The best beaches in Naxos -our ultimate list

The best sandy, family-friendly & scenic beaches in Naxos in a nutshell

The top 5 most popular beaches in Naxos

Plaka

Plaka is hands down the most popular beach in Naxos, as well as the longest one! Stretching for 4 km, this endless stretch of sand comprises some organized and some totally unspoiled parts. It is lined with many hotels, restaurants, bars, and taverns and has umbrellas and sun loungers for rent. One of the most beautiful features of this beach is the dunes that frame it -they give an exotic feel to Plaka and complement its unique natural beauty. Thanks to its length, there’s plenty of space for everyone in Plaka, from families to naturists that occupy some parts of the beach. There are regular buses to Plaka from Naxos Town, but you can also reach the beach by private means of transportation.

Agios Prokopios

Situated just 6 km away from Naxos Town, Agios Prokopios is one of the most popular beaches in Naxos. This 1.5 meters-long shore offers natural protection from the strong Meltemi winds and has clean waters, making it one of the best options for families with young offspring. On the right side of the beach, you’ll find umbrellas, sun loungers, as well as hotels, restaurants, and bars, while the much quieter left part remains unspoiled. Agios Prokopios beach is a great place to stay if you want to be both near the town and close to the beach! There are regular bus connections between Agios Prokopios beach and Naxos Town.

Agia Anna

Agia Anna beach also lies 6 km away from Naxos Town, right next to Agios Prokopios. Another similarity between these two beaches is that some parts of Agia Anna are organized and some unspoiled, offering plenty of space for all types of beachgoers. This idyllic beach has soft golden sand and turquoise, shallow waters that usually remain calm, so it’s perfect for swimming even for little kids. However, keep in mind that the northern end of Agia Anna can get wavy during the Meltemi season (July and August). At Agia Anna village behind the beach, you’ll find a variety of taverns, cafes, accommodations, and shops. You can easily access Agia Anna beach from Naxos town by bus or private means of transportation.

Agios Georgios (Saint George)

Agios Georgios is arguably one of the most popular beaches in Naxos, mainly thanks to its proximity to Naxos Town. Saint George, which is basically the main beach of Naxos Town, is a long stretch of sand organized throughout its length. Thanks to its location, this beach is popular with locals and tourists alike, while its shallow waters make it a great choice for families with little kids as well. Agios Georgios is lined with many bars, restaurants, taverns, and a great number of hotels, as it is probably the most popular place to stay on Naxos island. What’s more, Agios Georgios beach is battered by the northern Meltemi winds, making it a go-to destination for watersports enthusiasts. At the south end of the beach lie some water sports centers, where you can take windsurfing lessons or rent equipment.

Aliko

Aliko beach lies on the southwestern side of the island, 18 km away from Naxos Town. Long, tranquil, and quiet, this beach is a great option for beach lovers in search of peace and relaxation, away from the bustling crowds that flock to other beaches. Aliko boasts a breathtaking natural landscape -it is carpeted with soft white sand lapped by turquoise waters and is surrounded by an 800 sqm cedar forest and dunes. Utterly paradisiacal! It is also backed by a series of abandoned buildings, the walls of which are full of stunning graffiti, making it one of the few spots on the island where you can combine sightseeing with nature exploration! You can access Aliko beach by bus or by private means of transportation.

Orkos

Orkos beach in Naxos lies between Plaka and Mikri Vigla, but it’s less busy than Plaka and remains undeveloped, keeping its unspoiled charm. This quiet 1km-long stretch of sand consists of little sandy coves with turquoise water and is surrounded by red hills and cedar trees -it truly boasts wonderful scenery! If you come early, you can score a quiet spot or even your very own private sandy cove. Just like the nearby beaches, Orkos is a great beach for watersports, thanks to the ideal wind conditions.

Mikri Vigla

Mikri Vigla is 12 km away from Naxos Town, next to Orkos beach. This beach is actually divided into two smaller sandy beaches: the northern one and the southern one. The northern part boasts golden sand lapped by turquoise waters and is usually battered by the northern Meltemi winds, making it a popular option for windsurfers. Here, you’ll find two water sports centers, where you can rent windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment or take lessons. The southern end of Mikri Vigla, also known as Sahara and Limanakia, is protected from the strong winds and has crystal-clear shallow waters, which are perfect for swimming and safe for little kids. You can reach Mikri Vigla by bus or by private means of transportation.

Kastraki

Kastraki, which means little castle in Greek, is a golden stretch of sand just after Mikri Vigla. This beach is quite long. In fact, it is one of the longest beaches in Naxos, so it never feels overcrowded -even in the height of summer. Its unspoiled beauty, crystalline waters, as well as the cedar trees and dunes that frame it, make Kastraki a top choice for nature lovers and tranquility seekers. Although there are some restaurants and hotels in the area, this beach remains untouched by tourist development. You can access Kastraki either by bus or by car and by private vehicle.

Glyfada

Glyfada is a long stretch of sand between Kastraki and Aliko beaches. Thanks to its length, this exotic bay offers plenty of space for everyone and never gets crowded. Go when it’s not windy to enjoy relaxing swimming and sunbathing without hordes of tourists or buzzing beach clubs ruining the peaceful atmosphere. When it’s windy, Glyfada beach attracts windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. In the area, you’ll also find some hotels, taverns, and restaurants, where you can enjoy a hearty seafood meal after a long day at the beach!