Villa Nikolaos

Hotel Description

You know what surprised me most about Villa Nikolaos? It’s tucked away in this tiny village called Fanes that honestly, I’d never heard of before booking – and that turned out to be exactly why it’s so special. I mean, you’re still on Naxos, but you feel like you’ve stumbled into some secret corner of Greece that tour groups haven’t discovered yet.

The place itself has this effortless elegance that doesn’t try too hard, if that makes sense. When I pulled up (parking’s right there, by the way – no circling around narrow streets with your rental car), the owner actually came out to greet me personally. Turns out he grew up in the area and knows every hiking trail, every family-run taverna, every beach that’s worth the walk. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star – clean, comfortable, with those little touches that show someone cares. Mine had this small balcony that looked out over olive groves, and honestly, sitting there with morning coffee became my daily ritual. The Wi-Fi actually works well too, which isn’t always a given in these smaller Greek villages.

But here’s the thing about staying in Fanes – you’re maybe fifteen minutes from some incredible beaches that locals go to, not the crowded ones from Instagram. The owner (sorry, I’m blanking on his name, but he’s this genuinely helpful guy) pointed me toward this coastal path that connects to Plaka Beach. I ended up walking it most evenings, timing it so I’d arrive right at sunset. You’ll also want to know that there’s this little family taverna about a five-minute walk away – no sign, just follow the sound of conversation and clinking glasses. They make this lamb dish that… well, let’s just say I went back three times. The hotel doesn’t serve dinner, but honestly, you wouldn’t want to eat anywhere else once you find that place. Breakfast is simple but good – fresh bread, local honey, strong Greek coffee, and the kind of tomatoes that actually taste like something. They serve it on a terrace that catches the morning light perfectly, and there’s usually a cat or two hanging around hoping for scraps. One thing to mention – it can get pretty quiet here in the evenings, which I loved, but if you’re looking for nightlife, you’ll need to drive into Naxos town. That said, the silence is incredible. No traffic, no crowds, just the sound of wind through the olive trees and maybe some distant goat bells. I slept better there than I had in months.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $166. Villa with Sea View with 2 × 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Elke from Germany – 17 May 2025 (10/10)

  Die Wohnung war der Joker. Netter Vermieter, grosszügige Wohnung , interessannte Raumaufteilung,riesige Terrasse … eben super.

• Starworks from Czech Republic – 7 June 2023 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities