9 Best Hotels in The Cyclades, Greece

Atop a rocky cliff with views across to the Portara, the Grotta Hotel has an enviable position on the edge of Naxos town, within walking distance of the shops, restaurants, and sights. Handsome and modern rooms are kept spotlessly clean with bathrooms particularly well ordered. Breakfasts are sensational with tables laden with a selection of delicious homemade products. A small spa and indoor pool area is a treat but it is the hospitality and friendliness of the staff that elevates this accommodation to something special.

The family that runs this little resort is lucky to own such a valuable piece of property as Akti Aegeou, meaning "Aegean Coast," which is right on the uncrowded and pretty beach at Laouti. Many of the guest rooms come with sea-view balconies, marble floors, and traditional rag rugs. The good restaurant specializes in fresh fish. A fishing caïque is set up next to the saltwater pool, which looks out to Delos. Breakfast is served in the restaurant, but at an extra cost.

If a stay in Chora appeals, consider this fairy-tale pension, in a comfortable Venetian house that offers distinctive guest rooms and a lovingly appointed salon filled with dark antique furniture, gilded mirrors, old family photographs, and locally woven curtains and tablecloths. A world away from the identikit-corporate feel of more anonymous accommodation, the rooms at Chateau Zevgoli have a thousand stories to tell.

If you want a good night's sleep away from the pulse of Paros Town but you don't want to give up shopping, nightlife, restaurants, and cafés, the Pandrossos—built on a hill with a splendid view overlooking Paroikía Bay—is the best choice. The lobby, restaurant, and terrace form one great expanse of marble, perfect for sunset watching—unless you're watching it from your room's sea-view balcony.

This shady, quiet hotel at the far edge of Livadia Beach has small rooms, all with balconies or terraces, most with spectacular views over Paroikía Bay. The pool is pretty, but the sea is close. All in all, the place is quiet, the view is lovely, the hotel is well run, and it is near the beach. Breakfast is included.

Only the suites and the roof terrace have caldera views, but everything about the whitewashed and tiled surroundings in this former family home makes for a charming and relaxing island getaway. Arched interiors are done in rich cream colors and bright fabrics, with handsome traditional furnishings, and many rooms surround a courtyard and pool; several open on to private terraces. The Fytros family is on hand to look after your needs and provide advice on enjoying the island—nothing is too much trouble here.

The best budget choice in Naousa, these comfortable bungalow apartments, near the beach but also convenient for shopping and nightlife, always seem to be fully occupied. The friendly and hospitable Svoronos family is behind the impressive efficiency here. They tend the lush pretty garden and the apartments while offering great advice about their island. The Cycladic whitewashed courtyards are decorated with antiques and objects from the family's extensive travels. Though peaceful and quiet, the hotel is within easy reach of Naousa's scene. Breakfast is included in room rate.

Located behind the St. Nicholas Cathedral and just a five-minute walk from Miaoúli Square, this Neoclassical building, which was completed in 1857, sits off a paved sea road in the upscale neighborhood of Vaporia. This central location is convenient yet peaceful, offering sea views that are memorable. The hotel has been completely refurbished with modern amenities but remains true to its original aristocratic style with plaster ceiling paintings, traditional furniture, marble floors, and intricate wrought-iron balconies.

Conveniently in the center of everything in Naxos Town, Xenia Hotel's bright, clean accomodations are good value. Consider it as a base for exploring the town rather than a luxury retreat and you won't be disappointed.