Naxos beaches: The 11 most beautiful swimming spots

The largest island of the Cyclades is not stingy with 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 colorful pebbles, everything is there.”

The great advantage of the island of Naxos is that it is not yet so crowded (except for the summer months), so that everyone can always find a quiet place to swim on the 150 km long coast. Provided you have a rental car, because the paths on the island are not to be underestimated.

In this article, we will take you on a beach hopping from north to south, as well as west to east and introduce you to the most beautiful beaches on Naxos also present our favourite bathing spots:

Naxos beaches in the west

In the west there are many good bathing opportunities, but around Naxos Town (Chora) they are very limited. The Grotta Beach not far from the Portara of Naxos is at best suitable for sunbathing, large pebbles make it difficult to get in, there are also high waves and a lot of flotsam is washed ashore. When there is no wind, however, you can snorkel well here.

On the Agios Georgios Beach, about 500 m south of the city, it looks better, here you can swim well. However, it is a typical city beach, in the background stretches the sea of houses of the new town of Naxos-Chora and numerous parasol rental companies have paved over the beach. The local Restaurant Nissaki is one of the best on the island.

On the other hand, it is much more relaxed on the 2 km south Laguna Beach to. 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 walk. There is no operator and the wind sometimes blows very strong here, which windsurfers appreciate.

There are also still bathing areas north of the capital, but almost all of them are unmanaged. Due to their orientation, they are exposed to the strong north winds (Meltemi), which leads to high waves. If you don’t mind that, the sandy beach Amitis Beach and the pebble beaches near Mikra, Kampos and Avraam recommended.

#1 Agios Prokopios Beach

Agios Prokopios Beach is located about 6 km (about 12 minutes by car) south of Chora and is one of the most popular beaches of Naxos. Although there are numerous hotels and apartment complexes around the bay, the beach is never crowded due to its vastness. Takes care of the sweet tooth Mr. Donut, who sells delicious doughnuts on the beach.

A good dozen bars and beach restaurants provide for the physical well-being and also rent out inexpensive deck chairs (from 15 € p.p.). The northwestern section is quietest near the eponymous chapel of Agios Prokopios. Behind the beach are three large salt lakes, which shimmer pink at times.

→ Hotel tips at Agios Prokopios Beach (links to Booking.com*):

• Avali Deluxe Suites*
• Lianos Village*

#2 Agia Anna Beach

Only a few kilometres to the south, the Agia Anna Beach is one of the most beautiful Naxos beaches ever. The northern section with its golden sand is very touristy, parasol after parasol is lined up here and many gastronomic facilities (tip: Cactus Cafe Bar) invite you to linger.

It is much quieter below the pier, where in addition to fishing trips also excursions to the islands of Paros and Koufounisi are offered. The round bay is natural, turquoise blue sea meets powdery white sandy beach. On the western cape stands the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, below which are hidden bays and the famous Agia Anna Hai.

→ Hotel tips at Agia Anna Beach (links to Booking.com*):

• Villa stou Chiou*
• Iria Beach Art Hotel*

#3 Plaka Beach

With a length of over 4 km, Plaka Beach is one of the longest Naxos beaches. It is divided into several sections from north to south, including Kedros, Maragkas, and Plaka. If you haven’t found a quiet place to swim yet, you’re sure to find it here, because even in midsummer large parts are 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 partly free of charge when consumed. Personally, we liked the southern part of Plaka beach best, where some tamarisk trees also provide shade. So you can relax here wonderfully and enjoy the view of the neighboring island Paros.

→ Hotel tips at Plaka Beach (links to Booking.com*):

• Dream on Plaka*
• Glaronissi Beach Hotel*

#4 Orkos Beach & Mikri Vigla

On the gravel road in a southerly direction, you will reach the holiday settlement of Mikri Vigla at the foot of a striking rocky cape. Below the road there are some small hidden coves that we like to remember. North of Mikri Vigla is the Orkos Beach, which is considered a Mecca for kitesurfers. Here the wind whistles mercilessly, nothing for sunbathing.

South of the cape is the Mikri Vigla Beach, a real dream beach of the Cyclades and our favorite beach on Naxos. The entrance to the crystal clear sea is shallow, the hilly cape keeps the north winds out and so the grey sandy beach is ideal for families. The scenery with the large granite rocks is simply impressive and at the latest now the Naxos fever has gripped you.

→ Hotel tips around Mikri Vigla (Links to Booking.com*):

• Seanfinity Beachfront Suites*
• Ydreos Studios & Apartments*

#5 Kastraki & Glyfada Beach

Kastraki Beach connects seamlessly to Mikri Vigla and goes below the Paradise Kastraki Tavern to Glyfada Beach. On just under 4 km, Naxos shows its original side. The sand dunes reach far into the hinterland, only around the settlement of Kastraki there are holiday resorts, the rest of the beach is undeveloped.

Naxos beaches in the south

#6 Hawaii Beach (Alyko)

From the tavern Faros tou Alykou Cape Alyko begins, where some beach gems await. Alyko is characterized by a dense juniper forest, which is unique in this extent on the Greek islands. Thanks to nature conservation, there is a lot of water around the cape in addition to the Alyko Beach even more beautiful beaches that have been spared from the construction boom.

Particularly noteworthy here is the Hawaii Beach to the west, which is surrounded by a wild sandstone cliff. There is no operator on site, the atmosphere is wildly romantic. After splashing around in the sea, you can explore the abandoned hotel ruins from the 1970s, where graffiti artists let off steam on the crumbling concrete.

#7 Pyrgaki Beach

Just a few meters east of Alyko is the Pyrgaki Beach, a dune-like, wild sandy beach with some pebble sections. Two simple taverns provide for the physical well-being (tip: Kedros Souvlaki Grill Bar). At the end of the beach there is a huge sand dune called Psili Ammos, where umbrellas are also rented, but few holidaymakers get lost there.

→ Hotel tips around Pyrgaki (links to Booking.com*):

• Finikas Hotel*
• Villa Faros Hotel*

Naxos beaches in the east

#8 Moutsouna Beach

A wide mountain range with the mighty mountain Zas (1,001 m) divides Naxos into two halves. Tourist life takes place in the west, while the east is characterized by peace and solitude. On weekends, some Naxiots are drawn here to relax. If you are on holiday here, you think you are on another island, some Naxos Beach insider tips waiting for explorers.

The largest town in the region is Moutsouna, which has a long mining history. At the old harbour there are still the rusty witnesses of this time. The beige sand of the Moutsouna Beach invites you to relax. A handful of taverns and cafes (tip: Skala Cafe Bar) provide for the hungry bathers.

→ Hotel tips around Moutsouna (links to Booking.com*):

• Ostria Inn*
• Agerino Studios*

#9 Psili Ammos

From Moutsouna a coastal road leads south in about 25 minutes. Along the road there are always lonely bays, not a few of which are deserted even in summer. The most famous bathing spot is the Psili Ammos Beach south of the settlement of Kanaki. Here you will find a wide, natural sandy beach, which is lined with some juniper and tamarisk trees.

#10 Klido Bay

We found more beautiful bathing spots a little further south of Psili Ammos in the hamlet Klido. Several bays with grey sandy beaches invite you to cool off in the deep blue Aegean Sea. There is no operator here, get a parasol from your host, take a few cool drinks with you and let your mind wander undisturbed.

#11 Panormos

At the last place in Naxos, there is an “end of the world” atmosphere. Even the journey is an experience! If you make it to Panormos, which is located 1.5 hours from Naxos Town, you will be rewarded with an enchanting backdrop.

The Panormos Beach Bar and the Mitatos Tavern pamper individualists under palm trees with cool drinks and delicious food. Undoubtedly, the Panormos Beach (also called Panermos) is one of the most beautiful Naxos beaches.

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. In addition, from Naxos Town you can day Trips to the Small Cyclades Islands that 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 You can get here: Cyclades Islands Overview

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