Naxos Island Hostels - Hostel List for Naxos Island, Greece

Naxos is one of the more unique Greek Islands in that its one of the only Cyclades islands whose predominant industry is not tourism. The island has some modest ruins, much history and fine beaches. It can be easily reached by ferry from Athens.

Naxos is the biggest island of a complex of islands called the Cyclades. There are various stories about the origin of the islands name. According to one it comes from Naxos, Endymions son, who was the leader of the Carean settlers. According to another, it comes from the word naxae, generous sacrifices offered to the gods.

During the Venetian occupation the island was called Naxia or Axia, variations of her historical and present name. Naxos is known in mythology as the island where Theseus abandoned Ariadne, after slaying the Minotaur and as the island where Ariadne met Dionysus, god of wine and protector of Naxos. The story has two versions of what happened next. One story tells us that Ariadne fell in love with Dionysus, while another version tells us that Ariadne was devastated and to avoid the lustful advances of Dionysus, threw herself off the cliffs of Palatia (Hill on which a Temple of Apollo was built. This is also known by the locals as Portara) into the sea. It is also said that God Zeus himself visited the island, and the highest mountain of the island took his name.

The island of Naxos thus has a very long history of over 5000 years. The Cycladic civilisation for instance dates back to 3000 BC. During 1600BC 1200BC Naxos was influenced by the Mycenaean civilisation (Crete). That influence is still evident in part of the island. By 700BC Naxos had started developing sea trading, and also started to create colonies. This can be seen on the island of Delos, where most of the statues and temples were built with marble from Naxos. Later on 523 BC the Tyrant Lygdamis took over the leadership of the island and 33 years later the island was devastated by the Persians. The island was occupied by the Romans between 338 BC and 326 AD and was part of the Byzantine Empire between 362 1204 AD. In 1204 Marco Sanudo took over Naxos and organised most of the archipelago into a Duchy of Naxos with himself, naturally, as the first Duke. He built a powerful castle in Naxos Town (Venetian Castle) which had 7 towers. Only two of the original seven towers (those of Sanudo and Glezos families) remain. The castle today includes a housing complex with the structure of a medieval city, one of the very few preserved in Greece. Venetians, Catholic descendants, still live in the old mansions which encircle the site.

He and his successors, although ruling with a heavy hand, continued in power until the Turkish take over in 1566, when the inwell known Barbarossa conquered and plundered the island. Turkish rule was briefly interrupted by the Russians in 1770 1774 and was finally ended by 1821 war of Independence in which the people of Naxos played a significant part. In 1828 the island was finally united with the rest of Greece.

During this and last century Naxos has supplied Greece with many worthy men and women in the fields of politics, literature and art, medicine science and sport, and has always been at the forefront in all Greeces struggles for independence, freedom and peace. Even in these days, the islands authorities pay tribute to those who fought for the freedom and peace of the island. Statues in Chora Naxos and other villages on the island is a living tribute of the struggles of the people of Naxos through history.

Visitors will find all the tourist amenities expected of one of the larger Greek islands, including shops, restaurants and a wide variety of lodgings. Car and cycle rentals allow touring of the interior villages and other sights but be sure your rental agreement notes all existing dents and scratches before driving off.

Enjoy your stay!

This is the complete list of Naxos Island hostels and other types of cheap accommodation such as cheap hotels, B&B s and guest houses in Naxos Island, Greece which you can book online free now with Hostel Bookers.

For more information about a single hostel, you can click the the hostel link from the list below. All hostels in Naxos Island are hand picked and they are proven to be backpacker friendly. Check hostel photos, read customer reviews and if you are satisfied, you can book you dorm bed or private room from our site for free.

The Windmil studios apartment are situated 800m from the harbour 200m from the town centre 150m from the beach Agios Georgios...

The hotel Agios Prokopios is located very close to the beach of Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna, a beach of unique beauty, known, for its crystal clear water and white sand...

Pension Sofi is situated in the most picturesque area of Naxos Town (Hora) with a view to the Venetian Castle...

Hotel Spiros is a family run, just a few metres away from the beautiful Saint George Beach, with all facilities and services for a dreamy holiday. All the rooms have private bathroom kitchen refregera..

A family hotel very close to the city center and to the beach with big balconies, traditional environmaent and hospitable atmosphere...

Studios Rea Sun Studios are situated in an attractive area, just 30 metres from Saint George Beach...

Come and enjoy relaxing moments under the Greek sun...

Summerland is a quiet premium quality resort by Kastraki Beach Naxos. Ideal for couples and families who love quietness and good service...

Soula Hotel is a friendly family run hotel and hostel located in the Saint George beach in Naxos Island (2 minutes walk from Naxos town centre). It offers free transfer to from port and airport, free ..

We offer Wi Fi internet for free In Naxos Island and are located only 30 metres from the beautiful sandy beach of Saint George...

Ikaros is a family hotel which offers accommodation all year. It is situated in a quiet corner near the city of Naxos (800m)..

15 spacious studios, tastefully furnished, all with private balcony. All our studios are decorated with pure Cycladic architecture..

Hotel Coronis is situated on the main road by the sea, in the centre of the town of Chora Naxos...

In the hearth of the old town of Naxos, where cars are banned, right next to the Venetian Castle, just 200 metres from the port...

Beautiful hotel, recently built, just 30 metres from the sandy beach of Saint George in Naxos Town..

Hotel Dimitra is situated in a very quiet location, in Agios Prokopios area of Naxos Island, Greece..

Ideal to offer you pleasant and relaxing vacations, we are located just 50m from the fully organized beach of St George...

Lianos Studios are located on the wonderful beach of Naxos, Mikri Vigla. Built in 3 acres of land and in a distance of 150 meters from the beach..

Studios Naxos are located at an excellent location at Saint George Beach in Naxos Town, just 10 metres from the sea and 300 metres from the centre of the town and 5 minutes walk from the port...

SVP Studios are ideal for families and for those who wish to stay in a very quiet area, just a few minutes walk from the centre...