roads. Fuel stations are found in Naxos Town, along the main coastal road and near the airport, but remote inland villages may have none. Fill up before heading into the mountains or to the less-developed northern coast.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Most non-EU visitors will need an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence to hire and drive in Greece. EU licence holders can generally use their national licence. Confirm requirements with your rental operator before you travel.
Compare Naxos Town car hire
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