Naxos

Naxos is the Cyclades’ best-value island, with long sandy beaches that cost nothing, a mountainous interior laced with free walking trails between old villages, and tavernas serving hearty portions at local prices. Wandering the Chora old town and its waterfront is free, and as the largest island in the chain it grows much of its own food, which keeps eating out cheaper than on the showier neighbours. It makes a calmer, lower-cost base than Santorini or Mykonos, and ferries connect it back to Athens. Late spring and early autumn bring warm seas with thinner crowds and lower room rates.