Looking for the best beaches in Naxos for a relaxing holiday? You are in the right place!
Naxos is one of the most beautiful Greek islands located in the Cyclades archipelago. It is the largest island of the group and has a diverse landscape with something to offer everyone.
From stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to mountains and archaeological sites, Naxos is a true gem.
If you’re looking for vivid turquoise waters, endless golden sands, and seaview tavernas, you are in luck as you can find all of that and more on the island.
Keep reading to discover the 12 best beaches in Naxos, Greece!
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Tips for Visiting the Beaches in Naxos
Before we take a look at the best Naxos beaches, here are a couple of things you should know:
- The best time to visit the beaches in Naxos is between June and September. This is when temperatures are at their hottest, and the water temperature will still be pretty warm too. You can visit during the shoulder season for a quieter experience (April, May, and October) but the temperatures will be much cooler.
- Naxos has a public transport system that runs to the most popular beaches on the island. However, if you’re looking to visit some of the more secluded beaches in Naxos, then it’s best to hire a car, scooter, or ATV to get around.
- Many of the beaches on this island will have beachfront tavernas where you can grab a refreshing drink or a bite to eat. However, the more secluded beaches in Naxos won’t have facilities, so make sure you always carry water and snacks with you.
- Sunscreen is another must if you’re relaxing on the beaches in Naxos. If you don’t manage to secure an umbrella, then you won’t find much shade (if any) at some of the beaches in this guide.
- Naxos has plenty of family-friendly beaches on offer, but there are some more suitable than others. Many of the more isolated beaches in Naxos won’t have restrooms or tavernas/restaurants, which isn’t ideal if you’re traveling with small children.
Now that you know what to expect, let’s take a look at some of the best beaches in Naxos!
Best Beaches in Naxos You Can’t Miss
1. Agios Georgios Beach
Highlights: Calm waters, sandy beach, lots of facilities
How to get there: You can easily walk from Naxos town (Chora)
Best time to visit: Early in the morning as this beach gets super busy
Facilities: Tavernas, beach clubs, bars, watersports
Agios Georgios Beach is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in Naxos.
It’s also just a 10-minute walk from the town center, so is close to plenty of facilities and is easily accessible. This makes it one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island, so is perfect if you have little ones.
Not only that, but Agios Georgios has a sandy shelf that extends out into the sea. This means the water is incredibly shallow in some places, which is great for swimming.
The waters are also calm, and the beach is sheltered from the north winds during the summer too, so you won’t have to worry about the waves getting too choppy.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, then you can try your hand at the water sports available here, including windsurfing, jet skis, and the banana boat.
With so much to offer – Agios Georgios has to be one of the best beaches in Naxos! However, it’s one of the most popular beaches on the island so it can get very crowded – especially during the summer months so make sure you plan accordingly.
2. Agios Prokopios Beach
Highlights: Crystal clear waters, golden sands, watersports
How to get there: Public buses run regularly from Naxos town (Chora) or you can hire a car, scooter, or ATV
Best time to visit: Early morning if you’re looking to grab a sun lounger for the day
Facilities: Beach bars, tavernas, restaurants, watersports
If you’re looking for the top beaches in Naxos, then don’t miss out on Agios Prokopios Beach! It’s one of the most popular beaches on the island and has been certified as Blue Flag Status several times.
With golden sands around 1.5 km (0.9 miles) long, crystal clear waters, and a sheltered location, it’s no wonder this beach is so frequented.
Agios Prokopios is also protected from the island’s strong winds and is home to plenty of watersport activities.
Not only that, but you’ll find lots of beachfront facilities by the shore, and in the village just behind.
If you’ve had enough of relaxing on the beach, then you can head to the western end of the beach where you’ll find a scenic chapel that’s dedicated to Agios Prokopios.
Salt lakes are also found here which are a distinctive pink color and attract plenty of birds and wildlife.
If you want to stay close to the beach during your holiday, Agios Prokopios is also one of the best places to stay in Naxos, especially for families.
3. Agia Anna Beach
Highlights: Turquoise waters, golden sands, snorkeling
How to get there: Public buses run regularly from Naxos Town (Chora) during the summer months, or you can hire your own vehicle
Best time to visit: One of the quieter beaches in Naxos, so you won’t have to get here super early. However, it does start to fill up from midday.
Facilities: Beach clubs, tavernas, restaurants, fishing port
Agia Anna Beach is just an 18-minute walk from Agios Prokopios so you can visit both on the same day! Although not as popular as its neighbor, Agia Anna has so much to offer.
With vivid turquoise waters, golden sands, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea, this beach is a must-visit during your trip to Naxos.
The waters are also shallow and clear, making it a great spot for snorkeling and swimming (especially for children). However, just watch out for the waves at the Northern end of Agia Anna as the waves occasionally get a bit choppy.
You’ll also find plenty of beach clubs and tavernas at Agia Anna if you’re looking to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
With plenty of facilities and shallow waters, this has to be one of the most family-friendly beaches in Naxos.
4. Grotta Beach
Highlights: Snorkeling, the sunken city, views
How to get there: You can just walk from Naxos town
Best time to visit: Grotta Beach is one of the quietest beaches in Naxos so any time of day
Facilities: There are no facilities
Grotta Beach is just a 12-minute walk from Naxos town and is one of the least popular beaches in Naxos.
You won’t find sandy shores here, instead, the beach is covered in large pebbles so it isn’t a popular spot for sunbathing. Many people also choose not to swim here as it’s very rocky, and during the summer months is affected by strong winds.
However, if it’s a calm day and you’re a fan of snorkeling you need to visit this place! This is where the ancient Mycenaean city of Naxos once stood and some of its ruins can still be found underneath the waves.
The city sank because of an earthquake and although the artifacts have been moved to the museum, you can still see ancient columns, and houses.
Just be mindful of where you place your feet if you head out to snorkel as sea urchins can be found sheltering in the rocks during the summer.
If you do decide to visit Grotta Beach then take some time to admire the stunning views of Portara and the Aegean Sea.
5. Plaka Beach
Highlights: Endless golden sands, crystal clear waters, watersports
How to get there: Public buses run regularly to Plaka Beach or you can hire a car, scooter, or ATV
Best time to visit: Plaka Beach gets pretty busy so I’d recommend heading there early to grab a good spot
Facilities: Beach clubs, restaurants, shops, tavernas, watersports
If you’re looking for the best beaches on Naxos, then you can’t leave without visiting Plaka Beach. It’s been listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and with its endless golden sands and turquoise waters – it’s no surprise why!
The golden sands at Plaka Beach stretch out for 4 km (2.5 miles), and the waters are crystal clear which makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Although a large section of this beach is unorganized, it’s still one of the most developed beaches in Naxos with plenty of tourist facilities.
Behind the sand dunes, there is an array of mini-markets, shops, and cafes so you won’t have any problem buying essentials.
You’ll also find plenty of watersport opportunities along Plaka Beach and a variety of restaurants serving delicious Greek cuisine.
With its breathtaking scenery, turquoise waters, and long stretches of golden sands – this has to be one of the best Naxos beaches!
6. Mikri Vigla Beach
Highlights: Turquoise waters, scenic views, watersports
How to get there: Public buses run to Mikri Vigla Beach regularly or you can hire your own vehicle
Best time to visit: One of the quieter beaches in Naxos, so you can visit during any time of day
Facilities: Tavernas and watersports.
Mikri Vigla is split up into two beaches; the Northern beach and the Southern beach (also called Sahara or Limanakia). With turquoise waters, golden sands, and beautiful scenery, you’ll have a fantastic time no matter which one you visit.
The Northern part of Mikri Vigla is most popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing as the Cyclades North winds (Meltemi) frequent here.
There are two clubs here that rent equipment and you even take a course if you’re looking to spend the full day at this beach.
If you’re not interested in watersports, then head to the Southern beach. It’s incredibly family-friendly with shallow waters, a sheltered location, and a taverna where you can grab a drink or something to eat.
Mikri Vigla is also great for snorkeling as the water is crystal clear, so don’t forget your snorkeling gear and your GoPro!
As this is one of the more isolated beaches in Naxos, it’s not as popular as the likes of Agios Prokopios beach. So, if you’re looking for a quieter experience this may be the spot for you!
7. Glyfada Beach
Highlights: Secluded location, quiet, swimming
How to get there: The best way to reach Glyfada beach is to hire a car, scooter, or ATV. You can also catch the bus to Alyko, and walk from there.
Best time to visit: Doesn’t get crowded like other beaches in Naxos so it doesn’t matter what time of day you visit.
Facilities: Tavernas
Glyfada Beach is one of the top beaches in Naxos as it’s quiet, beautiful, and isolated. There’s no public bus that runs here, but you can catch the bus to Alyko, and from there it’s just a 20-minute walk.
Glyfada is one of the longest beaches on the island, but it never gets crowded like Alyko and Agios Prokopios. This is great if you’re looking for a quiet day of sunbathing, as there isn’t a lot going on here.
Surrounded by sand dunes and large cedar trees, the beach’s location is beautiful and you’ll get stunning views of the entire bay.
There’s a taverna here so you can grab a bite to eat, but you won’t find any sun loungers or umbrellas here so make sure you bring your own.
For the best experience, I’d recommend heading there on a calm, clear day as Glyfada can get pretty windy!
8. Alyko Beach
Highlights: Turquoise waters, pristine sands, snorkeling
How to get there: There are no public buses that stop directly at the beach, but you can get off at Alyko and walk from there
Best time to visit: Alyko doesn’t have the popularity of other beaches in Naxos, so you can visit anytime
Facilities: There are no beachfront facilities, but you’ll find tavernas just a 10-minute walk away.
Alyko Beach has to be one of the best beaches in Naxos with its pristine sands, turquoise waters, and snorkeling opportunities.
Surrounded by one of the largest cedar forests in Greece, the scenery is stunning here and it’s a protected area.
Not only is Alyko beach one of the largest beaches in Naxos but it’s also not crowded with tourists, so you won’t have to race to find the perfect sunbathing spot here!
Located within a small cove, this spot is generally sheltered from the winds. However, with no local facilities, it’s not the most family-friendly beach on the island.
You’ll need to walk around 10-minutes to find the nearest taverna and restroom, which isn’t ideal if you’re traveling with small children.
However, if you’re not bothered about the lack of facilities it’s the perfect place to relax, spend a couple of hours sunbathing, swimming, and of course, snorkeling!
You can also check out the artworks at the hotel ruins nearby which is one of the most unique places on the island.
9. Hawaii Beach
Highlights: Quiet, beautiful scenery, crystal clear waters
How to get there: There are no public buses that stop directly at the beach, but you can get off at Alyko and walk from there.
Best time to visit: Quieter than other beaches in Naxos, but can get busy in the afternoon. I’d recommend heading there early/late morning.
Facilities: There are no facilities here
Hawaii Beach is just a 5-minute walk from Alyko beach, so you can visit both at the same time. The beach is also close to Glyfada Beach and Kastraki beach, so there are plenty of other spots to see after you’ve visited here!
Hawaii Beach is one of the longest beaches in the area, so you’ll have plenty of room to relax, sunbathe, and wander along the shore.
With crystal clear waters, it’s also perfect for snorkeling and swimming so there’s something for everyone.
The best snorkeling spot is found at the Northern end of the beach, but it can get windy here so just be cautious and check the wave conditions first.
This is another unorganized beach on the island, so you won’t find any facilities here. However, you can take a walk to the nearby Pyrgaki beach where you’ll find several tavernas and restaurants.
10. Apollonas Beach
Highlights: Remote location, sandy beach, great views
How to get there: Public buses run to Apollonas (or Apollon as it’s sometimes known) but they are infrequent. The best way to get there is by car, scooter, or ATV.
Best time to visit: Apollonas Beach doesn’t get very busy, so you can visit any time
Facilities: Tavernas
Apollonas Beach is one of the best beaches on Naxos if you’re looking to escape the crowds and relax. It’s one of the most isolated beaches on the island so is perfect if you want a quiet day sunbathing in a remote location.
There are a couple of tavernas found here that serve drinks and food and you can also visit Apollonas Kouros, which is an unfinished life-sized marble statue.
Not only that, but Apollonas Beach offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the waters are a beautiful turquoise color.
However, if you’re looking to swim I’d recommend checking the weather forecast and the wave conditions first. Due to its location, Apollonas Beach can often be battered by the Northern winds which don’t make for great swimming conditions.
Because of this, it’s important to exercise caution if you’re heading here as a family and are looking to let the children play in the water.
11. Amitis Beach
Highlights: Quiet, isolated location, scenic views
How to get there: No public buses run to Amitis Beach so you’ll have to hire a vehicle or taxi
Best time to visit: This beach doesn’t get frequented very often so it won’t matter what time of day you visit
Facilities: No beachfront facilities
Amitis Beach is one of the best beaches on Naxos if you’re looking for somewhere that you can have all to yourself.
It’s one of the most remote beaches on the island, so there are no facilities here. However, you’ll find several tavernas in the nearby villages of Eggares and Galini.
The sandy beach stretches for over 700 m and you won’t find any crowds here (you often won’t find anyone here even) so there’s plenty of space to relax.
One thing to note about this beach is that unfortunately debris does wash up on the beach from time to time, so it’s not always the cleanest! This is such a shame because the views are incredible, and the waters are crystal clear.
You’ll also want to visit on a calm day, as the waves can get pretty rough here due to the Northern winds. This doesn’t make for good swimming conditions so check the weather forecast before you head here!
12. Avraam Beach
Highlights: Secluded location, scenic views, crystal clear waters
How to get there: No public transport runs to Avraam Beach so you’ll need your own transport to get here
Best time to visit: This is one of the quietest beaches in Naxos, so it doesn’t matter what time you visit.
Facilities: There are no facilities here
If you’re looking for the best secluded beaches in Naxos, make sure to put Avraam Beach on your list. You’ll need to have your own set of wheels to get there but once you get to the beach, you’ll be blown away!
The water is a vivid turquoise color and is crystal clear making it perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Not only that but the beach is surrounded by trees so you’ll have plenty of shade if you need it.
However, one of the highlights of this place has to be the views! On a clear day, you’ll get panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and you’ll be able to spot the islands of Mykonos and Paros in the distance.
You won’t find any tourist facilities at Avraam Beach or nearby. The closest amenities are found in Apollonas which is a 30-minute drive away.
This isn’t ideal for families so if you’re traveling with little ones, I’d recommend heading to one of the other beaches in Naxos.
Map of the Top Beaches in Naxos
Below you can find a customized map that includes all the best beaches in Naxos mentioned in this article.
If you open up this post on your phone and you click on the bracket in the upper right corner of the map, it will open up in your Google Maps app so you can always have it with you. Super convenient, right?
Planning a trip to Naxos?
Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Naxos. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!
- The Ultimate Naxos Travel Guide for First Timers
- Where to Stay in Naxos: 6 Best Areas & Hotels
- 14 Best Luxury Hotels in Naxos for an Unforgettable Stay
- 23 Amazing Things to Do in Naxos You Can’t Miss
- 12 Best Beaches in Naxos, Greece You Can’t Miss
- 11 Best Restaurants in Naxos Town You Have to Try
Other Amazing Destinations in Greece: Athens | Santorini | Mykonos | Milos | Paros
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