Finikas Beach Hotel

Finikas Beach Hotel sits in Pyrgaki, a small seaside settlement on the southeastern coast of Naxos, about 200 metres from a long sandy and pebble beach. The position puts you beside the Alyko cedar forest — a Natura 2000 protected area — and well away from the busier resort strips around Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna to the north. If a quieter, greener corner of Naxos is what you're after, this is a credible address for it.

The hotel holds a 4.5 rating across 239 Google reviews, and it carries Green Key certification, the internationally recognised eco-label for sustainable tourism. That combination — strong guest scores and a verified environmental standard — is a useful signal before you book.

What to Expect

The property draws on Cycladic architecture: whitewashed surfaces, clean geometric lines, and a design vocabulary that fits the landscape rather than fighting it. Accommodation splits into hotel rooms and separate villas located about 200 metres from the main building, giving guests a choice between a more conventional hotel stay and something more private and self-contained.

Facilities on site include an outdoor pool positioned so you can look out toward the Aegean, a fitness centre, and a spa suite with sauna and massage treatments. The hotel holds a bar where you can order cocktails poolside. The beach itself — sandy with some pebbles, typical of this stretch of coast — is a short walk from the front door.

For guests who want to explore on two wheels or on foot, the Alyko cedar forest immediately next door is a genuine draw. Trails wind through mature trees across roughly 800 hectares of protected land, and the terrain is accessible enough for casual walkers as well as dedicated hikers.

How to Get There

Pyrgaki is approximately 25 kilometres south of Naxos Town (Chora). By car or rental scooter, take the main coastal road south through Vivlos and Kastraki — the drive takes around 30–35 minutes and the roads are straightforward. Parking is available at and around the property.

Naxos has a public bus service (KTEL Naxos) that connects Naxos Town with several southern beach settlements during the summer season. Check current timetables at the Naxos Town bus station near the port, as schedules change between high and low season. A taxi from Naxos Town to Pyrgaki typically takes around 25 minutes.

The island's main port and airport are both in Naxos Town. If you're arriving by ferry from Athens (Piraeus), the Blue Star and Fast Ferries routes are the main options; the crossing takes roughly 3.5–5 hours depending on the service.

Best Time to Visit

The southeastern coast of Naxos catches the prevailing meltemi wind less aggressively than the island's western beaches, which makes Pyrgaki a reasonable choice during July and August when wind can make other beaches uncomfortable. That said, the hotel and beach will be at their busiest in mid-summer. Late June and September offer a good balance: warm enough to swim, fewer people, and the cedar forest is at its most pleasant for walking.

For a quieter stay overall, early October still sees mild temperatures and open facilities, though confirm directly with the hotel that the property is operating outside peak season before booking.

Tips for Visiting

• Book the villa option if you want privacy. The separate villa units sit around 200 metres from the main building and suit couples or small groups who want more space and independence.
• Bring shoes suitable for forest trails. The Alyko cedar forest paths are uneven in places; a pair of trainers or light hiking shoes will serve you better than sandals.
• Ask about Green Key practices. The certification covers energy, water, and waste management — worth knowing if sustainability matters to your travel decisions.
• Hire a car or scooter. Pyrgaki is beautiful but isolated. Without wheels, your dining and exploration options are limited to what's in the immediate vicinity.
• Check the spa schedule ahead of arrival. Massage and sauna availability may require advance booking, particularly in peak season.
• The beach is mixed sand and pebble. Water shoes can be useful, especially if you're sensitive to uneven shorelines.

The Alyko Cedar Forest

Direct access to the Alyko cedar forest is one of this hotel's most distinctive practical advantages. The forest — protected under the EU Natura 2000 network — covers a substantial stretch of the southern Naxos coastline and contains rare cedar trees that are unusual in the Cyclades. Walking trails lead through the forest and eventually connect with secluded coves and the wider Alyko beach area. The combination of mature trees, sand dunes, and clear water makes the broader area feel genuinely different from the more developed northern resort zone of the island.