My wife and I have been coming to Naxos for ten years. We always stayed very close to the airport but that place was noisy from the traffic on the main road. We wanted a change and kept looking for somewhere quiet, with a good view of the sea and not so far from the main town. Really good places are almost impossible to find on Naxos but three years ago we saw Pirgos Stelida and it was perfect for us.

Katerina and Kostos are the owners and they are the perfect hosts. They have plenty of rooms to suit all guests. The rooms have a fantastic view out over the sea between Naxos and Paros. There’s usually something to look at on the water such as tiny fishing boats with their catch of the day right up to the big Blue Star ferry carrying the passengers around the islands. Pirgos Stelida is the first property on the hill up from the water’s edge. So, when I say about a view I mean a clear view with nothing in the way. They own the land down to the sea so nothing will get in the way. There is even a little private bay where you can take a swim.

The rooms have modern, good quality furniture and are spotlessly clean because of their good cleaning staff. Our beds were really comfortable and so we got our best sleep on Naxos. The rooms have good curtains as well as shutters for the windows to keep the light out if you want to sleep on in the morning. The rooms are big with lots of space so we felt it was much more like our home than a holiday hotel. Our bathroom was also a good size with a proper walk in shower. There was always plenty of hot water and the shower was really good, not just a trickle of water like some places. All the rooms have air-conditioning and the owners have placed them well so if you need it on, it will cool the room and not point cold air over the beds.

Outside our room there was a table with chairs on a decent size veranda. It is a dream place to sit and sip a coffee in the day or a glass of chilled wine in the evening and just look out at the wonderful sea and the world going by. The hotel has its own big veranda where you can see the sun set over Paros or have a wonderful Greek meal cooked by Katerina. She has a good, modern kitchen where she prepares the best of Greek Salads or cooks tasty homemade Greek dishes. Best of all for us was when she cooked us “Lavraki” which is Greek for Sea Bass. We ate here many nights because the food is home made and you can’t get that in Naxos Town. They also have very good local wine if you want some with your meal.

Pirgos Stelida is about five minutes from the main town by car so you can eat in town and try some of the many places around Naxos harbour. If you are happy to walk for ten minutes to get to the bus stop then you don’t need a car. Busses are regular and they run until late at night. But, I would say that most people would rent some transport like a hire car or a moped. I hire a moped for the freedom it gives but I very strongly advise you to only ride a moped if you are an experienced rider who is used to riding in Greek traffic.

I am writing this review in the middle of the English winter and I cannot wait to go back to Naxos. At least I can dream about it - we have already booked to go back again this year to our little bit of paradise called Pirgos Stelida.