Stella Apartments

Stella Naxos Island sits right on the edge of Plaka Beach in Maragkas, one of the quieter coastal settlements on the southwest shore of Naxos. The property has been in operation for over 40 years, and that continuity shows — the setup is genuinely family-run, with a team that treats returning guests like they've simply come home for the season.

The hotel is registered as a three-star property, but it punches above that label with a beachfront position, a swimming pool and pool bar on-site, and room categories that range from standard doubles to deluxe units and full family rooms.

What to Expect

Rooms come in double, triple, family, and deluxe configurations, with the choice of sea or garden views. The self-catering apartment format means units have the basics for independent living — useful if you're staying long enough that eating out every night feels like a chore, or if you're traveling with young children on a schedule. That said, the hotel also serves breakfast, described on the property's own site as a spread of both sweet and savory options with vegetarian-friendly choices available.

The pool and pool bar give guests a reason to stay on-site between beach visits. Sea-view rooms face directly onto the water, and given Plaka Beach's reputation for clear, shallow water and fine white sand, those views justify the upgrade if available.

With a 4.7 rating from 134 Google reviews, the consistent guest feedback points to the welcome, the setting, and the value for money rather than luxury finishes.

How to Get There

Maragkas sits roughly 8 km south of Naxos Town (Chora) along the coastal road that runs past Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna toward Plaka. By car or scooter, the drive from the port takes around 15 minutes and the road is well-signposted.

Public buses from Naxos Town run to Plaka Beach during the summer season, stopping at intervals along the coastal route. The Stella property is close to the Plaka/Maragkas stops — confirm the current timetable at the KTEL bus station near the port when you arrive, as schedules vary by season.

If you're arriving on the ferry, taxis from the Naxos Town port to Maragkas are readily available and the fare is a short flat-rate ride. The hotel's reception hours run 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, so coordinate your arrival time if you're coming in on a late-night ferry.

Best Time to Visit

Plaka Beach and the Maragkas area are busiest from mid-July through August, when the whole southwest coast of Naxos fills with Greek and northern European summer visitors. If you want the beachfront position without peak-season crowds, late May through June or early September offer a better balance — the sea is warm, the meltemi wind is manageable, and the property is less likely to be fully booked weeks out.

For the calmest conditions and the best morning light on the water, the southwest-facing position of Plaka Beach means mornings tend to be sheltered before the afternoon winds pick up.

Tips for Visiting

• Book directly via the hotel's website (stellanaxosisland.gr) or by phone to ask about sea-view room availability — it makes a real difference at this location.
• Check in before 11:00 PM. Reception closes at that hour; if your ferry arrives late, call ahead on +30 2285 042526 to make arrangements.
• Bring or rent a scooter or car. Maragkas is pleasant but small; having wheels lets you reach Naxos Town, the Tragaea mountain villages, and the island's northern beaches without relying on the bus.
• Ask about breakfast options when booking if you have dietary requirements — the property specifically mentions vegetarian and special-diet flexibility.
• Pack light beach gear. Plaka is a long, wide beach, and while some loungers are typically available near the waterfront tavernas, having your own mat and umbrella gives you more flexibility on the quieter stretches.

About the Location: Maragkas and Plaka Beach

Maragkas is the small settlement at the northern end of Plaka Beach — less developed than Agia Anna to its north, and noticeably calmer than the stretch directly in front of the main Plaka Beach access point. The beach itself runs for several kilometers of fine-grained sand, with water that stays shallow for a good distance from shore, making it one of the more family-suitable coastlines on Naxos.

The nearest village with tavernas, mini-markets, and a broader range of services is Agia Anna, about 2 km north. Naxos Town's old market, the Portara islet, and the Kastro district are all reachable in under 20 minutes by car.