The largest island of the Cyclades is not short on natural treasures — from the mountains to the sea, many surprises await you. Like many other holidaymakers, we quickly succumbed to the so-called “Naxos fever”. The dreamlike Naxos beaches contributed a large part to this.
“For us personally, Naxos has the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades. From golden sand to colourful pebbles, everything is here.”
The great advantage of Naxos is that it is not yet overly crowded (except during the summer months), so there is always a quiet spot to be found along its 150 km coastline. That said, a rental car is recommended, as the roads on the island are not to be underestimated.
In this article, we will take you on a beach-hopping journey from north to south and west to east, introducing you to the most beautiful beaches on Naxos and sharing our favourite bathing spots:
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
Naxos beaches in the west
In the west there are plenty of good swimming spots, though around Naxos Town (Chora) options are quite limited. Grotta Beach, not far from the Portara of Naxos, is at best suitable for sunbathing — large pebbles make it difficult to enter the water, the waves can be strong, and a lot of flotsam washes ashore. When there is no wind, however, it can be a good spot for snorkelling.
At Agios Georgios Beach, about 500 m south of the city, things look better — the swimming here is good. However, it is a typical city beach, with the sea of houses of Naxos-Chora’s new town stretching out in the background, and numerous parasol rental companies have taken over much of the beach. The local Restaurant Nissaki is one of the best on the island.
Things are much more relaxed at Laguna Beach, 2 km further south. As the name suggests, a reef forms a lagoon landscape here, the entrance to the sea is shallow, and the fine grey sandy beach invites you to take a leisurely walk. There are no operators on site, and the wind can blow very strongly here at times, which windsurfers tend to appreciate.
To find out everything there is to discover on Naxos Island, check out: Naxos Highlights
There are also bathing areas north of the capital, but almost all of them are unmanaged. Due to their orientation, they are exposed to strong north winds (Meltemi), which can produce high waves. If that doesn’t bother you, the sandy Amitis Beach and the pebble beaches near Mikra, Kampos and Avraam are well worth a visit.
#1 Agios Prokopios Beach
Agios Prokopios Beach is located about 6 km (roughly 12 minutes by car) south of Chora and is one of the most popular beaches on Naxos. Although there are numerous hotels and apartment complexes around the bay, the beach never feels crowded thanks to its sheer size. Those with a sweet tooth are well catered for by Mr. Donut, who sells delicious doughnuts right on the beach.
A good dozen bars and beach restaurants cater to your physical well-being and also rent out inexpensive deck chairs (from €15 p.p.). The northwestern section, near the eponymous chapel of Agios Prokopios, is the quietest. Behind the beach are three large salt lakes, which shimmer pink at times.
→ Hotel tips at Agios Prokopios Beach (links to Booking.com*):
#2 Agia Anna Beach
Just a few kilometres to the south, Agia Anna Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Naxos. The northern section with its golden sand is very touristy — parasol after parasol lines up here, and many places to eat and drink (tip: Cactus Cafe Bar) invite you to linger.
It is much quieter beyond the pier, where in addition to fishing trips, excursions to the islands of Paros and Koufounisi are also offered. The rounded bay is unspoilt, with turquoise blue water meeting a powdery white sandy beach. On the western cape stands the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, below which hidden coves and the famous Agia Anna Hai await.
→ Hotel tips at Agia Anna Beach (links to Booking.com*):
💡 Help with Naxos holiday planning: Not sure where to start or how to go about planning your trip to Naxos? No problem — benefit from our years of experience travelling to Greece and let us help you. We’ll advise you on all your questions and concerns, even via video chat. You can book your consultation here: Travel Advice Greece
#3 Plaka Beach
Nearly 4 km long, Plaka Beach is one of the longest beaches on Naxos. It is divided into several sections from north to south, including Kedros, Maragkas, and Plaka. If you haven’t found a quiet spot to swim yet, you’re sure to find one here — even in midsummer, large stretches remain deserted.
Behind the dunes, a dusty track leads to beach restaurants (tip: Seaside Burger Bar) and holiday resorts. Sun loungers cost from €20 per couple and are sometimes free with a minimum spend. Personally, we loved the southern part of Plaka beach the most, where tamarisk trees provide some welcome shade. It’s a wonderful spot to relax and take in the views of the neighbouring island of Paros.
→ Hotel tips at Plaka Beach (links to Booking.com*):
#4 Orkos Beach & Mikri Vigla
Along the gravel road heading south, you’ll reach the holiday settlement of Mikri Vigla at the foot of a striking rocky cape. Below the road are some small hidden coves that we remember fondly. North of Mikri Vigla is Orkos Beach, which is considered a mecca for kitesurfers. The wind whistles relentlessly here — not ideal for sunbathing.
South of the cape lies Mikri Vigla Beach, a heavenly beach of the Cyclades and our favorite beach on Naxos. The entry into the crystal-clear sea is shallow, and the hilly cape shields the beach from the north winds, making this grey sandy beach perfect for families. The scenery with its large granite rocks is simply stunning, and by now the Naxos fever will have well and truly taken hold of you.
→ Hotel tips around Mikri Vigla (Links to Booking.com*):
#5 Kastraki & Glyfada Beach
Kastraki Beach connects seamlessly to Mikri Vigla and stretches past the Paradise Kastraki Tavern all the way to Glyfada Beach. Along nearly 4 km, Naxos shows its unspoiled side. The sand dunes reach far into the hinterland, and only around the settlement of Kastraki are there holiday resorts — the rest of the beach remains undeveloped.
Naxos beaches in the south
#6 Hawaii Beach (Alyko)
Starting from the tavern Faros tou Alykou, Cape Alyko begins, where some hidden beach gems await. Alyko is characterized by a dense juniper forest, which is unique in its extent among the Greek islands. Thanks to nature conservation, around the cape you’ll find not only Alyko Beach but also even more beautiful beaches that have been spared from the construction boom. The abandoned hotel ruin from the 1970s, with its elaborate graffiti, has since been demolished and no longer stands on this site.
Particularly noteworthy here is the Hawaii Beach to the west, which is surrounded by wild sandstone cliffs. There is no operator on site, giving it a wildly romantic atmosphere.
#7 Pyrgaki Beach
Just a few metres east of Alyko is Pyrgaki Beach, a dune-like, wild sandy beach with some pebbly sections. Two simple tavernas cater to your culinary needs (tip: Kedros Souvlaki Grill Bar). At the end of the beach there is a huge sand dune called Psili Ammos, where umbrellas are also available to rent, though few holidaymakers make it that far.
→ Hotel tips around Pyrgaki (links to Booking.com*):
🗺️ 8 Islands with route maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights
🔍 Valuable planning tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
Naxos beaches in the east
#8 Moutsouna Beach
A wide mountain range with the mighty Mount Zas (1,001 m) divides Naxos into two halves. Tourist life takes place in the west, while the east is characterised by peace and solitude. On weekends, some Naxiots come here to relax. If you are on holiday here, you feel like you are on a different island — some Naxos beach insider tips are waiting for explorers.
The largest town in the region is Moutsouna, which has a long mining history. At the old harbour, rusty remnants of that era can still be found. The beige sand of Moutsouna Beach invites you to relax. A handful of taverns and cafes (tip: Skala Cafe Bar) are there to keep hungry bathers satisfied.
→ Hotel tips around Moutsouna (links to Booking.com*):
#9 Psili Ammos
From Moutsouna, a coastal road leads south — about a 25-minute drive. Along the way you’ll find secluded bays, many of which remain deserted even in summer. The most famous bathing spot is Psili Ammos Beach, south of the settlement of Kanaki. Here you’ll find a wide, natural sandy beach lined with juniper and tamarisk trees.
#10 Klido Bay
We discovered even more beautiful bathing spots a little further south of Psili Ammos, in the hamlet of Klido. Several bays with grey sandy beaches invite you to cool off in the deep blue Aegean Sea. There’s no operator here, so grab a parasol from your host, bring a few cold drinks, and let your mind wander undisturbed.
#11 Panormos
This last spot on Naxos has a true “end of the world” atmosphere — and the journey there is an experience in itself! If you make it to Panormos, located about 1.5 hours from Naxos Town, you’ll be rewarded with an enchanting backdrop.
The Panormos Beach Bar and the Mitatos Tavern pamper free spirits under palm trees with cool drinks and delicious food. Without a doubt, Panormos Beach (also called Panermos) is one of the most beautiful beaches on Naxos.
If you still have time, you should not miss a boat trip along the south coast. Two providers (our recommendation: Gialitissa Boat Trips) set sail several times a day in summer, including to the sea grotto Rhina Cave, which is well worth seeing.
Excursions and tours to Naxos beaches
Discover the beautiful coast of Naxos with its numerous beaches and bays by boat. You can also take day trips to the Small Cyclades Islands from Naxos Town — these islands are considered true pearls of the Aegean. More information is available from our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the tour to Koufonisi incl. BBQ*
➲ To the sailing trip along the west coast*
➲ To the bus tour incl. swimming stops*
➝ More Cyclades travel tips can be found here: Cyclades Islands Overview
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