11 Best Beaches in Naxos, Greece

Located south of Mykonos and north of Santorini in the Cyclades archipelago, Naxos has become renowned for its farm- and sea-to-table food scene, but it also boasts some of the best beaches in the Greek islands. As the largest Cycladic island, it has nearly 100 miles of coastline and more than 20 named beaches in addition to countless smaller sandy stretches. They range from popular, lively spots with all the facilities you need to quiet, secluded spans where you can toss down a towel and enjoy the tranquility.

If you plan to spend time on Naxos beaches, you'll want to get to know the best before deciding which to visit. 

On my first visit to Naxos, I took a short stroll from my accommodation at Iliada Sunset Suites and stumbled upon Grotta Beach. It's the closest to Naxos Town, only about five minutes from the ferry terminal. While it may not seem like much, this pebbly stretch is perfect for swimming and snorkeling on a calm day. You can even snorkel through the ruins of an ancient Mycenaean city that was destroyed during an earthquake and sank into the sea. The city walls, columns, and parts of homes are all still visible. Afterward, head to the hill above for an incredible sunset view framed by the iconic Portara that welcomes visitors arriving by ferry.

Agios Georgios (St. George Beach) is the closest sandy beach to Naxos Town, about a 10-minute walk from the center. Wide and about two-thirds of a mile long, it's the busiest and most developed at the northern end, closer to town, but you often find a more peaceful atmosphere toward the south. The waves are more powerful at the southern end, popular for windsurfing, while shallow, calm water awaits in the north, ideal for families with young children. This is also where you'll find umbrellas and loungers, lifeguards, beach bars, sea-view restaurants serving fresh seafood, and several beachfront hotels. 

Three miles south of Naxos Town, Agios Prokopios offers a mile-long stretch of pale golden sands and calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters that are protected from the winds. The exceptional clarity makes it particularly popular for snorkeling and diving, while numerous umbrellas and loungers are available for rent when it's time to relax. It does get quite busy in the summer, with plenty of beach bars, restaurants, and facilities for watersports, but there are more tranquil sections too, making it a good pick for solos, couples, and families alike. It's the type of beach where it's easy to spend an entire day, occasionally enjoying dips in between time sprawled out on a towel or a lounger with a book in hand and a cocktail within easy reach.

Propkopios is also where you'll find the Art Café. During the summer, visitors can enjoy the open-air cinema for movies under the stars and concerts, including live jazz and blues. 

Lying adjacent to Agios Propkopios, Agia Anna is basically a continuation of the beach. It has a good mix of organized and quieter areas, but each has its own distinct personality. The southern end is less developed, providing a more serene experience in a wide, shallow cove with colorful fishing boats. Snorkeling is exceptional around the rocky outcrop near the Spilia Restaurant, with strikingly clear, calm water, home to everything from Mediterranean parrotfish and wrasse to octopus and the occasional sea turtle.  

On the other end of the beach, you'll find many tavernas and casual bars where you can enjoy food and drink along with great people watching. Just behind the beach, you'll find more eateries, shops, and a wide range of accommodation options. 

One of the most well-known beaches in Naxos, Plaka is the island's longest uninterrupted beach. The 2.5-mile stretch of soft, powdery sands is edged by water that looks like a big, natural pool. As it is so large, you won't have any trouble finding a spot to relax, whether you want to take advantage of beach clubs with cabanas rentals, umbrellas and loungers, or bring your own beach towels. There are also watersports facilities for renting sea bikes and banana boats, along with restaurants and boho-chic bars for sipping cocktails while watching the sun go down. 

Most of the beach clubs, restaurants, and hotels are at the north end of Plaka, with the south offering more empty, long expanses of sand. It gets busy during the peak of the tourist season (July and August), but it's still much quieter compared to beaches closer to Naxos Town.

Mikri Vigla is about a 20-minute drive from Naxos Town, but it's worth the effort to get there if you're looking for a relatively undeveloped beach with opportunities for a wide range of activities. The southern section is protected from northerly winds in the summer, resulting in calm aquamarine water that's ideal for swimming and snorkeling, particularly around the reef just to the west. The northern section, often referred to as Parthena Bay, is a premier spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing as it's affected by the strong Meltemi winds. 

While there are no beach clubs at Mikri Vigla, you will find a few cozy tavernas and beach bars along the shore. You won't find sprawling resorts either. Accommodation is primarily villa and apartment rentals, including options that are perfectly positioned for stunning sunset views.

Just a bit further south from Mikri Vigla, Kastraki is a great place to snorkel. The water is often calm, clear, and in dazzling colors that range from deep sapphire to turquoise and emerald green. On windy days, many come to kitesurf or windsurf. No matter what your plans, you're sure to be mesmerized by the postcard-perfect scene, including a backdrop of whitewashed homes dotted across the rugged mountains. 

As the white sands stretch for nearly two miles, even when it's busy, you'll find plenty of room along with opportunities for tranquil strolls. There are a few eateries and boutique hotels at the north end, but the south end is nearly unspoiled with massive dunes, cedar and juniper trees. 

Remote Hawaii Beach is about a 30-minute drive (11.5 miles) from Naxos Town, located right across from Koufonisi Island. Quiet and secluded, it's tucked among the cedar trees while boasting a backdrop of rugged, uniquely colored cliffs that have streaks of tangerine. Contrasted by the white sand and translucent turquoise water, it's truly breathtaking. Calm days are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, but anytime you can relax among the peaceful, natural environment. 

Enjoy the unspoiled atmosphere by bringing your own shade, food, and drink, as there are no amenities here. Nearby, you'll find the ruins of the old Alyko Hotel. The site has become a canvas for street artists, transforming the decaying buildings into a quirky kind of open-air art gallery. In fact, it's from here that you'll gain access to the beach via a short, steep trek down one of the sandy cliffs.

Serene and secluded, Pyrgaki is just south of Hawaii Beach. It's a wide stretch of pale, golden sands ideal for escaping the busier tourist spots and enjoying brilliant cobalt waters, protected from northern winds by ancient cedar trees and dunes. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, long walks, or simply relaxing while immersed in the natural beauty. Amenities are limited to a few hotels and traditional tavernas serving authentic Greek cuisine, with some umbrellas and loungers available. 

The best beaches are often not the easiest to reach, and that includes Panermos. It takes approximately 90 minutes to get there from Naxos Town, located in the southeastern corner of the island. Much of the drive winds through the mountains, passing picturesque villages like the marble village of Apeiranthos. It feels as if time has stopped, with Venetian buildings lined along narrow streets. It's also a renowned foodie destination, having been featured in an episode of the late Anthony Bourdain's series, "Parts Unknown." 

Once you've reached the beach itself, you'll find a peaceful, mostly undeveloped stretch set within a bay fringed by palms. The water is calm and swimmable, popular for paddleboarding, snorkeling, or just floating beneath the often brilliant blue skies. There are a couple of places for food and drink, including a beach bar serving beer, cocktails, and light bites. You'll also find a venue for renting SUPs and the opportunity to take a boat tour from the jetty that will take you to visit sea caves and hidden swimming holes.

About 20 miles from Naxos Town on the northeast coast, Apollonas Beach is located in the charming fishing village of Apollonas, providing another opportunity to experience a more secluded side of the island. The sandy and pebbled shoreline has deep, clear blue waters, perfect for swimming on a calmer day. After a dip, head to one of the multiple seafront tavernas serving fresh fish, seafood, and traditional Greek dishes like spit-roasted lamb, along with cold Greek beer. If you happen to visit in late June, you're welcome to join the residents at the annual Fisherman's Festival, which includes traditional music and plenty of tasty local eats.