Naxos has the longest beaches in the Cyclades and it is not even close. The west coast runs in an almost unbroken strip of sand from Agios Georgios Beach right next to Naxos Town all the way south past Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, and on to Pyrgaki. That is roughly 10 kilometres of sand, and in places you can walk for 20 minutes without seeing a single building.
The island is the largest in the Cyclades, and its size means you get variety that smaller islands simply cannot match. The main west coast strip is sandy, shallow, and sheltered from the meltemi wind. The south coast around Alyko has wilder, more remote beaches backed by cedar woodland. And scattered around the rest of the coastline there are rocky coves and hidden bays that most visitors never find.
Naxos Town sits on the northwest coast, with the Portara, the Temple of Apollo, standing on the headland above the port. Most visitors base themselves in town or along the Agios Prokopios to Plaka strip, and buses run regularly between them. Check the Naxos bus timetable for routes and the how to get to Naxos page for ferry and flight connections.
Which Naxos Beach Suits You
Families with young children: Agios Georgios Beach is the town beach, walkable from Naxos Town in 5 minutes. The water is knee deep for a long way out and there are tavernas, cafes, and shops right behind the sand. You could not make it easier for families.
The beach everyone talks about: Agios Prokopios Beach regularly appears in “best beach in Greece” lists. It is a long crescent of fine white sand with clear shallow water and enough sunbed operators and beach bars to keep things comfortable without feeling crowded.
Long walks on empty sand: Plaka Beach stretches for several kilometres south of Agia Anna. The northern end has a handful of beach bars. Keep walking south and the people thin out until you have the sand to yourself. This is the beach for those who want space.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing: Mikri Vigla Beach is split into 2 sides by a rocky headland. The south side catches the meltemi wind perfectly and is one of the best windsurfing spots in the Cyclades, with professional schools and equipment hire on the sand.
Something wild and off the beaten path: Alyko Beach on the south coast sits behind a protected cedar forest. There are no sunbeds, no bars, and the beach has a rugged, untouched feel. An abandoned hotel in the dunes behind the beach adds to the atmosphere.
Close to the nightlife: Agia Anna Beach is a compact sandy beach between Agios Prokopios and Plaka with a cluster of restaurants and bars right behind it. It is the social hub of the west coast beach strip.
A quiet swim near a mountain village: Panormos Beach on the southeast coast is nowhere near the main tourist strip. It is a broad, empty bay with views across to the mountains, reached by a drive through the interior past villages like Filoti and Apeiranthos.
Panormos Beach
1. Beach Type & Experience Panormos represents the ultimate destination for true adventurers and those seeking extreme seclusion on Naxos. Located 54 kilometres from Naxos Town on the southeastern coast, the drive to this hidden gem takes roughly one and a half hours along winding mountain roads. The final 300 metres of the journey involves
Glyfada Beach
1. Beach Type & Experience Glyfada Beach is a vast and peaceful stretch of fine golden sand that sits on the southwestern coast of Naxos. The sand here is soft and inviting which makes it very comfortable for walking barefoot without any need for water shoes. You will find that this beach is much quieter
Pyrgaki Beach
1. Beach Type & Experience Pyrgaki Beach stands as one of Naxos’ most distinctive treasures, offering an experience that feels worlds away from the busier tourist destinations on the island. This beach is an enormous expanse of soft, fine golden sand that stretches for what feels like endless kilometres along the southwestern coast. The sand
Agia Anna Beach
Agia Anna Beach functions essentially as a picturesque extension of Agios Prokopios, offering similar family-friendly qualities with distinctive character. The beach features a small fishing port setting with boats adding authentic Greek charm. The beach is naturally divided into smaller bays by geographical features, providing psychological variety and visual interest. Most notably, Agia Anna’s southern
Agios Georgios Beach
1. Beach Type and Experience Agios Georgios Beach is an exceptional sandy beach that stretches nearly two kilometres along the southwestern coast of Naxos. The sand is soft and fine, with a golden colour that gleams beautifully in the Mediterranean sun. Unlike rockier beaches on the island, this beach offers comfort underfoot without any requirement
Alyko and Hawaii Beach
Beach Type and Experience Alyko and Hawaii Beach are two closely positioned sandy beaches located on the southwest coast of Naxos, separated by a dramatic rocky point within the protected Alyko peninsula. Hawaii Beach sits dramatically below a towering ten meter cliff and features a distinctive sandy strip framed by burnt orange and light-coloured rock
Mikri Vigla Beach
1. Beach Type and Experience Mikri Vigla Beach is one of the most distinctive beaches in the Cyclades, famous for its unique geographical layout that creates two entirely different experiences in one location. The beach consists of two sections separated by a sandy hill and rocky cape, each catering to completely different types of visitors
Orkos Beach
Often overlooked in favour of the busier alternatives, Orkos represents a sweet spot between accessibility and seclusion. Located between Plaka and Mikri Vigla, Orkos is actually a series of small sandy coves framed by natural rock formations. Beach Type and Experience Orkos Beach is a remote and quiet sandy beach that rarely becomes crowded, even
Agios Prokopios Beach
Beach Type & Experience Agios Prokopios Beach stands as the most popular and beloved beach on Naxos Island, and for good reason. Located just three and a half kilometres from Naxos Town along the southwestern coastline, this stunning beach stretches for approximately one kilometre in length and boasts an impressively wide sandy expanse that feels
Planning Your Beach Days on Naxos
The west coast beach strip from Agios Georgios to Pyrgaki is where most people spend their time, and buses run the route frequently during summer. You can also rent a car and drive the coast road, stopping at whichever beach catches your eye. The south and east coast beaches, including Panormos and Alyko, need a car or the Naxos taxi service to reach.
The Naxos map shows all beach locations, and the Naxos photography guide covers the best times and angles for capturing the coastline. Between beach days, the mountain villages of Chalki, Apeiranthos, and Koronos are well worth a half day trip, and the getting around Naxos page covers every transport option. For the full picture, see our main Naxos island guide.
