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The Greek islands are a summer travel dream for many people, but the price tag associated with this dream trip can be staggeringly high.
With hotel rates on popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos easily costing $500+ a night during the peak summer season, it can make a trip to the Greek islands seem out of reach.
Not to mention, the summer crowds on popular Greek islands can be unbearable.
But the island of Naxos is still an underrated and more affordable destination for travelers who are looking to experience Greek island luxury on a budget.
Here's why Naxos is perfect for a summer trip this year:
It's The Largest Cycladic Island
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades chain, which also consists of popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos.
Being the largest island, Naxos is less touristic and has more space and fewer crowds than its more popular counterparts, while still retaining the same beauty and charm. (Think white-washed buildings and spectacular sunsets.)
There's something for everyone on Naxos, whether you're interested in beaches, history and culture, or outdoor adventure activities.
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Great Sandy Beaches
Not all of the Greek islands are known for having good beaches, but Naxos actually has quite a few excellent sandy beaches. In fact, they are regularly named among the best beaches in all of Greece.
If your idea of a Greek island holiday includes relaxing on the beach and taking a dip in crystal-clear blue waters, Naxos is a great place to go.
The best beaches are located on the southwestern side of the island.
Affordable Prices
One of the biggest draws to Naxos is that it's more affordable than many neighboring Greek islands.
Naxos is one of the cheapest Greek islands, especially compared to popular destinations in the Cyclades like Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, and Ios. Since it's a large island, there is more hotel room inventory, which means that prices are driven down.
Not only will you save money on hotel costs, prices for everything from restaurants to activities to renting a vehicle are much cheaper since Naxos is a less touristic island.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly Greek island vacation, Naxos is the place to go.
Varied Things To Do
Naxos has so much more to offer than just beautiful beaches.
The main town Chora is a great place to explore, and the ancient ruin of the Temple of Apollo is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset.
Naxos is also a great island for hiking, with numerous trails around the coast and the island's interior. Some of the best hiking trails will lead you to more ruins, like the ancient Temple of Demeter and the Temple of Dionysus.
Easily Accessible
Although Naxos remains somewhat underrated and off the beaten path for most travelers, that doesn't mean that it's far-flung or difficult to get to.
Naxos is actually very easily accessible, making for a hassle-free vacation.
From Athens, it's just a 35-minute flight to reach the island. If you prefer to take the scenic route, you can also take a 3.5-hour ferry ride from Athens to reach Naxos.
Delicious Food
Finally, Naxos is a great destination to enjoy delicious and authentic Greek food, at a much lower price than you might find on nearby Cycladic islands like Santorini and Mykonos.
Naxos is known for being the most fertile island, which may be why there is a temple dedicated to Demeter, goddess of the harvest.
Some of the best foods to try on the island include local cheeses and potatoes.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.