from just 23€/day
Choose the perfect vehicle for your visit to Naxos and the Cyclades
Everything you need to know before you arrive on the island
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, a place where golden beaches, traditional mountain villages and ancient ruins sit side by side. It has its own airport (JNX) and a busy port in Naxos Town (Chora) with regular ferries from Athens (Piraeus) and the neighbouring islands. Because the island is large and its highlights are spread out, renting a car in Naxos is the smartest way to explore it with complete freedom.
Public buses on Naxos connect the main beaches and a handful of villages, but services are infrequent and stop running early - and many of the best spots are not served at all. With a rental car you can reach the southern beaches, the marble-quarry villages and the north coast in a fraction of the time. Compared with the big international chains, local car rental in Naxos can cost up to 50% less, with no hidden fees and no credit-card deposit.
With Rent From Locals there are no counter queues. The owner meets you directly at the Naxos airport (JNX), the port in Naxos Town, your hotel or another agreed spot, with the car ready to go. This is especially handy whether you fly in on a short hop from Athens or arrive by ferry - the port is right in the centre of Chora. The service runs flexibly throughout the day; just share your arrival time in advance.
The process is simple. You need a valid driving licence - EU and EEA licences are accepted directly in Greece, with no international permit (IDP) required; for some non-EU licences an IDP is recommended - plus a valid identity document (ID card or passport). No credit card is required: you can pay in cash or by debit card. The minimum age is generally 21, though some owners require 23-25 for higher-category vehicles.
Naxos Town has its Venetian Kastro and the iconic Portara gateway, but the real magic of the island lies beyond Chora. Here are some destinations easily reached by car:
Chora gets busy in summer and parking near the waterfront and the Old Town can be tight - arrive early or use your accommodation's parking. The roads up to the mountain villages (Halki, Filoti, Apiranthos) and across to Apollonas are scenic but narrow and winding, with steep climbs and hairpin bends; take them slowly and watch for oncoming traffic and the occasional flock of goats. Petrol stations are concentrated around Chora, so it is wise to fuel up before a long inland or north-coast drive.
Greece drives on the right. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in built-up areas and lower on village lanes; seat belts are mandatory and using a phone while driving is prohibited. For trips up into the hills or to the north of the island, an SUV or a car with good ground clearance is the most comfortable choice.
July and August are the peak months: Naxos fills with visitors and vehicle availability drops fast, with prices that can rise sharply compared with the low season. Booking at least 2-3 weeks ahead in summer is always advisable. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower rates - the ideal time for a relaxed road trip around the island.