Wooley - you have certainly made a good choice picking Naxos. we visited the island three years ago early June and loved the place. We stayed just on outskirts of naxos town which i could recommend, plwenty to do and see of an evening time. Sunny Studios where we stayed were very basic but ideally located.
have a great time
Heather

There is no nightlife in the Plaka beach area, it's all in Naxos town. The Plaka beach area has a lot of areas marked out for building work. It was deserted perhaps 15 years ago, but now there is continuous development between Ag. Prokopios and Plaka. Having said that it is a vast beach and the Plaka end is the least developed. Accomodation is as always cheaper if you just turn up out of season. There is a regular bus to Naxos town.

Thanks Ouzo and BlueHeather - your comments have been v helpful. I've been looking online for studio apartments and in the plaka area and they're quoting about 35 euro per studio per night. We might just turn up and take our chances and see if we can get a deal. Now the fun part, is trying to get out there. I found another site and I think I'll try and fly to santorini and stay a few days and explore and then head to naxos by ferry. Can't wait. Cheers

Woolly - you've certainly made a great choice in my opinion (I'm actually buying a place behind Plaka beach!). In September you should have no problem getting a good studio in Agia Anna or Plaka for 20/25 euros. As previously mentioned there is no nightlife to speak of in the Plaka area, but buses into Naxos town every half hour. Last bus back is 11pm or midnight in September, depending on the mood of the driver, I think! But a taxi is only 7 euros. Now for getting there. I had booked several visits over the summer with Hellas Jet for ~£140 return. Unfortunately Hellas Jet have ceased trading - we got a full refund but had to re-book flights. Shopping around, BA was actually the cheapest for the dates we wanted to travel, but you may well be able to get a charter 'flight only' deal to Santorini (or Mykonos). It's definitely worth hiring a car to see the island and you'll have no problem getting an automatic (Karabatsis has an office in Agia Anna, main base in Ag. Prokopios and are very good). I'm sure you'll have a great time - if you're there between 10-24 September and you're passing Manolo's Bar in Agia Anna do pop in, chances are I'll be there !!

Mine's a large one! Assos G thanks for that info. You know, I made a bit of a boo boo. I was getting so excited finally getting to go to Greece again that I asked a greek friend (who frequently returns) what she thinks are hot spots for beach and a bit of nightlife. She put me onto Lefkada. So I'm now running two horses in my greek holiday race. "It's Naxos against Lefkada. Naxos is leading by a nose but can Lefkada the newcomer make some inroads". So, I'm going to start another etrail re Nidri (sp?). Might see you there on that one Assos G.

Cheers

Naxos - definately!!!

I shall be going to Naxos for the fifth time in September. Plaka Hotel is my choice. New apartments, well cared for and great value. 30 euros in early september. Only 20 later. Buses reasonably regular (every half hour) but the hotel minibus is usually at port to catch the midnight arrivals and will gladly take you back if you wish. Taxis are pretty reasonable if you club together (about 8 euros). You will definitely need a car to see the rest of the island as the buses to outlying villages are not so regular. Despite my username I prefer Naxos.
Have a great time wherever you decide on in Greece, but if you go to Lefkada make sure you go to Naxos next time.

Cheers Aegina. Actually I've been there. Nice pistachios as I seem to remember. I'm still debating what to do it's just that I'm worried that there might not be enough to do on Naxos in the evening. The eating and the drinking and the beach sound fantastic but in terms of a bit of nightlife i.e. dancing I would like to know that it was an option. Lefkada studio apts are coming out a bit on the pricey side so I'm trying a bit of online haggling. Wish me luck. The race is still definitely on.