hi guys
i am shortly to celebrate my 30th (boo-hoo) with a nice trip to greece. Naxos looks like the best option, so i need to know the best beach to stay. Ideally, somewhere void of too many tourists with things nearby 'to do' - walking, etc.
I would also appreciate advice on how to get to NAXOS. Assuming that you can't fly direct and have to go via Athens or Corfu.

thanks
A

Corfu is a long way from Naxos. Via Athens, there are ferries from Pireas run by Hellas Ferries (www.dolphins.gr) and Blue Star (www.bluestarferries.com).
If you're upset about becoming 30, remember that you can still tell people you're close to your late 20s - it sounds better and it's true.

It really depends on when you are going. If it is in June then I would stay in Naxos town. Prices of hotels are more competitive and there are lots of shops and restaurants. The beach in town, Agios Georgios, is really nice and you are close to everything. You can also walk to another beach at Ag. Anna which is quieter.
If you go in July or August then Naxos town may be too touristy and busy and looking at other locations may be a good idea. I have only been there in May and June and have always chose to stay in Naxos town and travel out to other parts of the island on day trips. A beautiful beach is at Pyrgaki. Rent a car for the day and travel down the coast. Pyrgaki, though, would be too quiet to stay at.
If you can afford it I would take the High Speed ferry to Naxos from Pireus. It cuts the time in half and it is a comfortable way to travel. Sometimes there are High Speeds from Rafina which cuts down your travel time. You can take the new metro from Syntagma Sq. towards Rafina but may have to switch to a bus to get to the port. You would need some guidance on how to do that. Pireus is easier to get to as you can take the Metro right to the Port, cross the street and the ferries are right there.
If you have time and the ferry schedule works for you, a trip over to Amorgos is worthwhile.

I think the best place to stay is Naxos Town (Hora), regardless of when you go. The best and least crowded beach is Plaka, which can be easily reached by bus from the town. There are also buses from the town that go to other parts of the island for some good walking. There aren't many places to stay at Plaka except a couple of campsites, but if you are determined to stay outside the Hora, try nearby Agia Anna.

You can get to Naxos by air (www.olympic-airways.gr) or ferry. Copy and paste into your address bar this URL, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w..._00/00/0000_43, and it will give you an idea of the ferry services to Naxos. Of course they vary by day and season. Highspeeds take about three hours, and conventional ferries about six hours.

We were in Naxos last week and stayed at Villa Marandi and love it...it's close to town but outside enough that it's quiet (see my trip report). Not exactly in walking distance though. We loved Agna Ana Beach area. If you drive past that into Plaka beach area there are little private beach coves you can steal away in. Visit the black sand beaches as well.