Naxos, the largest and most fertile island in the Cyclades, is a true gem for beach lovers.
Boasting an array of stunning sandy shores, this captivating Greek island caters to everyone’s taste, from those who fancy well-organized beachfronts with sunbeds and water sports to those who seek more secluded and pristine spots.
The island’s western coast is particularly renowned for its picturesque beaches, setting the stage for an unforgettable seaside experience.
Among the famous beaches in Naxos, Plaka stands out as the longest sandy beach on the island, stretching for around 4 km.
Its vast expanse of golden sand and crystalline waters has garnered rave reviews, with many considering it one of the best beaches not only in Naxos but in all of Greece. Another popular choice is Agios Prokopios, known for its stunning shoreline and an array of facilities, including restaurants and cafes.
Venturing beyond these well-known spots, visitors have the chance to uncover more of Naxos’ coastal treasures.
From the popular Agios Georgios beach, located near the island’s main town, to the quaint seaside villages that dot the island’s coastline, each destination possesses its own unique charm.
As you delve further into Naxos’ beaches, you are bound to create cherished memories and find your very own favourite spot under the warm Mediterranean sun.
The Best Beaches in Naxos
Naxos, a beautiful island in Greece, is known for its stunning sandy beaches and crystal blue waters.
In this section, we will explore some of the best beaches Naxos has to offer.
Agios Prokopios
Agios Prokopios is a popular beach on the island with golden sand and clear azure waters. The beach stretches over 1.2 kilometres, offering visitors plenty of space to relax and enjoy the sun. Agios Prokopios is also perfect for water sports enthusiasts, with facilities for windsurfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
Plaka Beach
Plaka Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Naxos and Greece. With its wide expanse of golden sand stretching down for 4 km along the west coast, it is the longest uninterrupted beach on the island. Plaka Beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beach activities, making it a must-visit destination while in Naxos.
Agia Anna
Agia Anna is yet another stunning beach in Naxos, offering crystal clear waters and fine golden sand. This enchanting beach is lined with cedar trees that offer natural shade, making it perfect for a relaxing day at the seaside. The calm waters around the beach are also ideal for families with small children.
Mikri Vigla
Mikri Vigla is composed of two sandy beaches, separated by an imposing hill. The northern part of Mikri Vigla is well-known for its excellent wind conditions, making it a favourite spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding. The southern part is more tranquil, offering calm waters and picturesque views, making it a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation.
Orkos Beach
Orkos Beach, located on the southwest coast of Naxos, is a hidden gem offering fine white sand and turquoise waters. It comprises several small coves, each with its unique beauty. The beach is less crowded compared to other popular beaches in Naxos, providing a peaceful and secluded atmosphere for those seeking relaxation and tranquillity.
Beach Activities and Water Sports
Naxos boasts several stunning beaches that offer various activities and water sports for visitors to enjoy. This section explores some popular water-based activities that you can experience in Naxos, including windsurfing, kiteboarding, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing is a popular activity on Naxos beaches due to the consistent winds and warm waters. In particular, Plaka Beach is known for its ideal conditions for windsurfing, as well as being family-friendly and featuring organised sports facilities. Many windsurfing schools on the island offer lessons and equipment rental for beginners and experienced windsurfers alike.
Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding enthusiasts can take advantage of the strong winds and ample space on Naxos beaches. Mikri Vigla Beach is a top choice for kiteboarders, offering a dedicated kiteboarding centre for rentals, lessons, and support. The breathtaking surroundings and clean waters make this beach the perfect spot for enjoying this thrilling water sport.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling in Naxos gives you the opportunity to explore the island’s rich marine life. The clear, shallow waters around Agios Prokopios Beach and Aliko Beach provide excellent snorkelling spots for both beginners and experienced snorkellers. These two beaches offer sandy stretches surrounded by rocky coves, making them ideal for spotting colourful fish and other marine creatures.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in Naxos allows you to discover a variety of underwater landscapes, including reefs, caves, and old shipwrecks. Various diving centres on the island provide lessons, diving trips, and equipment rentals for divers of all levels. Some famous dive sites around Naxos include the Marianna Shipwreck, Grouper’s Cave, and Glaronissi Island. These locations offer unique underwater experiences suitable for both novice and experienced divers.
Beach Amenities
Sunbeds and Umbrellas
Naxos offers well-organised and picturesque beaches with excellent sunbed and umbrella facilities. Many of these beaches, such as Plaka and Agios Prokopios, provide visitors with sunbeds and umbrellas that ensure a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. These facilities often come with a fee, but you can also find free spots on the beach if you prefer to use your own equipment.
Beach Bars
Beach bars and clubs are abundant across the island, offering a lively atmosphere, refreshing drinks, and excellent music. Thanks to the beach bars, beachgoers have the opportunity to socialise, have fun, and unwind while soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful views. Some notable beach bars in Naxos include:
- Plaka Beach: Known for its laid-back atmosphere and inviting beach bars.
- Agios Prokopios: Offers plenty of beach bars, each with a unique vibe and charm.
Restaurants and Taverns
Naxos is known for its culinary delights, and the restaurants and taverns around the beaches are no exception. These establishments cater to a variety of tastes, offering authentic Greek cuisine, fresh seafood, and a wide range of Mediterranean dishes. Shore-side eateries fill the air with the aroma of delicious dishes, and combine it with the beautiful seaside views for a truly enjoyable dining experience. Some popular beaches for dining in Naxos include:
- Plaka Beach: Boasts several traditional restaurants and taverns, offering fresh seafood and Greek cuisine.
- Agios Prokopios: Well-organised beach with a variety of dining options, providing tasty local dishes and excellent service.
No matter which beach you choose to visit, the amenities offered across the island of Naxos help make your beach day truly memorable and enjoyable.
Getting to Naxos Beaches
Naxos is home to some of the best beaches in Greece. This section will guide you on how to reach Naxos beaches through various means of transportation, such as car, bus, and boat.
By Car
Renting a car is an excellent option for those who want to explore the island of Naxos at their own pace. With a car, you can easily access many of the beaches, including Agios Georgios, Plaka and Agios Prokopios. Car rental companies are available in Naxos Town and at the airport – make sure to book in advance during the peak season. Keep in mind that some beaches may require driving on unpaved roads, so opt for a 4×4 vehicle if possible.
By Bus
Public transportation is a cost-effective way to reach the popular beaches of Naxos. Buses run frequently during the summer months to major beaches like Agios Georgios, Plaka, Agios Prokopios, and others. Bus tickets can be purchased at ticket kiosks in Naxos Town or directly on the bus. Timetables and routes are available at the bus stations and online. Remember to check the latest schedules as they may change seasonally.
By Boat
Another option to reach Naxos beaches is by taking a boat excursion. Boat trips are offered from Naxos Town and make stops at various beaches along the coastline, such as Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, and Plaka. This way, you can enjoy the scenic views of the Aegean Sea while getting to your beach destination. Some trips may also include visits to other islands in the Cyclades, so make sure to choose a suitable itinerary. You can book tickets at the harbour or through local travel agencies in Naxos Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beaches on Naxos?
Naxos boasts several beautiful beaches to choose from. Plaka beach is considered the best for its 4 km stretch of golden sand along the west coast. Other popular options include Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Mikri Vigla, and Ambrami Beach.
Where are the best white sand beaches on Naxos?
Plaka beach, the longest uninterrupted sandy beach on Naxos Island, is known for its golden sand. Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna also feature beautiful sandy shores, perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.
Where are the best beach locations on Naxos?
The best beach locations in Naxos are predominantly found along the west coast of the island. Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Mikri Vigla all boast beautiful sandy shores and are easily accessible for visitors.
Naxos vs. Paros beaches – Which are best?
While both Naxos and Paros offer beautiful beaches, Naxos has a more diverse range of shorelines with its unique combination of sandy, pebble, and rocky beaches. Paros is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but Naxos offers a wider variety of landscape and coastlines to cater to different preferences.
Eleni Vasiliadis, a native of the picturesque island of Corfu and co-founder of Greek Island, is a seasoned traveller, accomplished writer, and passionate advocate for Greek culture and cuisine.
