Valena Mare

Valena Mare sits about 200 metres back from Plaka beach, one of Naxos's longest stretches of golden sand, and roughly 7 km south of Naxos Town. The property offers a mix of apartments and suites across a low-rise complex surrounded by three acres of grounds, with an outdoor pool and a strong repeat-visitor following — 134 reviews on Google average 4.8 out of 5.

This is a property aimed at travelers who want direct beach access and space to decompress, not a party-scene hotel near the port. The surrounding area is quiet, and Plaka itself remains calmer than the busier sands at Agios Georgios or Agios Prokopios closer to Chora.

What to Expect

Valena Mare's room categories include Comfort One-Bedroom Apartments, Superior Sea View Apartments, a Junior Family Suite, and a Premium Family Suite with sea view — so there are practical options for couples, families, and longer stays. The sea-facing units give you a view toward the Aegean rather than the car park, worth requesting at booking if that matters to you.

The property starts mornings with a homemade Greek breakfast, which typically means local cheeses, honey, bread, and seasonal fruit rather than a buffet counter. Guests also get complimentary sunbeds and umbrellas on Plaka beach in front of the hotel — a practical saving given that many Cycladic beaches charge separately for beach furniture.

Plaka beach itself has a notable feature the website highlights: a strip of natural clay sediment in the shallows. It acts as a free natural skin treatment, which regular visitors to the beach make a point of using before rinsing off in the sea.

A handful of bars and two restaurants from neighboring hotels operate on the beachfront directly in front of the property. For more variety, Plaka village has additional tavernas and mini-markets within walking distance, and the full range of Naxos Town restaurants is a short drive north.

How to Get There

By car or scooter: From Naxos Town (Chora), take the coastal road south through Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna, continuing to Plaka — around 7 km, roughly 15 minutes. Parking is available on-site.

From Naxos airport: The airport is approximately 5 km away. A taxi is the simplest option; the drive takes under 10 minutes.

By bus: KTEL Naxos buses run a coastal route from Naxos Town that stops near Plaka. The closest stop to Valena Mare is a 15–20 minute walk from the property, so a taxi or rental vehicle is more practical if you have luggage.

On foot or by bike: Plaka is flat, and cycling from Agia Anna is straightforward, though the road sees moderate traffic in summer.

Best Time to Visit

Naxos's main tourist season runs from late May through September. July and August bring the most visitors and the strongest meltemi wind from the north — which actually keeps Plaka relatively comfortable on hot afternoons but can make the sea choppy on some days. June and September offer warmer water than May, fewer crowds, and more relaxed pricing across the island.

For the beach clay experience, mornings before 10 am and late afternoon after 5 pm tend to be the calmest periods on Plaka, when direct sun is less intense and the water is less churned by wind.

Tips for Visiting

• Book sea-view rooms early. Superior Sea View and Premium Family Suite units book out weeks ahead in July and August.
• Bring or rent a vehicle. The 15–20 minute walk to the nearest bus stop makes a car, scooter, or bicycle far more convenient for exploring the island.
• Use the clay beach. The natural clay sediment in Plaka's shallows is a genuine local experience — apply it, let it dry briefly, then rinse off. No products needed.
• The free sunbeds are for hotel guests. Confirm with the front desk which section of the beach is reserved for Valena Mare guests to avoid confusion with the neighboring properties.
• Reach out by email or phone before arrival. The email address ([email protected]) and phone (+30 695 542 3063) are both active channels for check-in time coordination or early luggage drop.
• Airport and port transfers: Taxis from Naxos port take around 15 minutes to Plaka; it's worth arranging in advance during peak season when taxis are in demand.

What's Nearby

Plaka beach runs for roughly 4 km and connects southward toward Mikri Vigla, a quieter bay popular with windsurfers due to its reliable afternoon breeze. Agia Anna village, about 2 km north, has a small boat jetty, a cluster of tavernas, and a mini harbour. Naxos Town is 7 km away and contains the Portara (the marble gateway of the unfinished Temple of Apollo), the Kastro hilltop quarter with its Venetian tower houses, the Archaeological Museum, and the main ferry port for connections to Paros, Mykonos, and Santorini.