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Renting a car in Naxos is the ideal choice to explore the largest island of the Cyclades in total freedom. With its 70 kilometres of rugged coastline, mountainous hinterland characterised by Mount Zeus and numerous traditional villages scattered across the island, a hire car will allow you to discover every hidden corner of this pearl of the Aegean.
The island has a varied morphology that alternates between easily accessible beaches on the west coast and remote coves along the east coast that can only be reached via dirt roads or scenic paths. The considerable distances – up to 56 kilometres between Chora and some extreme points of the island – make the car indispensable for optimising time and visiting both the archaeological sites and the most spectacular beaches.
The road network of Naxos is divided between paved main roads connecting the major centres and secondary roads, often unpaved, leading to the wilder beaches and mountain villages. A hire car will give you the flexibility to explore the Tragea Valley, reach the famous Kouroi of Apollonas and Flerio, and discover hidden gems such as the village of Koronos or the secluded beaches of the east coast.
Below are the cheapest prices for car hire at in Naxos, to book click here.
The prices of car rental at the in Naxos varies depending on the time of year. This graph shows the average prices in the various months to help you find out which is the best period to rent a low cost car.
According to reviews by other travellers, the following are the best car rental companies in Naxos. To compare rates click here.
Naxos Airport (JNX) is the most convenient location to pick up your vehicle, especially for those arriving on scheduled flights from Athens. The main car rental companies present include Europcar, Budget, Hertz and local companies such as Drive SA and Autounion. The main advantage of renting at the airport is the 24-hour pick-up and drop-off offered by many companies, as well as the convenience of immediately reaching your accommodation without having to rely on public transport.
The airport is just 3 kilometres from Naxos Chora, which can be reached in 5 minutes by car. Most companies offer additional services such as GPS navigators, child seats and the possibility of adding extra drivers. It is advisable to book well in advance, especially during the high season (July-August) when vehicle availability may be limited.
The port of Naxos, located in the heart of Chora, offers a convenient alternative for those arriving by ferry from the other Greek islands or from Piraeus. Several local and international car rental companies have offices in the immediate vicinity of the harbour or offer free delivery directly to the arrival pier.
Companies such as Imperial Car hire guarantee free delivery to the port and offer a wide range of modern vehicles. The port is easy to reach on foot if you are staying in the central area of Chora, while for more distant locations a car is indispensable right from the start. During the summer, traffic around the harbour can intensify, especially on the busiest ferry days.
Renting a car in the centre of Naxos Chora can be slightly cheaper than at the airport, with rates ranging from 10 to 15 per cent less. Numerous local agencies can be found along the waterfront and in the main streets of the centre, often offering more flexible conditions and personalised service.
Companies in the city centre often provide local advice on the best routes and lesser-known roads on the island. However, picking up your vehicle requires a transfer from the port or airport to the centre, which should be assessed according to the cost and convenience of your stay.
Driving in Naxos requires special attention to the unique characteristics of the island’s road network, which is very different from that of more touristy islands such as Mykonos or Santorini. The main road that crosses the island from north to south is well asphalted and has scenic curves that require caution, especially during peak summer traffic hours.
The dirt roads leading to some of the most beautiful beaches, such as Psili Ammos on the east coast or some remote coves, require particular caution and a vehicle in good condition. During the summer months, these roads can be dusty, while in winter they become muddy after the rains. It is advisable to always check the weather conditions before venturing onto unpaved routes.
Parking in Naxos is generally not a critical problem, even during the high season. The centre of Chora has free parking areas along the seafront and adjacent streets, although in July and August it can be difficult to find parking in the middle of the day. The island’s main beaches have unattended parking spaces, generally free of charge, located 50-200 metres from the shore.
For rules, limits and advice on driving a car in Naxos, see the Driving in Greece page.
The tour of the western beaches is the most popular itinerary for those visiting Naxos for the first time. Starting from Chora, head south along the coastal road to reach in sequence Agios Georgios (5 minutes), Agios Prokopios (10 minutes) and Agia Anna (15 minutes), the three most easily accessible and best-equipped beaches on the island.
Continuing south, you reach Plaka Beach (20 minutes from Chora), one of the longest and most spectacular beaches in the Cyclades, characterised by fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Continuing along the route, you arrive at Mikri Vigla (25 minutes), a windsurfing and kitesurfing paradise thanks to the constant winds blowing from the north. End the day at Kastraki (30 minutes), a quieter beach surrounded by natural dunes and ideal for sunset.
This route covers about 35 kilometres round trip and can be comfortably completed in a day, with stops for swimming and lunch at one of the many beachfront tavernas. The road is completely paved and suitable for any type of vehicle.
Exploring the hinterland of Naxos offers a completely different experience, immersing you in the authentic culture of the island away from the tourist beaches. Start the tour by heading to Halki (16 km from Chora), the ancient capital of the island famous for the production of Kitron liqueur at the historic Vallindras distillery, active since 1896.
From Halki, continue to Apiranthos (30 km from Chora), considered the most beautiful village on Naxos, with its narrow streets paved in local marble and perfectly preserved medieval atmosphere. The village hosts several ethnographic museums and offers spectacular views of the valley below. Continue to Koronos (35 km from Chora), an authentic and less touristy mountain village located on the slopes of Mount Zeus.
Conclude the itinerary by visiting the archaeological site of the Kouroi of Flerio (20 km from Chora), where you can admire the ancient unfinished marble statues, testimony to the sculptural skills of the Naxians in antiquity.
This route covers about 80 kilometres in total and takes a full day, with roads alternating between paved and short dirt sections.
The east coast of Naxos represents the wildest and least explored part of the island, ideal for those seeking unspoilt beaches and authentic landscapes. Starting from Chora, head towards Apollonas (50 km, 1 hour’s drive), a picturesque fishing village in the north of the island, famous for the Kouros of Apollonas, a giant, unfinished marble statue 10.7 metres high.
From Apollonas, drive along the scenic road along the eastern part of the island until you reach Moutsouna (40 km from Apollonas), a small industrial port with a unique post-industrial charm, surrounded by secluded beaches such as Psili Ammos. The village preserves the remains of the old emery mining facilities that characterised the local economy until the 20th century.
Continue south to Panormos (25 km from Moutsouna), one of the most photographed beaches on Naxos, characterised by white sand and palm trees that provide natural shade. The beach offers spectacular views of the islands of Iraklia and Schinoussa (Lesser Cyclades).
This route covers about 120 kilometres and takes a full day, with roads that may be unpaved in the last few kilometres before the beaches.
Here are some quick answers to the most common doubts about car rental in Naxos.
To reserve a car in Naxos a credit card or debit card is sufficient. However, when you go to collect the car, you will need:
The car rental companies in Naxos allow to rent a car to all those who are between 21 and 70 years old. However, there is an additional cost for under 25 and for those over 70.
A car rental in Naxos always includes:
Any extras or additional insurance coverage are separate.
Find the best rates by comparing all car rental companies in one search.
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