Plaka Beach: The Most Underrated Beach in Naxos

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, it still feels worlds away from the overpriced sunbeds, beach bars, and crowded parts of this island.

Instead, it offers a serene atmosphere with limited facilities where you can actually relax and hear the sound of the ocean.

Honestly, I don’t think we knew what to expect the first time we visited. It was a couple of years ago, and at the time, there was very little information online about the beach, making it hard to get a sense of what it would be like.

Luckily, it was exactly what we were looking for, and we loved it.

We’ve returned to Plaka Beach multiple times over the years, at various times of the year (it changes A LOT by season — June is very different from December), and we hope that you won’t feel as lost as we did about what to expect during your first visit.

Here’s everything to know about Plaka Beach in Naxos, including how to get there, why it’s worth adding to your itinerary, where to eat, the best villas on the beach, and the best things to do while hanging out in Plaka!

Where is Plaka Beach?

Plaka Beach is a huge beach on the West coast of Naxos Island, between Maragkas Beach and Mikra Vigla.

There’s no clear break between Maragkas Beach (to the north) and Plaka Beach. We think of Plaka Watersports as the ‘line’ between beaches. That’s where the whole vibe of the beach changes.

The sunbeds become more sparse, the road is less smooth, and everything feels less touristy.

Plaka Beach goes for about 3 kilometers before ending near Villa Paradise & NYMΦS Epicurean Garden.

Best Time to Visit Plaka Beach

You should visit Plaka Beach in the summer (anytime between May and September).

While we usually recommend visiting beaches during the shoulder season in Naxos to avoid the crowds, Plaka Beach never really feels crowded, even in July/August.

Without having to worry about crowds or the loud music from beach bars on Agios Prokopios or Maragkas Beach, you can focus solely on when you’ll have the best weather and warmest sea temperatures!

That said, we would recommend avoiding visits during the winter. On one winter trip in December, we stopped by Plaka Beach, and it was wayyy too cold to swim or sunbathe comfortably.

Getting From Naxos Town to Plaka Beach

Plaka Beach is only 8 kilometers from Naxos Town, which takes about 20-30 minutes, whether you take the public bus, hire a taxi, or rent your own vehicle and drive yourself (that’s what we always do).

For people staying in Agia Anna or Agios Prokopios, Plaka is just a 10-minute drive away by car.

Buses to Plaka Beach

You’ll need to use Line 1 (Orange) to get from Naxos Town to Plaka Beach. In the summer, buses run every 30 minutes from June to August, but this frequency decreases to just once per day in the winter.

The bus costs €1.80 and takes about 30 minutes from the central bus station near the port. However, you can also catch it at the bus stop across from Naxos Hospital.

Line 1 (Orange) travels the entire west coast, passing through Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka, before ultimately ending at Mikra Vigla. There are multiple stops along Plaka Beach, so if you’re trying to get to the South side of the beach, don’t get off at the very first stop.

For the most up-to-date schedules, please visit Naxos Buses’ official website.

Taxi to Plaka Beach

Taxis are the most convenient option if you are uncomfortable renting a car and driving yourself. You can always find a taxi at the Ferry Port in Naxos Chora, or ask your hotel/villa to call and schedule one for you.

It’s a pretty easy drive, with paved roads the whole way.

But taxis are VERY expensive in Paros. During high season, expect to pay between €45 and €55 for the trip from Naxos Chora. If you’re coming from Agia Anna or Agios Prokopios, the cost is still around €20-30.

If you’re a planner, you can also book a private transfer in advance.

Driving to Plaka

Honestly, we would always choose to rent a car over pay this much for a taxi.

Renting a car in Naxos offers the most flexibility for visiting Plaka Beach, allowing you to explore at your own pace and access less crowded spots. Car rentals are super cheap around the Greek Islands. During the offseason, we’ve found car rentals on DiscoverCars for as little as €10-20/day.

However, this increases to about €40-50/day in the summer (June-August). You can usually get a slightly better price by booking far in advance.

We always rent a car in Naxos, and we have found it really easy to drive around the island (even though I’m relatively new to manual transmissions. As long as you get an eSim and can use Google Maps, there’s really no risk of getting lost.

There’s parking near multiple sections of the beach, and these lots are never full!

Things To Do in Plaka Beach

Relax on the Beach

As the longest continuous beach in Naxos, you can always find peace and quiet along Plaka Beach.

For the most part, Plaka Beach is undeveloped. Unless you’re right in front of one of the beach bars, there are also no toilets, showers, or changing rooms along the shoreline.

We also enjoy Plaka Beach because the water is crystal clear, and a coral reef is just offshore to explore. The liveliest reefs are on the far south end of Plaka Beach, so head there if you bring your own snorkeling equipment. If not, goggles and snorkels are available at most local markets.

Are There Sunbeds on Plaka Beach?

As for sunbeds on Plaka Beach, there were ZERO on our first trip to Plaka, but as of this year, you can find quite a few sections of the beach with sun loungers and umbrellas for rent:

• Plaka Beach Sunbeds (€30)
• Tortuga Beach Bar & Restaurant (€40 + €40 minimum spend)
• Plaza Beach Hotel (€20)
• DELULU SUNBEDS (€25 minimum spend)
• Mandala Naxos (€30)

*Prices are for two sunbeds + an Umbrella

If you’re on a budget, bring your own snacks, drinks, and a lightweight beach blanket like this one. We’ve had some incredible days on the beach in Naxos without spending money on a sunbed!

Is Plaka a Nudist/Naturist Beach?

Plaka Beach has a history of being a nudist beach. At least that was its reputation way back in the 1960s and 1970s.

It’s still a very nude-friendly beach, but this is primarily toward the center of the beach (between the Acti Plaka Hotel and the Plaza Beach Hotel—if you’re looking at a map).

The North and South sides of the beach, where you find most of the facilities, are a lot more modest.

Try Kitesurfing/Windsurfing

The most popular water sports in Naxos and Paros are windsurfing/kitesurfing.

Just south of Plaka Beach, Mikri Vigla is known for having dozens of windsurfers out on the water at any point in time, but most days you’ll also see kitesurfers and windsurfers at Plaka Beach.

If it’s your first time, we’d recommend taking a lesson.

You can book a kitesurfing lesson with Amouditis Kite Center and get 2 hours with an instructor showing you exactly how to do it!

If you’re more experienced, you can rent equipment at Plaka Beach Water Sports (open from mid-May to mid-September).

And if for some reason the wind isn’t optimal for windsurfing/kitesurfing, you can also rent SUPs (Stand-Up Paddleboards) or hire a driver to take you out on the sea for wakeboarding, slalom skiing, or tubing!

Stay in a Luxury Villa

We were shocked at how affordable some of the apartments and luxury villas were in Plaka. Since it’s a little bit off the beaten path, these luxury villas in Naxos offer insanely good value for what you get.

We’ve found incredible boutique villas for under $200/night (places that would typically cost $500-1000/night anywhere else in Naxos and Paros).

Visit a Beach Bar

Plaka Beach is not nearly as well-known for its beach clubs and bars as nearby beaches like Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Maragkas Beach.

However, there are a few spots along the Plaka Beach (and on the border of Maragkas Beach) where you can rent a sunbed, buy a drink, and sunbathe for the day, or watch the sunset from the beach!

Savaya Beach Bar – Savaya is one of the most stylish beach bars on Plaka, with friendly service and a modern menu that leans more toward “poke bowls and bao buns” than Greek taverna. Prices are on the higher end (watch out for the €7.50 water), but it’s a great spot for enjoying good cocktails, comfortable loungers, and a stunning sunset view.

Tortuga Beach Bar & Restaurant – A great beach setup that’s well-spaced out, and all the food is really good, especially the Naxian fries, beetroot hummus, and sandwiches. There are more menu options if you dine at the restaurant, but you can order small plates and drinks straight to the beach.

If you’re willing to walk a few minutes north, there’s much better nightlife at Maragkas Beach.

Nomad Beach Bar – The most popular bar/restaurant in the area. Its boho vibes and light wood interior make you feel like you’re in Bali or Tulum. It’s also right on the beach, so there are sunbeds with straw umbrellas to rent all summer. It’s honestly a great place to hang out, and it’s not uncommon for them to have live music, but they’re only open until 10:30 PM, so it’s definitely more of a ‘supper club’ vibe.

Yazoo Summer Bliss – The better option for late-night music and drinks. It’s another beachfront bar and restaurant right on the shoreline, with sunbeds and great food throughout the day. Once the sun sets, they continue to party into the early hours of the morning, hosting local Naxian DJs in the summer.

Go Beach Hopping

Naxos is filled with beautiful beaches along the west coast, and most of them are easily accessible from Chora.

Plaka was actually one of our favorite beaches on the islands, but it’s right at the center of the island, meaning it’s super easy to check out some other parts of the coastline!

Kastraki Beach and Mikri Vigla are just south of Plaka Beach (only a 3-8 minute drive).

A little farther south is Alyko Beach, another one of our favorite secluded beaches on the island. We loved that you could relax on Alyko Beach, but there were also some other nearby beaches, a cedar forest to explore, a small church, and hotel ruins with awesome graffiti art!

Then, if you’re looking for a more lively atmosphere, head a couple of minutes north of Plaka Beach to Maragkas Beach, Agia Anna, or Agios Prokopios!

Restaurants in Plaka Beach

Surprisingly, there are a decent number of seaside restaurants near Plaka Beach. Although, be aware that almost all of them close for the winter.

So, if you’re traveling during the off-peak season (October to May), you’ll probably have to head into Agia Anna to find lunch/dinner options.

Tortuga Restaurant – This is a favorite in Plaka, right at the foot of Naxian On The Beach (you can actually charge your bill to the room if you stay here). It was recommended by almost everyone who traveled there, specifically for their seafood, but you can also find other meat dishes, salads, and brunch.

Nikos & Maria Restaurant – On the north side of Plaka Beach, with a setting that is hard to beat, especially at sunset, and the vibe is casual and relaxed. It’s the best Greek Taverna for local dishes. The mixed grill platter is excellent, and the rest of the menu is fairly standard, as you’d expect to find anywhere in Naxos.

Maistrali Traditional Greek Cuisine – This is a more convenient Greek taverna to the center of Plaka Beach, but it’s hit or miss and definitely expensive for what you get. But it’s right at the center of the beach if you’re not too picky and just looking for a quick bite before getting back to sunbathing!

Savaya Naxos – Savaya leans more modern than traditional, with a menu full of fresh, colorful dishes—yogurt bowls, poke, bao, cauliflower, and crisp salads. It’s not huge-portion taverna fare, but what they serve is consistently good. There’s a real focus on presentation, and it’s a little pricier than nearby spots.

Artos Lagogianni Plaka Naxos – The only bakery in Plaka Beach. It’s a little bit inland, but they have everything you’d expect at a Traditional Greek bakery.

Plaka Beach Hotels

Of all the places to stay in Naxos, Plaka Beach has some of the most affordable places to stay that are really close to the beach, which is what we always encourage people to look for in Plaka.

However, if you’re not set on being beachfront, then there are several options in Plaka suitable for every kind of traveler and budget.

Here are a few of our favorites, and you can see our complete list of places to stay in Plaka Beach here!

Best Luxury Villa – Aegean Palace

8.6/10 ⭐ – 484 reviews (see more)

Aegean Palace Boutique Hotel is situated just steps from the beach and has a real resort-like ambiance, complete with a huge pool, an onsite restaurant, and a wellness center featuring an indoor jacuzzi and sauna.

The rooms are just as impressive, whether you’re splurging on a suite with a private pool or sticking to a junior suite for a comfortable and budget-friendly beach getaway!

Best Mid-Range Villa – Naxos Island Escape Suites

9.4/10 ⭐ – 44 Reviews

It’s difficult to find a few days of availability at Naxos Island Escape Suites, but if it is available for your travel dates, jump on it!

The suites are located less than 100 meters from the beach, and all rooms feature traditional Greek architecture, creating a truly unique and authentic experience. We love it when our hotel rooms don’t just feel like every other basic villa.

Breakfast is included in the room rate, and every room has a minibar, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. Some rooms even have a private jacuzzi tub!

Best Budget Villa – Glaronissi Beach

9.4/10 ⭐ – 235 reviews (see more)

Glaronissi Beach is a relaxed beachfront spot at the northern end of Plaka, just a short stroll from low-key beach bars like Nomad, Yazoo Summer Bliss, and 3 Brothers.

It’s a super convenient location, especially if you’re not renting a car, because there’s a bus stop only 100 meters from the entrance, and there are sunbeds set up right in front of the rooms.

The rooms themselves are simple but comfortable, with options for either a garden or sea view.

They’re nothing fancy, but what really stood out to us was the breakfast. Everything’s homemade using ingredients from the hotel’s own organic farm, and it adds such a nice touch to the stay.

It’s not a luxury resort, but it’s clean, well-maintained, and perfectly situated if you want to stay on Plaka Beach without feeling too secluded.

Best Luxury Vacation Home – Depis Edem Luxury Villas

9.0/10 ⭐ – 74 Reviews

This is a full-scale Vacation Home, and it’s where we would stay if we were traveling to Naxos and staying in Plaka with a group of friends or family.

They have multiple 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom houses available, all of which come with full kitchens and spacious living areas. The pool is shared between the villas, but it’s large enough that it never feels overcrowded even when the villas are full.

Although Edem isn’t directly on the beach, it’s very close by, and there’s free parking available if you rent a car or scooter.

Although the villas feel like your own private home, breakfast is included, made with fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden.

Is Plaka Beach Worth It?

If you’re looking for a beach in Naxos that still feels untouched but easy to reach, Plaka Beach is definitely worth visiting.

It’s scenic, peaceful (without being boring), and one of the few places that doesn’t feel crowded in summer!

Whether you’re spending the day swimming, trying out a water sport, or just lounging with a cold drink, we encourage anyone spending a few days in Naxos to visit Plaka.

And when it comes to using Plaka Beach as a base, there are plenty of great boutique villas and resorts to choose from, but Aegean Palace is hands-down our top pick!