Agia Anna: The Most Peaceful Beach Town in Naxos

Agia Anna is a small port on the west coast of Naxos. It’s our favorite beach town on the island, and we often use it as a base for times when we want to be on the beach while still having access to everything in Naxos.

The town is exceptionally close to Naxos Town and features a small sandy beachfront lined with beachfront tavernas, boutique villas, and a small beach club.

Plus, everything is walkable in town (including two more beaches on either side of Agia Anna!

We visited Agia Anna spontaneously on our first trip to Naxos and were shocked at how much we liked the town. On our next trip to Naxos, we booked a room at Agia Anna Living and decided to spend a few nights exploring the city!

If you’re looking for a beach town to check out in Naxos, here’s everything you should know to determine if Agia Anna is the right place to add to your itinerary, including all of our favorite places to eat, what to do, where to stay, and where to find cheap sunbeds on the beach!

Where is Agia Anna?

Agia Anna is located 6.3 kilometers from Naxos Town (Chora) on the southwest coast of the island.

If you’ve ever been to Naxos, you know that the west coast is basically just one long beach, and Agia Anna is the beach right after Agios Prokopios, about 1 kilometer south.

It’s close to some of Naxos’s best beaches (Agios Prokopios, Maragkas, and Plaka Beach) and also functions as the main port for boat tours to Koufounisi and Rina Cave.

Best Time to Visit Agia Anna

Agia Anna is a small beach, but it gets hectic during peak season (June – August)

We stayed in town for a few days around mid-June, and while it wasn’t necessarily overwhelming, it was definitely busy — like you’ll have trouble getting a beach chair if you arrive after 11:00 AM.

However, it’s a lot more low-key during the shoulder seasons (April, May, September, and October).

And during winter (November – March), the shoreline is completely dead. We were here during December once, and almost everything was closed except for two small tavernas.

How To Get to Agia Anna

Getting to Agia Anna is easy. The village is a straight shot south of Naxos Town, and the roads between the towns are paved and easy to navigate with Google Maps.

A couple of public buses stop at Agia Anna throughout the day, and you can even walk if you’re staying nearby in Agios Prokopios or Maragkas Beach.

Bus from Naxos Port to Agia Anna

Two buses run between Naxos Chora (Port) and Agia Anna. If you’re staying in Naxos Town, you can catch the bus at the Naxos Public Bus Terminal, which is right next to the Temple of Apollo.

If you’re looking for the Google Pin, it’s right here!

If you take Bus 1, Agia Anna will be the 6th stop (right after Agios Prokopios), and it takes 17 minutes to get there.

Bus 10 has the exact same route but makes an extra stop at Agia Anna Kapares, which is great if you’re staying in a hotel in the hills above Agia Anna.

Note: Bus schedules vary depending on the season, so always double-check the timetables

Taxi to Agia Anna

Taxis are kind of expensive in Naxos, so we always prefer to take the bus or rent a car. However, if you do want to grab a taxi at the port or the Airport, it’s pretty easy to find one that will take you to Agia Anna.

You can catch a taxi from a stand in Naxos Town or book one in advance with WelcomePickups.

The fare will depend on the time of day and season, but expect it to be between €30-40 (each way)

Drive Yourself

For those who, like us, prefer to have their own transportation while exploring the Greek islands, renting a car or booking a scooter rental in Naxos is the best option.

We rent a car every time we visit Naxos because it gives us complete freedom over our itinerary.

It’s always challenging to provide exact rates because they fluctuate significantly by season (July and August are the most expensive). Still, we’ve consistently found the most affordable rates with Discover Cars.

Best Things to Do

Agia Anna has pretty much everything you’d expect in a Greek beach town —  seaside tavernas, beach clubs with sun loungers, delicious bakeries, crystal clear water, and a dock with boat trips departing each morning.

Here are some of our favorite things to do when spending a few days in Agia Anna.

1. Relax on the Beach

The main reason to visit Agia Anna is to access the beach. It’s one of the smaller beaches in Naxos, but it’s a convenient place to grab a sunbed, swim, and enjoy the sunset.

The water is stunning! It’s just as clear and calm as Alyko Beach, but has far more beachfront amenities.

You can bring your own towel or rent sunbeds from any of the beachfront tavernas. They get cheaper as you go further from the boat dock (towards Agios Prokopios), and a few of them even offer 2 free sunbeds with the purchase of something off the menu!

Here are a few places with sunbeds for rent (price includes 2 sun loungers + umbrella)

• Byammo – Free Sunbeds with Purchase
• Salt & Sugar – €10
• Santana Beach Club – €20-25
• Sto Kyma – Free Sunbeds with Purchase
• Ostria – Free Sunbeds with Purchase

Each time we went to the beach, we were late, so the only sunbeds available were the ones at Santana Beach Club (the cheaper ones go quickly). The positive side of this is that these are definitely the most comfortable beach chairs among all the options.

2. Walk Through the Cedar Forest

On the south side of Agia Anna, a small cedar forest is a pleasant walk from town. You can look out over the bay full of fishing boats and hang out on some secluded sections of the rocky coastline.

We also discovered a small, picturesque church called the Chapel of Agios Nikolaos, located in the center of the forest.

This is a beautiful place to come around sunset for a romantic picnic. You can pick up some snacks from the bakery and some local wine from the market, and spend the evening hanging out with a view of Paros across the water!

There is a small beach here as well (just on the opposite side of the small chapel). It’s an excellent place to escape the crowds during high season, but — just FYI — it is a naturist beach (clothing optional).

3. Day Trip to Koufonissia & Rina Cave

Another popular thing to do in Agia Anna is to take a day trip to Rina Cave and Koufonissia.

Nearly all of the tours to the islands/landmarks in southern Naxos depart from Agia Anna.

Rina Cave is the most famous of these landmarks. It’s a stunning spot on Naxos’s south coast where you can swim, snorkel, and kayak under a massive rock dome. Boat trips to the cave typically include a stop in Koufonisia, one of the smaller Cyclades near Naxos, for lunch and allow for free time to explore the main town.

It’s known for being a super relaxed and remote island with beautiful beaches.

Koufonissia is quite a trip from Naxos (a 2-hour journey each way), which means these boat trips are typically all-day excursions. Expect to depart from the port around 9:00 AM and return close to 6:00 PM.

4. walk to Marakgas or Agios Prokopios

Another reason we loved staying in Agia Anna is that we could easily go beach hopping to the surrounding parts of the coastline.

Agios Prokopios is about 1 kilometer north.

You can easily walk there in about 10 minutes, or drive there in 2 minutes (parking is very easy there).

This beach is very busy and built-up. We’d honestly consider it the most touristy beach town in Naxos, but it’s way bigger than Agia Anna, so it doesn’t really feel much more crowded, especially as you venture north from the restaurants and beachfront villas along the water.

Then, if you head south for about 1 kilometer from Agia Anna, you’ll come to Maragkas Beach.

This beach has gained popularity in recent years, so it’s no longer a calm, quiet extension of Plaka Beach.

However, it is less busy than Agia Anna and still offers all the facilities you need for a relaxing beach day.

5. Hang Out at Naxos’ only Beach Club

Another unique aspect of Agia Anna is that it’s home to the only official beach club on Naxos — Santana Beach Club.

There are other beach bars with a beach club-like atmosphere, but this is the only one that has explicitly designated itself as a beach club.

It’s not nearly as expensive as the beach clubs in Paros, and there’s no minimum you have to meet.

This lively beachfront club offers great food and drinks, sunbeds for €20-25 (depending on how close to the water you’d like to be), luxury suites, and a small private section of the beach that usually feels less crowded since it’s at the end of the main drag.

Santana Beach Club also has live music, parties, and weekly events here in the summer! It’s just a great, young vibe, especially if you’re into a beach day with a bit of a party atmosphere!

6. Grab coffee at Goat in a Boat

On our first visit to Agia Anna (in the winter), we were a little bummed to find that none of the cafés were open.

But on our most recent trip, we stumbled across Goat in a Boat, and now it’s one of our favorite spots in town.

It’s a cozy little coffee shop right next to the port, and as of this year, they’re open year-round. The owner is present nearly every day, serving up excellent lattes alongside a small menu of Western-style breakfast dishes, including smoothie bowls and eggs.

It’s the kind of place you can settle into for a couple of hours, whether you’re fueling up before a beach day or just relaxing with a view of the harbor.

Agia Anna Beach Restaurants

For a small beach town, Agia Anna punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. You won’t find dozens of options, but what’s here is genuinely excellent—from fresh seafood served right on the sand to budget-friendly gyros and hidden local tavernas where the hospitality is as memorable as the meal.

We’ve personally eaten at quite a few of these spots during our stays in Agia Anna and always recommend them to friends. Whether you’re after a romantic dinner under the cedar trees at Paradiso Taverna, a long lunch with beach views at Ostria Cafe, or a local seaside taverna like Gorgona, here are the best places to eat in Agia Anna.

Gorgona Greek Tavern

This was easily the best overall dining experience we had in town. The hospitality at Gorgona Greek Tavern was next-level—from the moment we walked in, the owner offered us a sample of their famous house wine before we were even seated.

We ordered zucchini fries to start, followed by a mixed meat platter with steak, chicken, and fries. The moussaka looked incredible (still kicking ourselves for not ordering it instead of the pistachio dish).

They also brought us complimentary tzatziki and spicy cheese dip to start, then served dessert and local kitron on the house to finish.

Ostria Cafe Restaurant

Ostria Cafe was one of our favorite daytime hangout spots in Agia Anna. It’s right on the beach with boho decor, great views, and plenty of shaded seating. We came here one afternoon to get some work done and ended up staying for a few hours, partly thanks to the fans and relaxed atmosphere.

We ordered coffee and a few small bites, but the dinner menu looked fantastic too. It’s a solid mix of traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist.

Oregano Souvlaki Meze

This is the go-to spot in Agia Anna for affordable, no-frills gyros and souvlaki. This is the go-to spot in Agia Anna for affordable, no-frills gyros and souvlaki.

We were surprised to discover they also serve breakfast! You can get a full plate with an omelet and sides for around €5—perfect if your hotel doesn’t include breakfast.

LIATERO

LIATERO transforms from a laid-back beach spot into a romantic seaside dinner setup in the evenings, with tables and chairs placed directly on the sand. It’s known for fresh seafood, especially grilled octopus and calamari, and sunset views over dinner.

Just be aware that this isn’t the most affordable place to visit, and consider saving it for a night when you’re not in a rush, as the service can be slow when it’s busy.

Akrogiali Restaurant- Studios

Similar to LIATERO, Akrogiali starts the day with sun loungers and transitions to a beachfront taverna vibe at night. It’s a low-key, traditional Greek spot that serves a variety of dishes, including grilled meats and fresh fish.

The view is right over the water, and many reviews highlight the calm, uncrowded atmosphere and authentic, home-style cooking.

Paradiso Taverna

Set between Agia Anna and Maragkas Beach, Paradiso Taverna offers one of the more unique setups in the area. You can sit in the restaurant, but most people prefer the outdoor seating just across the road, shaded by cedar trees and with views of the ocean.

It’s especially suitable for seafood lovers, although they also serve traditional Greek fare, such as moussaka and stuffed vegetables. The setting feels tucked away and peaceful, especially around sunset.

Hotels Near Agia Anna

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Agia Anna, you’ll be pretty excited about the options — and the prices.

We were able to snag a great deal at Agia Anna Livin, but that wasn’t the only great option near the beach.

During our research, we narrowed down our list to only the best places to stay in Agia Anna, offering a range of options, from budget hotels to boutique villas and luxury resort-style accommodations.

Agia Anna Living

Ratings: 8.9/10 ⭐ (359 reviews)

Agia Anna Living was exactly what we were looking for. It was a beautiful studio that felt upscale without the steep price tag.

The villa was enormous, featuring a separate living area, two TVs, and a well-stocked kitchenette (although we barely used it, thanks to the included breakfast at Santana Beach Club).

We especially liked the layout, with the shower, toilet, and sink all in separate spaces. Most villas also have private plunge pools—just note the jets only run at select times.

It’s a short walk to Agia Anna Beach and close to both Agios Prokopios and Maragkas. Not the MOST luxurious place you could stay in Agia Anna, but one we’d absolutely stay at again.

Cycladic Islands Hotel & Spa

9.1/10 ⭐ – 292 reviews (see more)

One of the best places to stay is Cycladic Islands Hotel & Spa, perched on a hillside overlooking the beach. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the sea and village below.

The rooms are bright and airy, each with a private balcony and complimentary breakfast. The hotel also has a lot to love throughout the property, with an outdoor pool with separate sections for adults and children, a hammam, and a full-service spa.

Although you can see the ocean from the property, it takes about 5 minutes to walk down to the beach and explore the town of Agia Anna.

Anemomilos Villas

⭐ 9.4/10 – 474 Reviews

Anemomilos in Agia Anna is another one of the best places to stay in the region. The villa is not directly on the water, but it’s conveniently close (a 2-minute walk).

For the price, it’s arguably the best value for your money in Agia Anna. Most of the rooms here have balconies overlooking a pool, and the staff is incredibly helpful throughout your stay. Some even have kitchenettes, which are perfect for families or those staying for longer periods.

When we passed by, the place had a quiet charm and felt really well cared for.

If you’re after an affordable, low-key stay without sacrificing location, Anemomilos is the one to book.

Manios Suites

⭐ 9.0/10 – 193 Reviews

Manios Suites is one of the best luxury hotels in Agia Anna if you’re hoping to book an extra special hotel for a romantic trip to Naxos or just hoping to splurge on yourself.

Many of the rooms offer a view of the ocean, as all the suites are located directly on the oceanfront. It’s truly remarkable to be able to watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea from your room.

In addition to being right on the beach, Manios Suites is near restaurants, markets, and the Agia Anna bus stop. Plus, staying here includes complimentary breakfast and access to beach sunbeds.

Final Thoughts

We honestly loved staying in Agia Anna. Of all the beach towns in Naxos, this is definitely our favorite to use as a home base for exploring the island.

It was incredibly peaceful. We loved the restaurants. And after spending the past week in Chora, it was nice to get away from the port for a bit (especially since we had a rental car).

Then you can come and go from the Chora whenever you feel like it, but spend most of your time in a more relaxed area.

And if you’re still looking for a nice hotel? Check out our favorite places to stay for a few nights in Agia Anna!