Pension Irene 1

I enjoyed my stay at Pension Irene 1 so much that I extended it. Irene and her son were lovely, and they made sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. The place was professionally cleaned and kept in superb condition by their family. My room and the top floor got bright, peaceful morning sun, and I loved the open view of the magical mountain and the partial ocean view from the patio and my room. The calm atmosphere and the warmth of this positive, caring family added a lot to my happy time in Naxos. I strongly recommend Irene Pension 1 and would love to stay here again soon.

Stavros and Irene were so hospitable, and Irini, the housekeeper, was lovely too. I’d happily come back after a great month here. The budget room was small but had views of both the sea and mountains, and everything worked: the stovetop, air conditioning, and hot shower with strong pressure. The apartment was clean, in a quiet spot close to things. The beach is about 500m away, and groceries, cafes, a bakery, hairdresser, gym, and drinking water are all nearby. You can walk from the port with wheeled luggage; there’s a hill, but it isn’t steep, so I didn’t need a taxi. I’m a fussy Aussie woman traveller, and this stay was epic.

Irene and her son Stavros were kind, helpful, and attentive. Irene even brought homemade cake or cookies in the morning for us to have with coffee. Our five days here were really enjoyable. The rooms were quiet, comfortable, and clean, and the port area, with its many shops and restaurants, is just a ten-minute walk away. We’d definitely stay again.

I found Irene 1 while searching Google Maps for a low-cost month-long stay in Naxos in April or May. It was $28 a day, compared with $38 for Irene 2. Be aware that online reviews and photos for the two places are mixed together everywhere. Irene 1 and Irene 2 are 0.2 miles apart as the crow flies, so it’s a longer walk between them. Irene 2 has a pool, while Irene 1 does not, though guests at 1 can use the pool at 2 if they’re willing to walk there. There’s no free ride. Irene 1 also used to have a hot tub mentioned in some reviews, but no longer does. I didn’t get the snacks some reviews mention. Stavros said Irene was ill and away in Athens, which may explain that. The room was clean and pleasant, with cooking facilities, a fridge, dinnerware, AC, Wi-Fi, and a shower with plenty of hot water. Room 6 has a nice balcony. There’s no elevator, complimentary coffee or breakfast, fan, USB outlet, or safe, but there is a drip coffee maker, hot plate, and electric kettle. The bed was comfortable, if a bit hard. Room 6 is at the back and fairly quiet, with wooden shutters that make it dark enough to sleep during the day. You might sometimes hear people chatting as they leave their rooms, but it wasn’t annoying. Apart from the church bells across the street, there’s little road noise, since the one-way road ends at the church stairs. You can just about see the Aegean through other buildings from the second floor, roughly a quarter mile away. Irene 1 is on a hill, so you walk uphill coming back from nearby restaurants and sights. Sotiros Steet runs west from the entrance toward the square, about 0.16 miles away, with several good restaurants there. Going east, there’s a staircase in front of the church, so cars and scooters can’t pass that way. Two cars seemed to be permanently parked outside Irene 1 while I was there, blocking larger vehicles. The main road is about 0.1 miles east, across from the high school and hospital. To Friends, a well-rated nearby restaurant, is uphill from the high school but opens irregularly, so call first. There are also cafes and bakeries along that street. It’s a good way to cut costs for a longer holiday if you don’t mind walking. Some people said they got a ride from the ferry, but when I asked about getting to the airport, Stavros said to call a taxi, so plan on paying for transport. Also, prepayment isn’t refunded if you’re unhappy with the place. Stavros was very prompt by email when responding to or handling issues.