11 Best Beaches in Naxos: A Complete Beach-Hopping Guide

In Naxos, our favorite thing to do is choose a couple of beaches, and spend an entire day on the coast.

We’ve been everywhere in Naxos, and while the best beaches in Naxos are Plaka Beach (for its seclusion and space), Alyko Beach + Hawaii Beach (multiple coves and unique attractions), and Agia Anna Beach (best seaside tavernas and water sports)…

This island has A TON of beaches worth visiting, and since 90% of them sit along the west coast, it’s perfectly set up for renting a car and taking an epic beach-hopping road trip.

They’re also way bigger and less crowded than the best parts of the coast in Paros.

We’ll give you a full beach-hopping route that you can easily select a handful of beaches and creat your own itinerary in Naxos!

Overview

Here’s a big-picture overview of each beach we mention, along with an interactive map for a visual of all the top beaches to visit in Naxos

Map of Naxos Beaches

Meltami Winds

In Naxos & Paros, the wind matters more than anything else when choosing your beach.

From mid-July through August, the Meltemi wind blows hard from the north across the Cyclades. On a calm day, you’re looking at paradise. On a windy day? Some beaches turn into sandblasting zones where umbrellas fly away and the water becomes too choppy to swim out more than a 10 meters.

The good news is that Naxos’s mountains and coastline orientation mean you always have options. You just need to know which beaches to hit when the wind picks up.

1. Plaka Beach

Plaka Beach is the longest beach in Naxos, and it’s also probably the most underrated.

While it’s only a short drive from Naxos Town and walking distance from Agia Anna, there isn’t a lot of information about the beach, so it still feels worlds away from the more touristy beaches in Naxos.

Honestly, I don’t think we knew what to expect the first time we visited. There was so little information online about the beach, so it was hard to get a grasp of what it would be like.

But what we found was an incredibly serene atmosphere where we could truly relax and hear the sound of the ocean. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and there’s even a coral reef right offshore with great snorkeling.

Also, if it happens to be windy, you can also try your hand at kitesurfing or windsurfing. Rentals and guided lessons are available at Plaka Beach Water Sports.

The beach just north of Plaka is called Maragkas Beach, but there’s no clear break in the sand. We always say that you’ll know you’ve made it to Plaka Beach when the beach bars and sunbeds start fading out…

But that’s less true as Naxos become more popular. When were there last summer, it was clear that the North side of Plaka is becoming just as busy and expensive as the other beaches nearby.

Luckily, it’s big enough that more than half of the shoreline is still open, dotted with local villas and tavernas.

Note: The South Side of Plaka Beach has a reputation for being a nudist-friendly area.

2. Alyko Beach / Hawaii Beach

Alyko Beach is one of the least-visited beaches, but it’s arguably our favorite on Naxos.

The unique beach sits on a quiet, undeveloped peninsula on the island’s southwest coast, home to multiple beaches, an abandoned hotel covered in graffiti art, and the largest cedar forest in Greece.

The main beach has golden sand and clear water, with rocky outcrops offshore where you can spot fish or even the occasional Loggerhead sea turtle if you’re snorkeling.

Then, you can walk through the Cedar Forest at the center of the peninsula and end up at Hawaii Beach, which is probably the most famous section of Alyko, known for its dramatic red cliffs and narrow sandy cove.

Also, right between Alyko and Hawaii is an abandoned hotel that local graffiti artists have turned into an open-air gallery!

You could easily spend the whole afternoon on the peninsula, but the only facilities are the Finikas Hotel (technically located on Pyrgaki Beach) and the FBI Food Truck, which serves Greek-Mexican fusion dishes, such as falafel tacos and burgers (available only during the summer months).

So, make sure to pack everything you need for the afternoon!

3. Agios Prokopios

Agios Prokopios is one of the most touristy beaches in Naxos, but it’s still a place that we really enjoy visiting on occasion (especially during shoulder season).

The beach is only a 10-minute drive from Chora (Naxos Town). It’s about 1.5 kilometers long, with golden sand and calm, turquoise water, making it a go-to spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Agios Prokopios is split into two main sections: north and south.

The south side is right next to the town.

It’s very busy and organized, with sunbeds (typically €25–60 per pair with umbrella), and there are plenty of hotels, beach bars, and restaurants directly across the road. We like to get pizza from La Trattoria, but you can also order great food at Colosseo and O Fotis.

The cheapest sunbed we could find near the restaurants were from Kaluwa Jungle Room, and they were some of the most comfortable sunbeds we’ve had in Naxos. We paid about €25 for two sunbeds per person for the entire day.

The north side of Agios Prokopios is a different story.

Three small salt lakes prevent any major infrastructure from creeping over to this part of the beach, which keeps it more open and relaxed. There are a few vendors renting sunbeds and selling drinks and snacks, but overall it feels much less crowded.

I began walking north from our sunbeds at Kaluwa, and slowly felt the vibe change, transitioning to more sparse, cheaper sunbeds, and eventually it turned into an undeveloped, fully nudist section. Then it turned back to a low-key developed hangout by the other end of the beach with hiking access to Moles View.

This side also has the best snorkeling here below Moles Viewpoint (we stopped on our catamaran tour)!

Either way, the seabed along Agios Prokopios is mostly sandy and shallow, which is great for kids, and the water is incredibly clear if you want to snorkel. The beach is also well protected from the wind, so the sea usually stays relatively calm even on breezy days.

4. Agia Anna

Agia Anna is our favorite beach town on Naxos, and after several visits, it’s the place we like to use as a base beach base without feeling cut off from the rest of the island.

It’s located on the west coast of Naxos, about 6 kilometers from Naxos Town, and sits right along the same long stretch of sand that includes Agios Prokopios, Maragkas, and Plaka.

Because of this, it’s incredibly easy to beach hop while still having a quieter place to come home to at the end of the day.

The beach itself is relatively small compared to other beaches on Naxos, and you’ll almost always see a handful of boats anchored just offshore. That’s because Agia Anna also functions as a small port (most boat tours to Koufonisia and Rina Cave depart from Agia Anna).

Sunbeds are easy to find, especially if you don’t arrive right at midday, and prices tend to get cheaper as you walk farther away from the dock. A few beachfront tavernas even offer free sunbeds if you order food or drinks (we got free buffet breakfast each morning on the beach by staying with Agia Anna Living!

The actual beach here is very small, and a handful of boats will be docked in the water at all times (most boat tours to Koufonisia and Rina Cave depart from Agia Anna).

However, there are still plenty of sunbeds for rent, calm water to cool off in, and a very relaxed atmosphere!

And for things to do, you can find a sunbed and relax for the day, hike through the small cedar forest on the south side to the Chapel of Agios Nikolaos, or make dinner reservations at Gorgona Greek Tavern (which happend to be our favorite restaurant in town – the hospitality is unbelievable).

5. Maragkas Beach

Start walking south from town, and you’ll quickly run into Maragkas Beach.

Maragkas has a really fun atmosphere. We love it because it doesn’t feel quite as tacky ‘touristy’ as Agios Prokopios, but rather a more upscale touristy. It has a bit of a bohemian atmosphere that we’ve only found in places like Bali and Crete.

Despite being way more spread out, it’s become a very lively beach over the past 5 years!

There are lots of beach bars, cafés, and beachfront villas, all of which have sunbeds with umbrellas for rent and music playing from the restaurants.

Go to Nomad Beach Bar for a daytime beachfront hangout, and Yazoo Summer Bliss in the evening, which is known for hosting live music and full moon parties in the summer.

Maragkas eventually turns into Plaka Beach, so it’s hard to know where the boundary lines are, but our unofficial boundary is at Tortuga Beach Bar and Restaurant.

6. Agios Georgios

Agios Georgios (Saint George Beach) is the main beach in Naxos Town, and while it’s not the most scenic beach in Naxos, it’s definitely the most convenient.

You can walk here from Naxos town in less than 10 minutes, and the entire shoreline is full of beachfront restaurants, cafés, and boutique hotels.

As you can imagine, this makes it a very popular choice for travelers who want to stay close to town while still having easy access to the beach.

It’s definitely not the prettiest beach in Naxos, but they’re the closest sunbeds you’ll find from town, and the water is super shallow so it’s probably the best place to be in Naxos with kids or for a morning swim (we’d see people taking laps every morning).

On the south side of the beach, there are a handful of low-key watersports center where you can rent paddleboards, windsurfing gear, or even take a beginner diving lesson.

7. Grotta Beach

Grotta Beach is on the north end of Naxos Town, and the biggest draw of the beach is the direct view of the Temple of Apollo (Portara).

Unfortunately, there is no sand.

Grotta Beach is a narrow and rocky beach with choppier water almost 24/7 and it’s difficult to do any ‘beachy’ things here.

But it’s really close to town, so we found ourselves here on a handful of occasions simply enjoying a walk along the coast or sit and watch the sunset with a view of the Portara!

Eat dinner at Apostolis (worth every bit of hype you see online) and then walk down here afterwards!

8. Mikri Vigla / Kastraki

Mikri Vigla and Kastraki are the next two beaches you run into going south from Plaka.

Mikra Vigla is most well-known for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Naxos, with consistent winds and a few rental shops along its north bay. But there’s actually another section of Mikri Vigla that most people don’t know about (or they assume it’s part of Kastraki Beach). The South Bay is more unassuming, with calm water for swimming and a small beachfront taverna.

Kastraki Beach refers to everything south of Mikri Vigla’s south bay. This beach has an even more secluded feel than Plaka Beach and is almost 100% undeveloped.

Kastraki Beach sits just south of Mikri Vigla and has an even more secluded feel. It’s completely undeveloped, with no sunbeds or major facilities on the beach, so you’ll need to bring everything you need for the day.

If you want to experience the wilder side of Naxos, Mikri Vigla and Kastraki are great places to visit. Both beaches are about 20 minutes by car from Chora, and they also have some of the most affordable beachfront villas in Naxos!

9. Pyrgaki Beach

Pyrgaki Beach is a longer, sandy beach next to Alyko Beach and Psili Ammos Beach.

Although it seems fairly remote, there are more facilities here than you’d expect, including a couple of souvlaki stands, Greek restaurants, and a couple of really beautiful resorts near the water!

Pyrgaki used to be a popular spot for watersports in Naxos, including waterskiing, jet skiing, tubing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUPs). But once All4Extreme (the leading watersports company) closed shop a couple of years ago, that’s no longer the case.

If you want to stay somewhere secluded in Naxos, we’d highly recommend Finikas Hotel.

It’s a condo-style accommodation right on the coast between Alyko Beach and Pyrgaki Beach. The hotel itself also feels like a little oasis, with palm trees, a large pool, and gardens that give it a tropical vibe. Rooms are available for just about every budget, and there’s a restaurant right at the resort (Avgi Restaurant) where you can eat with a view of the beach.

10. Panermos Beach

Panermos Beach is an extremely remote beach in Naxos. It’s the first beach on this list that’s not on the West Coast.

Instead, this beach is situated on the island’s southeastern coast, about an hour’s drive from Chora.

It’s usually a quiet, undeveloped spot with soft sand and shallow water. However, some boat tours stop here after visiting Rina Cave, so around midday, we wouldn’t expect it to be empty.

There are no sunbeds or major facilities, just a small cantina selling drinks and snacks. Natural shade is limited, but a few palm trees offer some relief from the sun. The water is clear and calm, making it great for swimming, and there are some rocky sections offshore that are good for snorkeling.

11. Apollonas Beach

Apollonas Beach is a quiet, laid-back spot on the northern coast of Naxos, about an hour’s drive from Chora.

It’s one of the few beaches on this side of the island, set in a small fishing village known for its peaceful atmosphere. Actually, most people are only here for a quick dip or lunch before or after visiting the massive, unfinished Kouros statue just outside the village.

The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles, with clear water that stays shallow near the shore. Since it’s on the north coast, it can get windy at times, but on calm days, it’s great for swimming. There are no sunbeds, but plenty of space to set up your own towel.

There are also a few tavernas right by the water, making it a great place to stop for a fresh seafood lunch after a swim.

The Ultimate 1-Day Beach-Hopping Route

If you only have one day to go beach-hopping in Naxos, here’s our ultimate itineary (We mention this as a day on our curated 4 Day Naxos itinerary).

Stop #1 — Start with a relaxed morning swim and coffee on Agios Georgios Beach

• Stay for 1-3 hours
• Sunbeds for rent ($20-40/pair)
• Calm, shallow waters for swimming and you can get breakfast (we like Asteria Beach Cafe)

Stop #2 — Head South to Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna for lunch (10 Minute Drive from Ag. Georgios)

• Stay for 2-4 hours
• Sunbeds for rent ($20-60/pair)
• Agios Prokopios has way more space, but Agia Anna has the best tavernas and beachfront cafes (so pick which one feels right to you.

Stop #3 — Swing by Mikri Vigla to watch the windsurfers/kitesurfers (10 Minute Drive from Agia Anna / 15 minutes from Agios Prokopios)

• Stay for 20-30 minutes
• Such a cool experience and there is a cliff beside the bay where we like to pull off, park, and have a sweet view of the whole bay.

Stop #4 — Finishing your day on the untouched shores of Alyko Beach (15 Minute Drive from Mikri Vigla)

• Stay for 1-2 hours
• No Sunbeds (bring a beach towel)
• Explore the ancient hotel ruins and make sure to visit BOTH Alyko Beach and Hawaii Beach
• Also has great snorkeling if you have the gear!

P.S. you want to avoid crowds, reverse it: start early at Alyko, then make your way north to enjoy a sunset dinner at Gorgona Greek Taverna in Agia Anna.

Tips for Visiting the Beaches

The west coast of Naxos is essentially one long stretch of coastline lined with beaches, many of which are within 10 to 30 minutes of Naxos Town (Chora). The beauty of this layout is that you can easily spend a whole day beach-hopping without needing to venture too far.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around?

The best and most flexible way to explore Naxos’ beaches is by renting a car, ATV, or scooter.

Most travelers opt for a car (that’s our top choice as well), especially if you’re visiting multiple beaches or traveling in a pair or group. ATVs and scooters are fun, and they can definitely handle the dirt roads near remote beaches like Alyko, but they’re slower and less comfortable for longer drives.

You’ll find plenty of rental shops in Naxos Town, and many offer daily or multi-day rates. Expect to pay around:

• €30–40/day for a compact car
• €25–35/day for an ATV or scooter

Make sure to bring your driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you’re not from an EU country.

Alternatively, you can take the Public Bus

Naxos has a solid bus network that runs between Chora and the main beaches along the west coast — including Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, and occasionally Mikri Vigla. Buses are modern and air-conditioned, with stops at most popular beach towns and nearby accommodations.

Here’s what to know:

• Buses run every 30–60 minutes in high season (June–September)
• Tickets cost around €1.80–€3.00 one-way, depending on the distance
• You can buy tickets at the bus station, at mini markets, or directly on the bus (cash only)
• Double check the bus schedule the night before — times can vary, especially on weekends