Naxos is blessed with some of the best beaches in Greece. A mountainous interior rises high over an exceptional coastline that boasts emerald-green waters and fine white sand. South of Naxos Town, the shores stretch for kilometres in a seeming never-ending sun-splashed strip of turquoise and gold sparkle, backed by tavernas and perfect for lazy family days.
With over thirty beaches on the island, there is one for everyone, from the watersport centres at Mikri Vigla to the more secluded coves on the eastern shoreboard and the wilder northern coast while others love the organised sands at Plaka with bustling beach bars.
Agios Prokopios
Often voted the most beautiful beach on the island, Agios Prokopios is a long stretch of golden sand some 6 kilometres from Naxos Town. Justifiably popular, the thick sand and sparkling water attract many visitors who love swimming in its protected waters. Organised with water sports, beach bars, cafés, tavernas and mini-markets nearby, there are still areas of the beach to lay down a towel although there is little shade. There is parking at the northern extremes near to the eponymous chapel but it gets very busy in high season, so maybe take the bus or hire a bicycle.
Agiassos
The last beach on the eastern coast, this where Marco Sanudo landed in 1207 to conquer the island from the Byzantines, burning his fleet in the process so that there could be no going back. Sheltered even when the north winds are blowing merry, Agiassos never gets crowded as it is 2 kilometres long and far from Naxos town. Completely unorganised with fine sand and a gently slopimg seabed, there is a taverna with good local cuisine and excellent views across to Paros above the beach.
Aliko
Aliko is the general name for the peninsula that follows after Glyfada beach and it is a dense headland of cedar forest. It includes several sandy beaches and coves such as Aliko, Mikrolimano, Kedros and Hawaii that form as the cliffs plunge into the sea. Kedros is the first beach with a dense cedar backdrop to fine white sand, popular with nudists. Hawaii is next with a difficult access down steep cliffs but fine golden sand and clear waters as a reward for your efforts.
There is a canteen above the beach and on the headland an abandoned hotel which has been taken over by graffiti artists. Rocky headlands separate it from Kedros and Mikrolimano, before the most popular, Aliko Beach, as it is sheltered from the winds. All of the beaches are unorganised and have little shade so bring an umbrella or retreat into the forest at the hottest times of the day. There is a bus stop on the Naxos-Pyrgaki road and parking near the food truck.
Azalas
500 metres from Moutsouna on the eastern coast is Azalas, a coarse sand and fine pebble beach. Unorganised, there are some tamarisk trees for shade and views out to uninhabited Makares and further to Donoussa. The water is especially clear and a favourite for fishermen with many small caves and rocky inlets. The nearest facilities are in Moutsouna itself but maybe combine a visit here with a trip to Apeiranthos high above.
Agia Anna
One of the resort towns along the southwestern coast, Agia Anna is a continuation of Agios Prokopios with long stretches of sand backed by the main road lined with tavernas, restaurants and cafés. Once the main commercial port, today it has a pretty little marina with fishing vessels and excursion boats that offer round island tours and trips to neighbouring islands.
Organised with beds and umbrellas to rent, the beach is sandy and protected from the worst of the winds. There are water sport operators and a lifeguard, while nudists collect at the far eastern end which is quieter. Easily reached from Naxos Town, the bus drops right off at the beach and there is parking within the village.
Agios Georgios
The nearest beach to Naxos Town, Agios Georgios is consequently one of the most popular and busiest. Organised with umbrellas and beds, the beach is long and the southern end is dominated by windsurfers who rate the conditions as some of the best on the island. Protected somewhat from the summer winds, the sandy shoreline edges up against shallow waters ideal for children. The bustle of the main town extends here with café-bars, tavernas and shops all within walking distance, and it makes for a nice beach scene to enjoy a sundowner as the sun falls into the Aegean.
Panormos
One of the most remote beaches on the island, Panormos is sandy with some stones and beautiful clear waters. There are palm trees for shade which lend an exotic air and a small taverna to the rear. Good for when the north wind is blowing, the beach is sheltered for swimming. A small excursion boat runs out to explore Rina Cave and its pristine bay.
Maragas
A short walk from Agia Anna, just south of the Agios Nikolaos chapel is Maragas Beach, a lovely long strip of sand. The area closer to the chapel is preferred by nudists but there is abundant free space to cater for everyone. Partly organised, there are beds and umbrellas outside the tavernas and bars but there is also shade from trees to the rear. The water is shallow and gradually deepens so the beach is ideal for families.
Plaka
From its origins as a nudist beach in the 1960’s, Plaka Beach has grown to be one of the most famous beaches in Greece. The longest uninterrupted stretch of sand on the island, the beach has something for everyone. Less crowded than the beaches near town, Plaka has some beds and umbrellas outside the beach bar but for the most part it is unorganised. The sea is shallow and clear, while at the southern end Orkos is a series of small coves loved by naturists for seclusion.
Kastraki
The beach right after Mikri Vigla, Kastraki is long and unorganised although there are a couple of tavernas. It has kept its low-key, tranquil status and is ideal for those who like their island beaches undeveloped and untouched. Even in high season the beach is never crowded and the fine sands are a glorious backdrop to the views over the blue-green Aegean towards Paros.
Mikri Vigla
World famous as a wind and kitesurfer’s paradise, Mikri Vigla is on a small headland that juts out into the sea between Orkos to the north and Kastraki to the south. The pure white sand is edged by cedar trees and gentle sand dunes to the rear while the view to the front is over turquoise seas to the islet of Panagia Pathena. Obviously, it is windy out to sea but the beach itself is sheltered on the southern stretch known as Sahara. Fully organised there are umbrellas and beds to rent as well as water sport equipment hire and there are a couple of good tavernas.
Psili Ammos
On the eastern coast, Psili Ammos, fine sand, lives up to its name with emerald green shallow waters, cedar trees for shade and, yes, a long stretch of fine white sand. Unorganised, it has a wildness which is very appealing with views across to Koufonisi. Access is by car only and there are no facilities nearby so come prepared.
Pyrgaki
Protected from the northern winds, Pyrgaki takes its name from a nearby hill that was used to scout for pirates in older times. Today, it is a relatively quiet and, as part of a protected area, development has been kept to a minimum. With shallow clear waters and surrounded by green cedar trees it is loved by families who enjoy the endless sand. Unorganised, there are a handful of tavernas and a minimarket.
Read also:
A Triumvirate of Tasty Stops on the Greek Island of Naxos
