The best beaches in Naxos

Naxos is a Greek island in the South Aegean, the largest of the Cyclades island group. Its fertile landscape spans mountain villages, ancient ruins and long stretches of beach. The namesake capital (also called Hora or Chora) is a port town filled with whitewashed, cube-shaped houses and medieval Venetian mansions.

With 91 km of coastline, Naxos is every beach lover’s paradise with a stretch of sandy beaches throughout the island.

Most Naxos beaches are accessible by car or local bus transportation during the summer.
There are many more secret coves and beaches that are only accessible by boat that are worthy of exploration.

PLAKA BEACH

 10 km south of Chora. Partly Organized, 4km long, sandy, suitable for windsurfing and children, water sports

Plaka is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It is a calm and endless sandy beach with amazing crystal clear waters and, in some parts, big flat stones. At the beginning of the beach, one can find sunbeds and umbrellas but it keeps its unspoiled natural beauty. A few hotels, restaurants and cafes can be found behind the sandy dunes of the beach.

AGIOS PROKOPIOS BEACH

6 km southwest of Chora. Diving Club, Partly Organized, Sandy, Family Friendly, Water sports

Agios Prokopios is one of the most popular beaches of Naxos and considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and also in Europe. The long golden sandy beach extends over 1.5 kilometers and has turquoise crystal waters, protected from the strong winds frequently blowing on the island.

One part of the beach is organized and offers sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports facilities whereas the other part is left to its natural beauty and totally unspoiled by tourist facilities. Sandy dunes are softly rising on this beach and, behind them lies a small village proposing various hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars.

ALIKO BEACH

18km south of Chora. Sandy, Non-Organised, Secluded, Nudism Friendly

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Aliko is a wonderful exotic beach on the southwestern side of Naxos island in Cyclades.
Located only 18 km south of Naxos Town and just after the beaches of Kastraki and Glyfada, Aliko is a lovely place to relax away from the crowded resorts of the island.

This special region consists of many small bays with soft white sand and crystal turquoise waters. Some tamarisk trees on the shore provide shade to visitors, while the beach is not organized and has no sunbeds or umbrellas.

Above the beach of Aliko, there is a unique cedar forest with marvelous sand dunes. This forest has been declared as a protected natural area and creates an exotic landscape.

ALIKO AGIOS GEORGIOS BEACH

18 km south of Chora

The beach of Agios Georgios at Aliko is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island and it is protected from the north winds.
The beach took its name from the picturesque chapel of Agios Georgios that is built there.

MIKRI VIGLA BEACH

18 km south of Chora. Partly Organized, Sandy, Windsurfing. The southern beach is suitable for children.

The incredibly beautiful beach of Mikri Vigla on Naxos island is located 18 kilometers away from the capital and consists of two wonderful sandy beaches separated by a hill.

The northern beach of Mikri Vigla beach with soft golden sand and crystalline turquoise waters that is blessed by the Meltemi (north winds specific to the Cyclades) which make it an ideal place for wind/kitesurfing. The beach is internationally a famous kitesurfing and windsurfing spot and has 2 good clubs for renting high-quality material and take courses.

The southern beach of Mikri Vigla (on the other part of the hill) is an endless sandy beach (also called Sahara or Limanakia) with amazing crystal waters; because it is protected from the Meltemi winds, it is recommended for family holidays. A typical greek tavern is also located there.

PYRGAKI BEACH

19 km southeast of Chora. Sandy, Family Friendly, Partly Organized, Secluded, Windsurfing

Pyrgaki is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches of Naxos that reflect the peace and serenity of the island. It is located on the southwestern coast of the island at a distance of 18 km south of Chora. This beautiful beach has some umbrellas and sunbeds for tourists. A nearby restaurant serves coffees, drinks and snacks.

The beach is frequently affected by the winds, so it is a nice spot for windsurfing. The shallow waters are a great advantage for children and the small forest areas form an unusual scenery. Driving south, the peripheral road of Chora will end at Pyrgaki.

ORKOS BEACH

10 km south of Chora. Sandy, Non-Organised, Secluded, good windsurfing conditions

Orkos is a remote and quiet beach located just after Plaka. Impressive red colored hills behind the beach are offering to the landscape an extra touch of color, well-matching with the golden color of the sand and the turquoise of the waters.

On your way to the beach lookout for locals on donkeys as there are potato fields nearby. To the left of the beach stands the beach resort of Mikri Vigla which provides a nice view with its typically Cycladean houses. The area offers good windsurfing conditions and attracts many windsurfers. It has the advantage not to be as crowded as Mikri Vigla.

MARAGAS BEACH

7 km south of Chora. Sandy, Family Friendly, Non Organised

​Maragas is a seemingly endless, picturesque beach with soft sand and crystal waters.
Although it is close to Chora and the popular beach resorts of Naxos, Maragas is calmer than the other beaches in the area.
There is a campsite nearby and the beach can get crowded.

SAHARA (LIMANAKIA) BEACH

17 km south of Chora. Sandy, Family Friendly, Partly Organized, Secluded, Nudism Friendly, windsurfing, snorkeling

Just after Mikri Vigla beach, Sahara (or Limanakia) is a large, calm beach with golden sand and clean waters.

Sahara Beach is a calmer alternative to Mikri Vigla for windsurfers who want to escape the crowd of the popular beaches.
People congregate on the right side near the headland because there is less wind here. The area is also great for snorkeling. Maybe the best place on the island.

AGIA ANNA BEACH

7 km south of the capital. Sandy, Family Friendly, Organised, Nudism Friendly

Located after Agios Prokopios beach, there is a group of several sandy beaches, interrupted only by a small fishing port and some rocky formations. Some parts of the beach are fully organized and some are not.

The soft golden sand and the crystalline turquoise waters are forming an idyllic picture. The village of Agia Anna has many hotels, studios and rooms for rent as well as numerous fish restaurants and taverns, cafes, bars and night clubs.

KASTRAKI BEACH

16 km south of Chora. Sandy, Secluded, Non Organised

The beach of Kastraki is located just after Sahara and is a beautiful golden sandy beach with crystalline waters. A few accommodations can be found behind the beach. Kastraki is long and winding with lots of different bays. The area is quite unspoiled and surprisingly only a few people make their way down this beach. There is a slight wind but it doesn’t deter from a visit. There are also some interesting rock formations along the beach.

AGIOS GEORGIOS BEACH

2 km south of Chora. Windsurfing, Sandy, Family Friendly, Organised, Water sports

This sandy beach is the closest to the capital and for that, it is one of the most popular and crowded beaches of the island. It is very long, extending for many kilometers and fully organized, proposing sunbeds and umbrellas for rent as well as various water sports facilities. The first thing you notice about the beach is its size. It rolls on and on. If you are used to beaches on other Cycladic islands then it will come as a shock.

The other difference is that this beach actually has waves, and they get bigger the further as you leave from the town. Across the sea, you get a lovely view of Paros.
It is one of the most famous spots of the island for windsurfing. Lessons are conducted here because the water is quite shallow and the wind is good. Several cafes and restaurants are lining on the beach and many hotels, rooms for rent and studios are available in the surrounding area.

LITTLE PARADISE BEACH

2 km north of Ayiassos. Secluded, Non Organised, Sandy

This beach is located between Pyrgaki and Agiassos. It is a beautiful little beach with calm waters, protected from the winds. The beach is small and the available space is limited.
It is a beautiful little bay composed of 2 beaches. The second beach is more difficult to access. There is also a cave offering plenty of shadow.

AGIASSOS BEACH

20 km southeast of Chora. Sandy, Secluded, Non Organised

Agiassos, located on the southern side of Naxos, is a large sandy beach. Its distance from the most popular resorts of the island makes it ideal for some calm moments.
Agiassos is surrounded by green hills that harmonically match the blue of the sea. It is protected by strong winds whereas the shallow waters are quite safe for the children. The peaceful landscape and the taverns with the delicious dishes make Agiassos a lovely place to visit. It is an ideal place for diving due to the clean waters.

PSILI AMMOS BEACH

45 km southeast of Chora. Sandy, Non Organised, Secluded

Psili Ammos is a small sandy beach on the eastern side of Naxos island, in short drive from the fishing port of Moutsouna. Located 45 km southeast of Naxos Town, this is a secluded place with soft fine sand and crystal waters. Psili Ammos beach is not organized with sunbeds and umbrellas and its secluded environment offers the visitors all the relaxation they need.
The cedar trees that line up the beach offer valuable shade to visitors.

LAGUNA BEACH

3 km south of Naxos Town. For windsurfing

The beach of Laguna actually took its name because its shape looks like a lagoon and the water is very shallow, only 1m deep. This beach is not appropriate for swimming.
But, the flat water, standing depth and northern Meltemi winds that flow make this spot an outstanding place for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Actually, this is a great spot for beginners and children, as well as the ideal place for learning new moves.

A reef separates the lagoon in two parts and gives nice waves for learning jumps. Training is extremely safe here and there are some windsurfing centers along the shore. Laguna is located only 5 min walk from Agios Georgios beach and 15 min walk from Naxos Town.