We spent a month on Naxos and covered almost every beach on the island. Here's every stretch of sand worth visiting in 2026, with tips, prices and how to get there.
UPDATED JUNE 2026
It took us a little while to get the measure of Naxos.
We'd explored the villages, wandered the old towns, eaten more than our share of local cheese and potatoes — but it wasn't until we spent a few long days stretched out by the sea that the island really began to click for us.
Naxos doesn't have a bad beach.
Much of it is unspoilt, fringed by dunes and scrub. Some beaches stretch like white-sand ribbons, others are tucked-away rocky coves that take a little bit of searching. Some are calm and framed by taverna tables, others by nothing but wind and sea.
A few have sun beds and beach bars, of course, but for the most part, the overall balance still tips towards the natural and understated.
Beach days here are generally unhurried and a little rugged, much like the rest of Naxos itself.
It's this variety that makes Naxos one of the most compelling beach destinations in the Cyclades, with a stretch of coastline for every kind of traveller.
This guide covers the best beaches on Naxos, from the iconic expanse of Plaka and the busy shores of Agios Prokopios to the more secluded bays hidden further afield.
Whether you're here to swim, surf, sunbake or get just a little sozzled at a beach bar, there's a perfect slice of shoreline for you, and maybe, like us, Naxos will make more sense by the end of it.
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BOOK YOUR NAXOS TRIP
NAXOS ACCOMMODATION
Our favourite stays for each area are in our full Naxos accommodation guide, but if you're in a hurry:
HOTELS | Ammothines Cycladic Suites (luxury) · Naxian Utopia (mid-range) · Hotel Proteas (budget) · Naxos Downtown Apartments
OUR FAVOURITE DAY TRIPS
CATAMARAN DAY TRIP | All-inclusive sailing around Naxos, with epic swim spots along the way
COOKING CLASS | A Naxian cooking class, the most authentic experience we had in Greece
ISLAND TOUR | Take a guided tour of the Island and its interior villages
TRANSPORT & TRAVEL TIPS
RENT A CAR | Essential for the beaches further afield - search via Discover Cars
BOOK YOUR FERRIES | Search and book your ferries on Bookaway or FerryHopper
AIRALO | Organise your Greece eSim before you travel
PLAN YOUR NAXOS BEACHES VISIT
WHICH NAXOS BEACH IS BEST FOR YOU?
Like most Greek islands, Naxos crams an absurdly large number of world-class beaches along its coastlines - which means your problem is never going to be finding a good beach to spend the day at, but rather, working out which of the (very good) options is the best one for you, and how to get there once you’ve chosen.
We’ve popped together this quick guide to each (keep reading for the full breakdowns below):
BEST BEACH OVERALL | Plaka Beach: 4km stretch of sand, everything from beach clubs to ‘wild’
BEST FOR FAMILIES | Agia Anna or Agios Georgios: calm shallows, lots of nearby tavernas
BEST BEACH CLUB | Tortuga and Nomad at Plaka: daybeds, good food and cocktails all in one place
BEST FOR SWIMMING | Plaka’s southern stretch: turtles, clear water, no crowds in the morning
BEST FOR WINDSURFING | Agios Georgios (beginners) or Mikri Vigla (experienced)
BEST NEAR CHORA | Agios Georgios: just 5-minute stroll from town
BEST QUIET BEACH | Glyfada or the southeastern end of Plaka
MOST UNIQUE BEACH | Alyko: cedar forest, burnt-orange cliffs and a graffitied abandoned hotel
BEST REMOTE BEACH | Psili Ammos: for those willing to drive
BEST IF IT'S WINDY | Head south: Alyko and the southeastern coves are more sheltered
Our advice: don't try to tick off every beach, choose based on the kind of day you want. Plaka for the full experience, Agios Prokopios for the quintessential Naxos holiday beach, Alyko for something completely different.
In July and August, check the wind before committing to the main northwest-facing strip.
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST BEACHES ON NAXOS
Nearly all of the island’s best beaches can be found along its west and southwest coastlines, most in an almost unbroken stretch of white sand from Chora down to the wilder southern tip. Further afield, a handful of remote coves around the southeast and a lone fave in the north of the island at Apollonas all make for worthy beach day excusions too.
Where to find the best beaches on Naxos:
THE WEST COAST (CHORA TO PLAKA)
Pretty much the main event: a near-continuous stretch of white sand running south from Chora through Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka, and where some of Naxos’ best beach clubs, watersports, tavernas and beach facilities are found too.
Agios Prokopios and Plaka are the most developed, while everywhere else leans a bit wilder and unhurried.
This is our recommendation for families, first-timers, and anyone who wants plenty of options for food, accommodation, and transport close by.
THE BEACHES | Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka
THE SOUTHWEST (MIKRI VIGLA TO PYRGAKI)
Here, the coast gets quieter, the wind gets stronger, the beaches get wilder, and Naxos’ world-famous watersports come to the fore. You’ll find world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing at Mikri Vigla; head further south for quiet and rugged coasts, like the cedar forest and burnt-orange cliffs at Alyko, the island’s most unique beach.
You’ll absolutely need a car for these ones.
THE BEACHES | Mikri Vigla, Orkos, Glyfada, Alyko, Pyrgaki
THE SOUTHEAST COVES
These are the remote beach outings: tiny covers found at the end of dirt tracks, no facilities and definitely no crowds. Just you, the empty sand, turquoise water, and a sleepy taverna if you’re super lucky, all enjoying some of the most authentic beach days in the Cyclades.
Car also necessary for these.
THE BEACHES | Panermos, Psili Ammos
THE FAR NORTH (APOLLONAS)
Not the prettiest beach on Naxos, but a taste of the sleepy fishing village life; tavernas at the water’s edge, a slower pace, and the antithesis of the western reaches. Not one to go out of your way for, but a nice add-on to a road trip to the northern reaches.
THE BEACHES | Apollonas
WHERE TO BASE YOURSELF
One of the big draws of a Greek isles holiday is, of course, that you don’t need to constantly pack up and move to enjoy the next great beach. On Naxos especially, where four of the island's most popular sit in one stretch south of Chora, the easiest thing is to stay in the old town or along that coast and beach-hop along the coast each day.
Even the wilder options that need your own car, like the southwest or north, remain an easy day trip from here.
CHORA RECOMMENDATIONS | Ampelos Suites (mid-range) · Naxos Downtown Apartments (mid-range) · Hotel Poseidon (budget) · Stoa Suites (airbnb)
The only real exception? If your dream is rolling straight from bed to sand, or if one area of the island has already won you over, which is why we've also included a few 'where to stay' picks under each beach below
A NOTE ON THE MELTEMI WINDS
The Meltemi is a strong, dry northerly wind that affects the Cyclades from roughly late June through August, and it can completely change a beach day.
On stronger days, exposed beaches can mean blowing sand, choppy water and relentless wind. The upside is excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, particularly around Agios Georgios, Orkos and Mikri Vigla.
The winds are usually strongest in July and August, with calmer conditions often found earlier in the day.
On windy days: head for more sheltered spots around Aliko, Hawaii Beach, Agios Georgios, or the northern end of Agios Prokopios, and always check the forecast before choosing your beach.
THE BEST BEACHES ON NAXOS ISLAND
PLAKA BEACH
Plaka is our favourite beach in Greece. Not just on Naxos, Greece.
Endless soft white sand, clear blue water and a coastline that still feels unhurried despite its growing reputation. We spent more time here than anywhere else during our month on the island; early morning swims on the southern stretch among turtles and fish, long afternoons at Tortuga, walks to the undeveloped southeastern end where the farmland still meets the sand. It delivered every single time.
What makes Plaka special is its range of offerings. The northern end has Tortuga, Nomad, Tohu and Cedar Café - genuinely good beach bars with excellent food, good cocktails and sunbeds at the water's edge.
The southern end has almost nothing - just the beach, the water and the view across to Paros. Most mornings, you'll have that stretch entirely to yourself.
Development is creeping in, and the road access is getting busier. But for now, Plaka remains the best version of a Cycladic beach, and one of those places worth visiting before it changes too much.
THE DETAILS
Type | Long white sand beach backed by dunes; a mix of developed beach bar strip at the northern end and a completely undeveloped southern stretch
Getting there | Bus Line 1 from Chora, €2.10, hourly in peak season. By car: 20 minutes from Chora, 5 minutes from Agios Prokopios. Final stretch of road is unsealed and dusty.
Parking | Limited parking at the northern end - fills up fast in peak season. Arrive early or park back from the beach and walk.
Facilities | Tortuga, Nomad, Tohu and Cedar Café at the northern end - sunbeds from €25-30 per set, including towels and water. Southern stretch entirely public with no facilities
Best for | Beach club days, early morning swims, couples, snorkelling, paddleboarding, anyone who wants the full Naxos beach experience in one place
Tip | The southern undeveloped stretch is the best part of the beach - go early before the beach bar crowd arrives, and you'll often have it entirely to yourself. Turtles are a genuine possibility on the morning swim.
Stay | Ammothines Cycladic Suites (luxury), Naxian on the Beach (adults-only boutique) or Annio Boutique Studios (best value), Seaside Villa Ariadne (airbnb)
READ | Our guide to Plaka Beach
AGIOS PROKOPIOS
The most popular beach on Naxos, and after many days spent here, we'd say deservedly so. Long, wide and genuinely beautiful, Agios Prokopios fulfils the classic summer holiday brief completely: turquoise water, soft white sand, good beach bars, watersports and a lively little town immediately behind it.
It's also considerably less crowded and more affordable than equivalent beaches on Mykonos or Santorini, which goes a long way.
The beach divides naturally into two experiences. The eastern end has five or more beach bars with sunbeds, food and service - Kahlua is our pick for its position on the sand, good food and relaxed atmosphere.
The western end is almost entirely public, quieter and better suited to families or those who'd rather lie down a towel and have the space to themselves.
One practical note: there are no public toilets or showers on the beach itself outside the beach club facilities. Plan accordingly if you're heading to the public stretch.
The town behind the beach is worth a wander, with affordable tavernas, bars and accommodation, and watersports hire for those who want to get on the water.
THE DETAILS
Where | Agios Prokopios Beach, Naxos
Type | Long white sand beach; developed eastern section with beach clubs, quieter and largely public western section
Getting there | Bus Line 1 from Chora, €2.10, frequent in peak season. By car: 15 minutes from Chora, 5 minutes from Plaka.
Parking | Car park by the salt flats - fills fast in peak season. Arrive early or park at the quieter western end
Facilities | 5+ beach clubs at the eastern end - sunbeds from around €30 per set front row, cheaper further back. The western section is entirely public with no facilities.
Best for | Families, first-timers, beach club days, watersports, those who want the full holiday beach experience
Tip | The western public end of the beach is significantly quieter than the developed eastern section - worth the extra five-minute walk if you want space. For the cheapest sunbeds, walk to the far end of the developed strip where prices drop to around €15 per set.
Stay | Virtu on the Hill (luxury), 18 Grapes Hotel (boutique), Hotel Francesca (best value), Celini Retreat (airbnb)
READ | Our complete Agios Prokopios guide
AGIOS GEORGIOS
We have a love/hate relationship with Agios Georgios, and we think that's actually the most useful thing we can tell you about it.
On the love side: it's a five-minute walk from Chora, protected from the summer winds by a small peninsula, genuinely good for families and home to Flisvos Sports Club, a place we spent a lot of time at during our month on the island.
The northern end is calm, shallow and well-served by tavernas and cafes - Flisvos, Meltemi and Barabbas are all worth knowing.
On the other side: the proximity to Chora means it can feel busy and slightly overrun in peak season, and with Agios Prokopios and Plaka just 15 minutes away, we often found ourselves pressing on.
Where Agios Georgios genuinely earns its place is at the southern end, where the meltemi winds create some of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions in the Cyclades.
If you've ever wanted to learn to windsurf, Flisvos Sports Club and its shallow lagoon is the best possible place to do it. Paddleboarding along the coastline toward Chora is a quieter alternative on calmer days and genuinely lovely.
THE DETAILS
Where | Agios Georgios, Naxos
Type | Town beach; sheltered northern end for swimming and families, southern end for windsurfing and watersports
Getting there | 5-minute walk south from Naxos Chora. No car needed.
Facilities | Beach clubs, restaurants, showers, Flisvos Sports Club with windsurfing and paddleboard hire
Best for | Windsurfing, families, those staying in Chora, anyone wanting easy beach access without a car
Tip | Skip the northern end in peak season unless you're staying in Chora - Agios Prokopios and Plaka are both significantly better for a dedicated beach day and only 15 minutes away by bus or car
Stay| Nissaki Beach Hotel (luxury), Hotel Spiros (mid-range), Porto Naxos, or Flisvos Beach Club (airbnb - where we stayed: studio and 2-bed apartment options available)
MIKRI VIGLA
If Agios Georgios is where you learn to windsurf, Mikri Vigla is where you come once you know what you're doing.
One of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in the entire Aegean, Mikri Vigla draws serious water sports enthusiasts from across Europe specifically for its conditions.
The beach splits naturally into two sections: the northern side is the kite surfing territory, and the longer southern side is dedicated to windsurfing. On a good meltemi day, watching the experienced riders here is genuinely spectacular.
On calm days, less common in summer but entirely possible in shoulder season, the beach shifts into a different mode. Good swimming, snorkelling off the reef to the west and a relaxed, largely undeveloped atmosphere that feels considerably more authentic than the main beach strip.
Stellios restaurant serves simple, honest Greek food and is worth stopping at.
This isn't a beach for those wanting sunbeds and cocktails. For that, Plaka is 10 minutes away. Mikri Vigla is for those who want either world-class conditions on the water or a genuinely quiet afternoon well away from the crowds.
THE DETAILS
Where | Mikri Vigla, Naxos
Type | Two-section beach; northern for kitesurfing, southern for windsurfing. Relatively undeveloped with minimal facilities.
Getting there | 30-minute drive from Chora, 10 minutes from Plaka. No bus service - car or scooter required.
Parking | Available at the beach
Facilities | Stellios restaurant, small beach bar, and parking. No beach clubs or sunbed hire.
Best for | Experienced windsurfers and kitesurfers, those wanting a quiet, undeveloped beach, shoulder season swimming and snorkelling
Tip | Come in May or September for the best balance of manageable winds and calm enough conditions to actually swim. July and August are consistently strong - excellent for water sports, challenging for everything else.
Stay | Oasis Studios (mid-range), Studios Kontos (mid-range), Oneiric Harmony (airbnb), Hidden Gem Villa Aqua Marine (airbnb)
AGIA ANNA
Sitting between Agios Prokopios and Plaka, Agia Anna is one of the better family beaches on Naxos - well-serviced, accessible by bus from Chora and with a character that splits neatly between lively and relaxed depending on which end you pitch up at.
The northern stretch is the busier half: a narrow strip of golden sand lined with beach bars and tavernas. Agia Anna Beach Bar is our pick for a relaxed setup with good food, drinks and a prime spot for watching the beach unfold.
The atmosphere here is sociable without being overwhelming.
The southern stretch is the better family option.
A wide, shallow cove with calm water ideal for younger swimmers, colourful fishing boats pulled up on the sand and smooth rock formations on the western corner that are excellent for snorkelling. Considerably quieter than the northern end and lovely on a calm day.
Behind the beach, a small village has everything you need - tavernas, cafes, supermarkets and a broad range of affordable accommodation within easy walking distance of the water.
If budget is a priority, basing yourself in Agia Anna rather than Agios Prokopios or Plaka makes real financial sense without sacrificing much in terms of beach quality.
THE DETAILS
Where | Agia Anna, Naxos
Type | Two-section beach; lively northern strip with beach bars, calm and shallow southern cove ideal for families
Getting there | Bus Line 1 from Chora, €2.10. By car: 15 minutes from Chora, 5 minutes from Plaka
Parking | Limited and fills fast in peak season - bus or walk from Agios Prokopios is the better option
Facilities | Beach bars, tavernas, supermarkets, watersports hire, gelato, boutiques
Best for | Families with young children, budget travellers, those wanting easy beach access with village amenities nearby
Tip | The southern cove is the pick for families - calmer water, less foot traffic and the shallow entry makes it ideal for young swimmers. Arrive before 10 am in peak season for the best spots
Stay | Avgoustos Suites (luxury), Anemomilos Beach Hotel (mid range), Naxia Gaia Suites (mid range) or Maria's Residence (good-value studios), Enosis Apartments Poseidon (airbnb)
HAWAII BEACH
We found Hawaii Beach on a whim, looking for somewhere quiet to lay a towel for the afternoon. As we came through the cedar forest and caught the first glimpse of the beach, we knew we'd made a very good decision.
On an island where beautiful beaches are the norm, Hawaii is strikingly different. Burnt orange cliffs rise from the water on three sides, the cedar forest of Alyko frames the approach, and the water is the kind of clear turquoise that makes you stop walking.
There are no sunbeds, no beach bar, no facilities of any kind - just the beach, the cliffs and the sea.
That's entirely the point.
Bring everything you need - water, shade, food - because there's nothing nearby. And combine it with the Alyko Hotel ruins and street art gallery, a five-minute walk through the forest, which we'd recommend even for those who aren't particularly interested in street art.
The combination of the crumbling abandoned hotel, the cedar trees and the WD Wild Drawing murals is one of the more unexpected afternoons on Naxos.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hawaii Beach, Naxos
Type | Remote, completely undeveloped beach backed by burnt orange cliffs and cedar forest
Getting there | By car: 30 minutes southeast of Chora. Bus: Line 3 from Chora, around 45 minutes. Car is considerably easier given the location.
Parking | Available at the Alyko Hotel ruins, short walk to the beach
Facilities | None. Bring water, food, sunshade and everything else you need.
Best for | Those wanting genuine seclusion, photographers, and anyone willing to make the drive for something completely different
Tip | Combine with the Alyko Hotel ruins and street art gallery on the same visit - they're next to each other and together make for one of the better afternoon detours on the island. Alyko Beach is also nearby and worth a stop on the same trip.
Stay | No stays on the cove, instead base yourself minutes away in Alyko
PANERMOS BEACH
The best beaches on Naxos tend to be the hardest to reach, and Panermos makes you work for it -1.5 hours of winding mountain roads through Filoti, Apeiranthos and down toward the southeastern coast - and it rewards you accordingly.
A rocky, secluded bay fringed by palms, Panermos has just enough infrastructure to be comfortable without losing its wild character.
The water is calm and clear, ideal for snorkelling and paddleboarding, and when the main southwest beaches are at their most crowded in peak season, genuine seclusion can still be found here.
The drive through the mountain villages is half the experience - this is the route that takes you through the best of Naxos's interior, past the views toward Amorgos and Koufonisia and through villages where very little has changed in decades. Worth building a full day around rather than treating it as a simple beach trip.
Mitatos restaurant serves honest Naxian food at sensible prices. There's also a small beach bar for snacks and drinks - but bring your own water and food as backup, given the remote location.
A traditional trehantiri boat tour departs from the small jetty on the left, visiting surrounding coves, caves and hidden swimming holes. Details at gialitissa.gr.
Alternatively, reach Panermos by boat on this full-day sailing cruise along Naxos's south coast, which includes a BBQ and visits several of the more remote southeastern coves.
THE DETAILS
Where | Panermos Beach, Naxos
Type | Remote rocky and sandy bay, calm and sheltered, minimal development
Getting there | Car only: 1.5 hours from Chora via Filoti and Apeiranthos. Route here. No bus service.
Parking | Ample parking is available at the beach
Facilities | Mitatos restaurant, small beach bar, SUP board hire, trehantiri boat tours from the jetty
Best for | Those wanting genuine seclusion, snorkellers, paddleboarders, travellers combining with a mountain village drive
Tip | Build the full day around it - drive through Filoti, Apeiranthos and Koronas on the way, stop for lunch at Martina and Stavros' Taverna in Koronas, then continue down to Panermos in the afternoon. One of the best days possible on Naxos.
Stay | Base yourself at one of the Chora or Southwest options and day trip here
ORKOS BEACH
We stumbled onto Orkos on the way to Mikri Vigla and ended up coming back day after day.
Not a single beach but a series of small coves tucked between Plaka and Mikri Vigla, each framed by natural rock formations and fine sandy shores. No beach bars, no sunbeds, no facilities of any kind - just small, often empty pockets of sand that you find by wandering the coastline and claim for yourself.
It ended up being one of our favourite stretches of coastline on Naxos. The complete lack of infrastructure is entirely the appeal. Bring everything you need, find a cove and stay as long as you want.
The tavernas at Mikri Vigla are a short drive away if you need food.
THE DETAILS
Where | Orkos Beach, Naxos
Type | Series of small, undeveloped sandy coves between Plaka and Mikri Vigla
Getting there | By car: 30 minutes from Chora, 10 minutes from Plaka. Bus: Line 1 from Chora, around 35 minutes.
Parking | Roadside parking available near the coves
Facilities | None - bring water, food and shade. Mikri Vigla tavernas are a short drive away.
Best for | Those wanting complete seclusion, couples, anyone willing to bring their own supplies for a genuinely quiet afternoon
Tip | There's no single access point - park up and walk the coastline to find the best cove for the day. Earlier in the morning, you'll often have the whole stretch to yourself.
Stay | Base yourself at Plaka or Mikri Vigla, or: Orkos Beach Hotel (mid-range), Arismari Villas Orkos (airbnb), or FK Luxury Suites (airbnb)
PARALIA GLYFADA
The further south you venture from Agios Prokopios and Plaka, the more unspoilt the coastline becomes. Paralia Glyfada is a good example of what that means in practice: an expansive stretch of fine golden sand, crystal-clear water, minimal development and almost no one around.
There's a catch. The meltemi winds hit Glyfada hard in July and August - seriously hard, the kind that makes lying on a beach feel like a battle rather than a pleasure.
On bad wind days, it's miserable. On calm days, particularly in May, June and September, it's one of the most quietly beautiful beaches on the island.
The wind question is genuinely the deciding factor here. Check the forecast before making the drive and don't bother on a strong meltemi day - Agios Prokopios and the sheltered southeast coves are better options when the wind is up. On a calm morning in shoulder season, Glyfada delivers completely.
One more thing worth knowing: Axiotissa restaurant sits on the road between Chora and Glyfada, set under cedar trees with a menu built around fresh local produce. Stop for a long, lazy lunch after a morning swim. One of the better restaurants in this part of the island.
THE DETAILS
Where | Paralia Glyfada, Naxos
Type | Expansive, largely undeveloped golden sand beach - exposed and windswept in peak season, beautiful and empty in shoulder season
Getting there | By car: 30 minutes southeast of Chora. Bus: Line 3 from Chora, around 45 minutes.
Parking | Available at the beach
Facilities | Public toilets, tavernas, pop-up beach bars in summer
Best for | Shoulder season beach days, windsurfers and kitesurfers in peak season, those wanting seclusion without the drive to Panermos
Tip | Check the wind forecast before going - this beach is transformed by the meltemi in July and August. Aim for early morning in summer or visit in May or September for the best experience. Combine with lunch at Axiotissa on the way back.
Stay | Thalassa Naxos (luxury), or villas: Oskelos (luxury), Kedros Villa (Glyfada Beach), Luxury Beach Suite Kastraki, or Villa Maria Rosa
ALYKO BEACH
In a funny way, we're glad the hotel was never finished.
Adjacent to Alyko Beach lies the huge abandoned concrete skeleton of a hotel development that has, in a roundabout way, kept the rest of this corner of the southeast coast exactly as it should be: undeveloped, unhurried and genuinely beautiful.
Against the backdrop of the cedar forest, the sand is soft and golden, the water clear and calm, and the atmosphere entirely removed from the main beach strip.
The hotel ruins themselves are worth a bit of time exploring. What started as an abandoned concrete shell has now become an internationally recognised open-air street art gallery - including work from renowned Balinese street artist WD (Wild Drawing). The combination of the ruins, the forest and the art is one of the more unexpected experiences on Naxos.
Combine Alyko with Hawaii Beach on the same visit - they're next to each other and together make for one of the better half-days available on the island.
Bring all your essentials, snacks, and plenty of water for both.
THE DETAILS
Where | Alyko Beach, Naxos
Type | Secluded, undeveloped beach within cedar forest, adjacent to the Alyko Hotel ruins and street art gallery
Getting there | By car: 30 minutes southeast of Chora. Bus: Line 3 from Chora, around 45 minutes.
Parking | Available at the hotel ruins, short walk to the beach
Facilities | None - bring water, food and shade
Best for | Those combining beach and culture, photographers, anyone wanting seclusion without the full drive to Panermos
Tip | Allow at least an hour for the street art gallery before or after the beach - it's genuinely worth the time. Hawaii Beach is a 5-minute walk and is worth combining on the same afternoon.
Stay | Villa Alyko (luxury), Villa Elegant Alyko, SeaView Ammolofos, Cedar Forest Sea View (both airbnb)
PYRGAKI BEACH
Pyrgaki is where you come when you've had enough of the main strip and want to understand what Naxos actually feels like when it's not performing for tourists and their wallets.
Off the beaten track and still largely undeveloped, the beach splits into two distinct sections: a rugged, pebbly northern stretch and a southern end of pure golden sand with a slow, shallow entrance to the sea that makes it excellent for families and unhurried swimmers.
Sun beds and umbrellas are available at the southern end at prices that feel almost impossible compared to Agios Prokopios - and the tavernas here treat you like a returning friend rather than a transaction.
Our pick is Psili Ammos restaurant for a meal under the fika tree here, with authentic Naxian food and no reason to hurry whatsoever. It’s exactly the kind of afternoon Naxos does best, and one that will linger in the memory for years to come.
Would we make the drive on a short trip? Probably not. But for anyone spending a week or more on Naxos, venturing south to Pyrgaki at least once is well worth it.
THE DETAILS
Where | Pyrgaki Beach, Naxos
Type | Largely undeveloped two-section beach - rugged north, golden sandy south with shallow entry
Getting there | By car: 35 minutes southeast of Chora. Bus: Line 3 from Chora, around 50 minutes.
Parking | Available at the beach
Facilities | Tavernas, affordable sunbeds and umbrellas at the southern end
Best for | Longer-stay visitors, families, those wanting authentic local taverna culture away from the tourist strip
Tip | The southern end is the pick: shallow water, affordable sunbeds and Psili Ammos restaurant under the fika tree. Worth combining with Alyko and Hawaii Beach on the same day if you're making the drive south.
Stay | Finikas Hotel (luxury), this is the one stay right on the beach. For villas, base at Alyko next door (see Alyko).
APOLLONAS BEACH
Apollonas isn't the most beautiful beach on Naxos. A modest stretch of sand and pebbles in the far north of the island, it won't compete with Plaka or Agios Prokopios for pure beach quality.
What it has instead is character, and a pace of life that the southwest coast entirely lacks. This is a sleepy fishing village that moves on its own schedule, with tavernas right at the water's edge where you can finish your swim and walk straight to lunch.
Stin Plaz is our pick: try the bougatsa (traditional pastry with custard) and the Paloma cocktail, in that order.
The real reason to make the drive north is the Kouros of Apollonas - the largest of the unfinished ancient marble statues on the island, lying in the hillside exactly where the ancient sculptors abandoned it over 2,500 years ago. At 10.7 metres, it's considerably more impressive in person than in photographs.
Apollonas works best as the endpoint of a full island road trip rather than a standalone destination.
Drive north through the mountain villages, stop in Filoti, Halki and Apeiranthos and arrive in Apollonas for a long, unhurried lunch and an afternoon by the water.
That's one of the best days you can have on Naxos.
THE DETAILS
Where |Apollonas Beach, Naxos
Type | Modest village beach of sand and pebbles, calm and sheltered
Getting there | Car only: around 1 hour from Chora. Bus: KTEL runs a daily service to Apollonas - check current times at naxosbuses.com
Parking | Available in the village
Facilities | Free showers, tavernas on the waterfront
Best for | Road trippers, those combining with the mountain villages and the Kouros statue, anyone wanting authentic northern Naxos without the tourist infrastructure
Tip | Don't make this a standalone beach trip - build the whole north road trip around it. Mountain villages in the morning, Kouros statue on arrival, lunch at Stin Plaz, afternoon swim. One of the great Naxos days.
Stay | Hotel Adonis (mid-range), Ninemia Apollon House (airbnb)
MORE WATER-BASED FUN ON NAXOS
TAKE A SAILING BOAT TOUR AROUND NAXOS
We’ve spent many days sailing in Greece and we can safely say it’s one of our favourite things to do in life... there’s nothing better than jumping off the back of a catamaran headfirst into the Aegean and feeling that delightfully chilled, salty water envelop your body.
Sailing around Naxos and the lesser Cyclades is one of the best ways to explore the coastline dotted with famous beaches, hidden coves and remote islands.
Day tours generally take around 8 hours, departing from Chora port early in the morning to make the most of the day. The catamarans are spacious and comfortable, with shaded lounges and large deck areas for sunbathing and relaxation.
On top of snorkelling equipment, there’s a delicious array of local Naxian food provided, as well as beer, wine, raki and other drinks.
We honestly think this is one of the best things to do on Naxos, and should be a tour you book straight away (we recommend booking in advance as the boats fill up fast)!
THE DETAILS
Where | Chora Harbour, Naxos
Cost | Luxury: €150 per person, Budget: €105 per person
BOOK | This all-inclusive sailing around Naxos, or this more affordable sailing option
GO DIVING OFF THE WATERS OF NAXOS
While Naxos has plenty to explore above water, there’s another world waiting below the surface - one filled with marine life, colourful reefs, and even historic wrecks, including WW2 plane remains.
Blue Fin Divers, a PADI 5-star resort located on Agios Prokopios Beach, is the go-to place for enjoying Naxos' underwater side. Whether its snorkelling or diving that appeals, their classes and experiences cater to all skill levels with access to more than 10 dive sites across the island.
The pick of the bunch (for us, anyway) is the wreck of the British Beaufighter Plane, a WW2 military plane that crashed into the sea off Naxos. Still mostly intact, the wreckage is now a living reef.
In 2026, classes start from €60 for a single tank dive and €40 for snorkelling, or book a half-day intro dive here
THE DETAILS
Where | Blue Fin Divers, Agios Prokopios, Naxos
Opening Hours | 8 am - 11 pm
Cost | From €40
TRY YOUR HAND AT WINDSURFING OR PADDLEBOARDING
As mentioned, Naxos is home to some of the best wind-and-water sport conditions in the world, so if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand, Naxos is the place to do it.
If you're new to the sport, Flisvos Sports Club offers excellent beginner lessons in a shallow cove with decent winds, with a supportive team that lives and breathes windsurfing.
Windsurfing fanatics will love the flat-water lagoon and wave breaks nearby, while those after something more relaxing can rent a paddleboard and explore the coastline towards Chora, just as we did.
Check rental and lesson prices here.
THE DETAILS
Where |Flisvos Sports Club, Naxos
Cost | 3-day beginner Lessons start from €230 (as of 2025)
BEACH CLUBS VS PUBLIC BEACHES
Naxos is genuinely one of the best value beach club destinations in the Cyclades, which isn't a high bar given what Mykonos and Santorini charge, but still worth knowing about.
Along the main southwest strip - Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka - there's a good mix of developed and undeveloped sections. You can spend the day at Tortuga with a sunbed, excellent food and cocktails, or walk ten minutes south on Plaka and have the beach entirely to yourself. Both are genuinely good options.
What sets Naxos apart from other Cycladic islands is how much of the coastline remains entirely public - just sand, sea and space. Even the most popular beaches have long, undeveloped stretches. That balance, firmly weighted toward the natural, is one of the things we love most about the island.
Beach club pricing in 2026: sunbeds at the main clubs run around €25-30 per set, including towels and water. Food and drinks are extra. Prices are lower in May, June and September than in peak July and August.
Our picks: Tortuga at Plaka for the best food and design, Nomad Naxos for the best cocktails, Tohu for the most relaxed atmosphere.
WHEN TO GO TO NAXOS
May and September are the best times to visit Naxos for beaches.
In May, the island is still green from the winter rains, the sea is swimmable, crowds are thin, and prices are noticeably lower across accommodation, food and sunbeds. The meltemi winds haven't arrived in force yet, which means the beaches are calm and the days are long without being punishing.
September is the other sweet spot. The summer crowds thin considerably, the sea reaches its warmest temperatures of the year, every beach club and taverna is still operating, and the island settles into a more relaxed pace.
July and August are peak season. The beaches are at their busiest and most expensive, the meltemi winds are at their most persistent and traffic into Agios Prokopios and Chora can be seriously bad on summer weekends. Still worth visiting, but go in with the right expectations.
A few practical notes for planning:
Most beach clubs and seasonal tavernas operate from late May through September. Outside those months, the beaches are still beautiful, just quieter and more self-sufficient.
On strong wind days, the southeast-facing beaches and sheltered coves offer considerably better conditions than the exposed northwest-facing strip. Hawaii Beach and the Aliko area are the best options when the main beaches are getting hammered.
We cover the meltemi winds in detail in the section below.
MORE ON THE MELTEMI WINDS: WHAT TO EXPECT
The meltemi is worth knowing about before you arrive, as it can impact your beach day enjoyment considerably, and not enough people know this.
A strong, dry northerly wind that sweeps across the Aegean from roughly late June through August, the meltemi is a defining feature of a Cycladic summer.
It funnels between the islands, which intensifies the speed, and on bad days can make the exposed northwest-facing beaches uncomfortable - expect blowing sand, choppy water and a constant wind in your face that makes reading a book feel like a battle.
On the flip side, if you're a windsurfer or kite surfer, these conditions are perfect. Agios Georgios, Orkos and Mikri Vigla are world-class windsurfing spots specifically because of the meltemi, and the island is set up accordingly.
The winds peak in July and August but can arrive as early as mid-June. They're not constant - most days have calm windows, particularly in the morning, but on bad days, the difference between a sheltered and an exposed beach is significant.
On windy days:
Head south - the coves around Aliko and Hawaii Beach are more sheltered than the main northwest strip
Agios Georgios, with its shallow lagoon, handles wind better than most
The northern corner of Agios Prokopios
Check the forecast before committing to a beach, as the difference between a 20km/h and 40km/h wind day is the difference between a lovely afternoon and a sandy disaster
NUDISM ON NAXOS
There are no officially designated nudist beaches on Naxos, but it's generally accepted in the right spots and with the right level of discretion.
The areas most commonly used by nudist beachgoers:
PLAKA BEACH | particularly the quieter southern stretch where the farmland meets the sand and the beach clubs thin out
AGIOS PROKOPIOS | away from the developed southern section, toward the quieter northern end
As with anywhere, be respectful of other beachgoers and read the room.
HOW TO GET TO THE BEST BEACHES ON NAXOS
Two options: private vehicle or public transport. Having used both during our month on the island, the right choice depends entirely on which beaches you want to visit.
For the main southwest strip - Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka - the bus is perfectly adequate and considerably cheaper.
For the remote southeast beaches, Hawaii Beach, the cedar forest coves and anywhere off the main route, a car is the only practical option.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The KTEL bus network is reliable, affordable and the easiest way to reach the main beaches from Chora. Lines 1 and 3 are the most useful for beach-goers, running regularly between Chora and the southwest coast with stops at Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka.
Current 2026 fares from Chora: Agios Prokopios and Plaka are €2.10. Buy tickets before boarding at the KTEL office on the harbour front or at tourist offices throughout Chora - not on the bus.
The buses are air-conditioned and comfortable. In peak season, they fill up fast - arrive at the stop early, particularly for the beach routes in July and August, and be prepared for a queue.
Check current timetables at naxosbuses.com before travelling as schedules change seasonally.
CAR RENTAL
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and the only one where we'd genuinely advocate hiring a car.
The best remote beaches are unreachable without one, the roads through the interior are a pleasure to drive, and a car turns a half-day beach visit into a full exploration of the island.
Rental costs around €25-50 per day, depending on season and vehicle. Book in advance in peak season.
One warning: traffic into Agios Prokopios and Chora in July and August can be seriously bad. Locals mentioned 30-minute drives stretching to over two hours at peak times. Go early or go late.
We wouldn't recommend a scooter or ATV for anything beyond the Chora to Plaka stretch — the roads through the interior are too hilly and winding. Note also that a motorbike licence is required to rent a scooter in Greece.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
Honest take: if something goes wrong - a medical emergency, a missed ferry, a scooter accident on a coastal road - travel insurance is the difference between a stressful story and a catastrophic one.
After 10+ years of full-time travel, here's what we use:
WORLD NOMADS | Offers travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families. Their policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
GET A QUOTE |World Nomads
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Make the most of your time on Naxos with our essential Greece travel guides.
EXPLORE NAXOS
WHERE TO STAY ON NAXOS
Where to Stay on Naxos Island - hotels, villas and apartments across every budget and neighbourhood
MORE CYCLADES
PLAN YOUR NAXOS TRIP WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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