A Family Holiday in Naxos, by Car

Beaches built for kids

The long southwest coast is a gift for families. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna have shallow, calm, gently shelving water and everything on hand: sunbeds, tavernas, toilets and ice cream within a few steps. Plaka stretches for four kilometres, so there is always space to spread out a base camp away from the crowds.

All of these beaches are only minutes from town by car, and parking behind the dunes is free. For the full picture of every family friendly stretch of sand, see our beaches guide.

Keep drives short and scenic

The secret to happy children in the back seat is short drives, and Naxos delivers. Base yourself near the southwest beaches and treat the mountains and ancient sites as easy day trips. Nothing on the island is much more than an hour away, so no one gets restless before you arrive.

A gentle morning at a mountain village followed by an afternoon swim is a perfect family rhythm. Plan loose routes rather than packed schedules, and build in taverna stops, since Greek tavernas welcome children warmly and there is always something plain on the menu.

Aim to be at the beach early, take a long lunch and a siesta during the hottest hours, then head out again in the cooler late afternoon. This is how local families structure their summer days, and it keeps everyone happy and out of the midday sun. With a car you can always slip back to your base for a nap or a change of clothes.

The right car for the crew

Car choice makes or breaks a family trip. For a family of four, a comfortable automatic or a roomy family car such as the Renault Clio Automatic or the Dacia Lodgy is ideal, with space for a buggy and beach kit. For larger groups or three generations travelling together, our seven seater swallows kids, grandparents and all the luggage at once.

Automatic transmission takes the strain out of the winding roads, which is why many parents prefer it. Browse the whole fleet to compare space and comfort, and remember that a free additional driver is included so both parents can share the wheel.

Think about luggage as well as passengers. Buggies, travel cots, snorkels and beach bags add up fast, so it is worth choosing a car with a slightly bigger boot than you think you need. If you are unsure, tell us your group and ages and we will happily point you to the right model.

Child seats and safety

Child seats are required by law for young children in Greece, and we can arrange the right seat for your child's age in advance, fitted and ready when we deliver the car. Just tell us the ages when you book and we will take care of it.

On the road, take the mountain bends slowly, keep to the lower speed limits, and never leave children in a parked car in the summer heat. Our full driving in Naxos guide covers the local roads, parking and rules in detail.

Beyond the beach: keeping everyone happy

Naxos offers plenty to break up the beach days. Kids love climbing to the Portara at sunset, exploring the marble alleys of Apeiranthos, and spotting the giant ancient Kouros statues lying in old quarries near Melanes and Apollonas. The Temple of Demeter and the Venetian Kastro in town are gentle, open air history lessons.

Boat trips to the Small Cyclades and beginner friendly water sports at Mikri Vigla add variety for older children and teenagers. With a car, you can mix a little of everything into each day and head home for a nap whenever you need to.

Why Naxos is stress-free with a local company

Free delivery to your hotel, the port or the airport means your holiday starts the moment you arrive, with no queues while tired children wait. Every rate is all inclusive, with taxes, insurance, theft protection, unlimited mileage and 24/7 road assistance built in, so there are no nasty surprises at the desk.

As a local, family run company since 1998, we understand family travel and are only a phone call away if you need anything. When your dates are set, book online in a couple of minutes, or use the Touristas AI finder on the fleet page for a tailored recommendation.