Naxos

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands, yet it’s still only 40 kilometres by 20 and has a population of less than 20,000.

The island is ideal if you’d like a day-to-day of relaxing on the beach, exploring quaint villages and enjoying an evening meal for two in a waterfront restaurant.

Naxos is incredibly beautiful, with Venetian architecture along its waterfront, valleys, hills and quiet beaches. As Naxos doesn’t get the tourist numbers of Mykonos or Santorini, it offers a more affordable lifestyle and budget-friendly property options.

Why buy a property in Naxos

Naxos’ beaches are a huge pull for international buyers, the island has 160 kilometres or so of coastline. You will find a mixture of sandy, pebbled and rocky ones, with taverns and cafes. With a little know-how, it is not hard to find beaches away from the tourists.

Extra special beaches include: Plaka, Orkos, Mikri, Vigla and Kastraki. As the Cyclades islands can get quite windy, windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular pastimes.

Naxos is not just the largest island in the Cyclades, but the greenest too. It has many fantastic hiking routes, some crossing ruins, like the ancient Temple of Demeter and the Temple of Dionysus. It’s also home to the highest point in the Cyclades, Mount Zeus, standing just over 1,000 metres.

Chora is the main port and the capital of the island. The Venetian influence is strongly felt in the architecture, with the Venetian Castle, built in 13th century, a centre point. Portara, a massive marble gate that was an unfinished temple to Apollo, stands at the entrance of the harbour, and is a superb spot to watch the sunset.

In Chora, you’ll find a mix of shops, restaurants and museums. There are also some nightclubs here that keep their doors open into the small hours. Plus, Agios Georgios Beach is just a short walk away from the centre.

If you find Chora too bustling, you do not have to go far to experience a more chilled out atmosphere. There are many smaller towns and villages, such as Halki, Apeiranthos and Apollonthas.

The weather in Naxos

The peak holiday season in Naxos is July and August, when temperatures very often reach 30°C, rain is almost unheard of and the sun shines for 11 hours a day. Either side of these months, you can enjoy slightly cooler temperatures and thinner crowds.

There are strong winds (meltima) during summertime too. Temperatures fall in November, which has an average daily maximum of 17°C. You can swim most of the year, maybe with the aid of a wetsuit in winter, which sees average daily highs of 12°C. Naxos experiences a touch more rainfall than the other Cyclades islands, which contributes to its greener landscapes.

What can I get for my budget in Naxos

Property for sale in Naxos varies widely, from older homes in need of renovation to seaside apartments and sprawling villas. If you’re looking for a newer home or a development, options are more limited compared to areas like the Athens Riviera or Crete.

With a budget of €100,000, you can find charming village homes. On the other hand, if you have millions to spend, luxury villas with panoramic sea views, private pools, and gyms are available.

Is a property in Naxos a good investment?

Property for sale in Naxos is more affordable than other Cyclades islands and capital appreciation is strong. Data from indomio shows that in July 2024, the average price asked for residential property was €3,741 per square metre and had shot up in recent years.

Still, property in Naxos is significantly less expensive than Mykonos (€7,320 per square, August 2024) but more expensive than Crete (€2,136 per square metre, August 2024). Naxos does become a touristy haven in the summertime, which holiday homeowners can capitalise on.

How to get to Naxos

Naxos does not have an international airport, but you can fly to Athens and Thessaloniki. It just 35 minutes to Athens. Naxos has ferry routes to Athens in around three hours, plus all the other Cycladic islands.

Where to buy in Naxos

Chora (Naxos Town): The island’s capital and main port, Chora is best for being in the heart of the action with its choice of shops, restaurants, and historical sites.

Galanado: Known for its stunning views and luxurious villas, Galanado is a great choice if you’re looking for a more upscale property.

Plaka: Famous for its long sandy beach, Plaka is ideal for those seeking beachfront properties.

Agios Prokopios: Close to Chora, this area is known for its beautiful beach and is popular with tourists, making it a good option for rental properties.

11 steps to buy in Naxos

Buying a property in Naxos is not difficult, if you have a plan and some help from professionals. Follow our step-by-step guide to make your dream a reality.

1. Research and planning: Download guides, read articles, sign up for events and exhibitions to gather all the information you may need about buying a property in Naxos. Do you know anyone who has already bought in Greece, or lives there? Maybe give them a call. Try to narrow down the location you want to buy a property in.
2. Define what you’re looking for: Determine what you want in terms of property type, size, location, accessibility and budget. Separate your must-have features from your nice-to-haves. Allow for buying costs of up to 10% on top of the sales price.
3. Speak to a currency expert: Firstly, you need to know your budget. Secondly, moving exchange rates are a risk in international property purchases, so discuss managing that risk with a forward contract that fixes your exchange rate.
4. Get your AFM number The ‘Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou’ number is a tax identification number necessary for financial transactions, including purchasing property. Head to the local tax office with your passport and birth certificate to obtain it.
5. Make essential connections: Connect with a local estate agent. The easiest way to do that is to make an enquiry on a property in Naxos . Also contact an independent property lawyer and maybe a tax specialist too. Your Overseas Home can help you, so give them a call.
6. Viewing trip: Speak to your estate agent about your requirements, then book a viewing trip to visit potential properties. The agent will advise on the best time for that.
7. Make an offer: When you find a property you like, you can make an offer via your estate agent. Your lawyer will begin the legal and due diligence processes.
8. Sign the reservation and sales contract: You may have to pay a reservation fee to take the property off the market. Once approved, and due diligence completed, you’ll sign the contract and pay a deposit (usually around 10%).
9. Plan for utility connections: The wait begins, this can often take several weeks. Look into getting your utilities connecting during this time.