Mykonos & Naxos: uncover the Cyclades island for you

Keen on Greek island living? Today, we pop the spotlight on two charming Cyclades islands, Naxos and Mykonos. Find out which one would suit you best. 

Mykonos and Naxos are both beautiful Greek islands in the Cyclades, which is a part of the Aegean archipelago. Demand for homes in the Cyclades is very high and still growing, particularly from house buyers currently living in the UK, America, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Luxury properties on Mykonos have been selling quickly, therefore house buyers have started spreading their property search area to Paros, Syros, and Naxos. In 2023, holiday home sale prices in the Cyclades reached a ten year high, particularly for the highly sought after luxury properties on Mykonos. However, with this popularity comes crowds of tourists, so house buyers need to decide whether they want to be where the action is, or opt for a quieter location. Mykonos or Naxos? Which would you choose?

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Why Naxos Island?

If your ideal place is an island where you can relax in the sun on a soft sandy beach and explore quaint villages, then Naxos could be the one for you.

Naxos is more affordable

Naxos is considered more affordable than Mykonos, for accommodation and eating out. Importantly, house prices are lower too.

Quiet life on Naxos

Naxos has a relaxed pace of life, with a strong emphasis on family, food and tradition. The island has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Although it can get very windy, especially in the summer months. Naxos is a popular summer tourist destination, however some parts can become very quiet during the off-season, with many businesses closing.

The island’s healthcare system is good, with a hospital in the main town and several pharmacies. The island is safe, with a low crime rate. Education on Naxos is pretty good, with both public and private schools available, with instruction done in Greek.

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Less crowded

Being the largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos has something for everyone, seaside towns, isolated beaches, pretty villages, historical sites, and even a mountain. Therefore, there is plenty of space for everyone to find a quiet spot to relax. It is especially suited to couples and families.

Picturesque port town

Naxos, also called Chora, is the capital city and main port of the island. It is a picturesque location with a lovely old town divided into two villages, Bourgos and Kastro. When approaching from the sea, you can see a circular tower and stone walls perched on the hill above the waterfront and the white painted homes below. Built in 1207 by the Venetians, Kastro has some beautiful houses and stone streets. The blue of the doors and shutters picking out the turquoise blue sea.

Lovely villages

While tourist resorts can get busy in the summer season, they can be a good base from which to explore the island. It is in the traditional villages that you’ll find the “real Naxos”. For example, just 15 minutes’ drive from Naxos Chora is Halki. Here you can browse the old streets, shops and art galleries. Then there is Apeiranthos with its authentic stone houses, alleyways and great views. But, if you are looking for a traditional fishing village then head to Apollonas on the northeastern coast of Naxos.

Wonderful countryside

Naxos is the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades, making it a great island for hiking. There are numerous footpaths around the coast and the island’s interior. Some of these trails even lead to fascinating ruins, like the ancient Temple of Demeter and the Temple of Dionysus.

Beautiful beaches

You can find sandy, pebbled and rocky beaches on Naxos, and many waterside cafes and tavernas. There are so many beaches, that it if you venture just a little further from the main tourist towns you are sure to find a lovely quiet beach to throw your towel down on.

The best remote beaches include Plaka, Orkos, Mikri Vigla, and Kastraki, as well as Ammitis and Abram on the north side. As the Cycladic islands can get quite windy, you can also enjoy windsurfing and kite-surfing. You can find your perfect Naxos beach on the website: naxos.net. 

The towers of Naxos

The ancient ruin of the Temple of Apollo is one of the most photographed locations on the island. But did you know, there are also 20 towers on the island? Built by important families back in the days when piracy was a concern. As well as for protection and a good lookout point, they were also a symbol of the families wealth. The best examples are Belonias tower and Bazeos tower which have been kept in good condition. While the ruins of Agia tower 28 kilometres from Naxos is also interesting.

Cultural events on Naxos

Traditional festivals and other cultural events take place throughout the summer months, such as the Naxos Festival. There are a variety of exhibitions, concerts and theatre shows. In September, is the popular Wine Festival and Fisherman’s Festival.

Great food

Naxos have many traditional tavernas serving delicious and authentic Greek food, at a much lower price than you might find on Santorini or Mykonos. Try the local cheeses and other produce grown on the island, such as olives, grapes, figs, lemons and potatoes.

Getting to Naxos

Although Naxos is considered off the beaten track, it isn’t that difficult to get to via Athens. From Athens airport, it’s just a 35-minute flight to the island. If you prefer to go by sea, you can also take a three-and-a-half-hour ferry ride from Athens to Naxos.

Property prices on Naxos

The average asking price of property on Naxos is €3,642 per square metre. However, prices vary greatly depending on condition and location. For example, at time of writing a two-bedroom modern villa in a remote area can cost around 450,000, while a large villa with a pool might cost around 600,000. These are the properties aimed at wealthy foreign buyers. However, you can still find property at lower prices. For as little as 120,000 it is possible to find small holiday homes and apartments, or a house needing renovation.

 

Why Mykonos Island?

Mykonos is known for its Cycladic white-washed houses, sandy beaches, and luxury accommodation. It’s nightlife and cosmopolitan vibe also draw in holidaymakers. Affluent property buyers are also attracted by Mykonos’s prestigious location, cultural richness and property investment opportunities. Due to the high demand for property here and the limited availability, property values have been steadily rising.

A lively town

The capital of Mykonos, is called Mykonos Town or Chora. This is where you will find traditional and boutique shops, bars, clubs, and a good selection of gourmet and traditional restaurants. Shops include designer labels, beachwear, jewellery, leather goods, artwork and local crafts.

Mykonos Town is also home to the famous Kato Mili windmills, Little Venice and an attractive Old Port. It is a charming, feel-good experience just to stroll around the stone alleyways, and see sugar-cube houses, flowering bougainvillea growing up to balconies, and doors painted the colour of the sea.

You will also find plenty of beach clubs, hotels and shops in beach resorts around the island. There are many fine restaurants serving modern cuisine as well as local dishes.

The village of Ano Mera 

Inland, you will find traditional Mykonian homes and local communities trying to keep alive the old traditions. The most authentic old village is located in the serene landscape at the centre of the island. The village of Ano Mera boasts a charming main square, tavernas and a 16th-century monastery. Village life offers a peaceful, authentic experience at more reasonable prices than in the coastal resorts.

Living the high life on Mykonos

The cost of living is considered high, especially during the peak tourist season. Although the local people speak Greek, English is also spoken in tourists areas. The island has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, wet winters. However, it is also known for its summer winds. For year-round access to shops and restaurants, it is better to live in Mykonos town. While, living in the countryside will offer more tranquility.

Good holiday rental potential

Demand for rental properties is high and occupancy rates are good. The summer season has been getting longer to meet the demand. The lavish villas along the southwest coast are popular due to their panoramic sea views. Especially in Psarou, Ornos, and Agios Ioannis. Tourists also like to be near the nightlife and beaches.

Superb beaches

One of the main reasons Mykonos is such a popular summer destination is it’s sandy beaches. While many of the beaches offer umbrellas, sun loungers and luxury services at high prices, there are still unspoilt beaches to discover and crystal-clear waters to swim in. The beaches on the north of the island are the least crowded. However, the best beaches are on the southern coast, as they are more sheltered from the wind.

Some of the most popular beaches include Platys Gialos, which is a 15 min bus ride from Mykonos town. The most exclusive beach, frequented by the rich and famous is Psarou, and for party people there is Super Paradise beach. There are also beaches that welcome nudists.

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Activities on Mykonos

For those who can’t sit still for long, there is the opportunity to go diving or even kite and wind-surfing. You can also enjoy horse-riding and cycling on trails between villages.

Mykonos culture

The Mykonos Art Festival incorporates exhibitions at the Municipal Art Gallery, Archaeological Museum, and at numerous private galleries in town. In a quiet square, with an elegant garden you can experience open air cinema. Mykonos has a good folklore museum and a charming harvest festival in September. Other religious festivals take place in June, July and August.

Places to see on Mykonos

The most famous places to see on Mykonos are the windmills, the 17th-century Church of Paraportiani, the Castle of Gyzi, the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani in Ano Mera, and the Neolithic settlement of Ftelia.

Not to be missed is “Little Venice”, which is an area right on the waters edge near the port, and is one of the Mykonos’s iconic landmarks. Composed of traditional houses that once belonged to wealthy merchants and captains in the 1700s, the white-washed walls and painted balconies look as if they are sat on the water.

Nightlife

The Mykonian nightlife is well known and attracts many tourists. Whether you want to chill out with a glass of wine or party well into the night, there is a venue to suit. Many have outdoor space, but you will also find lovely little bars hidden in the back street too.

More expensive

While the restaurants tend to be more expensive than Naxos, you can get some amazing sea food right on the waters edge. A cheaper option is to find a bakery to take away a lunchtime snack.

Busy with tourists

Many people arrive during the day on cruise ships, therefore the small streets of Mykonos can become crowded. July and August are particularly busy. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to come a few months earlier.

Getting to Mykonos

Mykonos has an international airport that welcomes flights from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” and Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia”, as well as several other foreign cities. For example, Easyjet and British Airways do direct flights from London.  The airport is just 4 km from the Main Town of Mykonos. You can reach it by bus, car, or taxi. The island is also connected to Athens via ferry.

High-end property

The high-end properties are found in Mykonos’ most desirable areas. Top locations include Chora, Ornos, and Agios Ioannis. Also, the appeal of a sea view or easy access to a beach draws property buyers to places such as Psarou, Agios Ioannis, and Ornos. On Mykonos, high property values reflect the intense demand and scarce availability. Although, on the east and northeast side there are new developments popping up.

Property prices on Mykonos

Mykonos has some of the most expensive holiday homes for sale in Greece. High demand and strong tourism interest has brought the asking prices to a level that surpasses even parts of Attica.

According to ekathimerini news, Mykonos’s average asking prices are €6,936 a square metre. This average is affected by the luxury market. Prices do vary greatly depending on condition and location.

For example, at time of writing a two-bedroom holiday home in a resort by the sea with lots of facilities has an asking price of 550,000, while a detached villa with pool and views can cost over a million. But, you can sometimes find smaller two-bedroom houses in the inland villages for around 380,000 and apartments in the Ornos/Korfos area from 150,000.