The Best Beaches You Need To Visit When In Naxos

Naxos is 440 square km, the largest island in the Cyclades. This will please you if you’re a beach lover because there’s plenty of coastline to explore!

The Western side of the island is well known for its incredible beaches. Like many of the Greek islands the beaches are characterised by long stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, but Naxos has an extra element of adventure. Because conditions can often be windy, it makes the island the perfect spot for watersports such as kitesurfing or windsurfing.

But if this isn’t your thing, not to worry! There are still many secluded spots that provide some shelter and an escape from the crowds. If you’re an explorer, you might also like to head a bit further out to the less visited eastern side of the island.

Explorer or not, if you’re visiting Naxos these are some of the best beaches on the island that deserve some consideration!

☞ Related: 7 Greek Beaches You Definitely Need To Put On Your Bucket List

Agios Georgios

There is no shortage of things to do in Naxos but no doubt the beach will be one of the first things on your list and Agios Georgios is one of the most popular beaches (and probably the best beach) in Naxos.

At the northern end of the beach you’ll find the chapel of Saint George after which this beach is named.

This is the closest beach to the capital of Naxos (Chora) which makes it the perfect place for an easy afternoon swim. The beach is characterised by its shallow water, fine, soft golden sand, accessibility and plenty of available amenities. All these factors make it the perfect beach for families or those who don’t wish to travel far.

This organised beach has umbrellas for rent, cafes and restaurants to quench your thirst under the hot Greek sun and water sports facilities should you like to try wind or kitesurfing.

• Click here for directions
• Organised beach
• Just a short walk from Chora

☞ Related: If you like this guide check out our guide to the beaches in Santorini

Agios Prokopios

Agios Prokopios is another one of the best beaches in Naxos. Just south of Agios Georgios this is a well organised and popular beach. On this 1 km stretch there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and tavernas to choose from and the beach is easily accessible being only 5 km out of Chora. It is also a great beach for water sports.

• Click here for directions
• Organised beach
• 5 km from Chora

Agia Anna

Close to Agios Prokopios, Agios Anna lies at the southern end and continues on from this popular beach. They’re just a short distance apart if you’d like to see two of the best beaches in Naxos in one go!

Agia Anna beach has a quaint little port used mainly by the local fishermen, making it an incredibly picturesque spot. The great thing about the port is that it offers a sheltered spot to swim, as further up the beach there are no shortage of waves when the coast is exposed to high winds.

There are also plenty of tavernas, cafes and restaurants so you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere to sit seaside. A busy little spot Agia Anna is easily accessible by car and a regular bus service during summer months.

• Click here for directions
• Organised beach
• 6 km from Chora

Plaka Beach

Plaka beach is the longest beach in Naxos and another of the best beaches on the island. This wide and spacious 4 km stretch of beach is a favourite for travelers as in peak season it offers a slightly quieter alternative to Agios Georgios and Agios Prokopios.

Many parts of the beach are organised, but you will also find parts that are not. So depending on what you prefer you will be able to find a spot to yourself.

• Click here for directions
• Organised beach
• 7.5 km from Chora

Mikri Vigla

This is one of the best beaches in Naxos for water sports. With a few great places nearby for hiring gear and even taking a lesson or two if you are game. Asides from this it is another great organised place to set up for the day, even if you are just a spectator! Mikri Vigla also has many tavernas restaurants and cafes, some with great seaside views.

Swimmers, if you are looking for some shelter the rock formations at the end of the beach provide a little protection, but its certainly the perfect windsurfing spot for a reason! On a particularly windy day you may want to try somewhere more sheltered!

• Click here for directions
• Organised beach
• 17 km from Chora

Aliko Beach

Aliko is one of the best beaches in Naxos for nature lovers and those that prefer to escape the crowds. While still very popular in peak season, it is another alternative to the busy beaches that lie closer to the centre.

The cedar forest, declared a protected area, makes for a unique and picturesque setting to explore. This beach is not organised so bring your own umbrella if you’d like some shelter from the sun.

• Click here for directions
• Unorganised beach
• 18 km from Chora

☞ Related: What is the Ideal Greek Island For You According To Your Type Of Vacation

Panormos Beach

Located on the south eastern side of the island and a 55 km drive from Chora, this beach is a treasure that lies off the beaten track. As Panormos beach is a bit further out, the journey might be reserved for those who have hired a car, but the location means it is more secluded than the other beaches.

To get here, take a scenic drive through the centre of Naxos where you’ll get to see some of the idyllic villages of the island, such as Filoti, which is nestled in the foothills of Mount Zeus. To get to Panormos the drive will take you about an hour and a half but allows you to see a large portion of the island including its eastern coast.

This is one of the best beaches in Naxos due to its secluded location, sheltered cove and crystal-clear waters. While this is an unorganized beach but the palm trees that line the shore can offer you some shade. There is also a small beach store where you can get supplies.

• Click here for directions
• Unorganised beach
• 55 km from Chora

☞ Related: The Most Enchanting Villages in Mainland Greece You Need To Visit

• Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and has some of the best beaches for families and explorers. Where will you go first?