Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and has plenty of fantastic beaches and coastlines for families to enjoy. Although there are beaches around the entire Greek island, the best beaches in Naxos can be found on the west coast. These tend to have picturesque sand and beautiful views, especially the further you get away from Chora, the capital town of Naxos island.
You’ll be surprised that many Naxos beaches are not typical Greek pebble beaches but golden sand beaches (with crystal clear blue water). Naxos is also fantastic for watersports like kitesurfing and windsurfing, as conditions are often windy.
Where to Stay in Naxos
Staying near Naxos Town will provide a great base for exploring the best beaches in Naxos! There is plenty to do around Chora in the evening, after you get done at the beach and need a fantastic place to eat. A few places we recommend are:
The Best Beaches in Naxos
1. Panormos Beach
Thought by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches on Naxos, this mostly sandy beach is lined with palm trees and has incredibly clear water. You won’t find sunbeds or other amenities, except a small canteen offering light snacks and beverages.Ā
Come here for some solitude, as it’s often said to be the quietest beach in Naxos. That’s because PŠ°nprmĪæs is a sŠµcluded beach on thŠµ sŠ¾uth ŃĪ抰st of Naxos and is one of the last places you can drive to. So if you’re driving from the port of Naxos it will take quite a bit of time to reach Panormos.
Bring sunscreen, as there are just a few trees to assist with shade. However, the cove is a fantastic treat!
2. Agios Georgios Beach
One of the best things to do in Greece is sunbathe on Agios Georgios Beach. Also known as St. George Beach, this sandy stretch is strategically located within walking distance of Naxos Town. It’s also the best beach to visit if you’re traveling with children due to its calm, shallow waters. A water sports center is located at this beach.
3. Agios Prokopios Beach
This beautiful beach is known for its clear, calm water resulting from its protected position that shelters it from the wind. Enjoy a vibrant restaurant and beach club scene on the southeastern end of the beach and a more quiet atmosphere at the other end.
4. Agia Anna Beach
The best thing about this sandy, protected beach is you have the choice to enjoy the calm waters on one end of the beach or ride the waves on the other end. Enjoy access to a number of beach clubs and tavernas that line the shore.
5. Pyrgaki Beach
If you’re looking to relax on a white sand beach in a remote location with no crowds and no beach clubs nearby, Pyrgaki Beach is a great choice. The south end of the beach has shallow, calm waters that are great for swimming.
6. Kastraki Beach
Golden sand and a large beach area that never feels crowded even in peak season. What more could you ask for? Well, how about a west-facing beach where you can watch spectacular sunsets and easily access nearby restaurants?
If you want to go somewhere even more remote, head to the south end of this beach where you’ll enjoy a virtually untouched landscape with large dunes and ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
Grotta Beach
Located near Chora, the main town this is a small bay with plenty of pebbles and a little bit of sand. You get some different views of Portara from here as well as some other ancient remains.
It’s location means it’s quite windy. Sometimes this beach is rough with conditions only suitable for beachcombing and sunbathing, but when it’s calm, the swimming and snorkeling are great! The views and sunsets are great too.
If you’re staying in Naxos without a car, you can easily walk to this beach from Chora.
Agiassas Beach
Agiassas Beach is best for those with a car or transport to reach this beach. This beach isn’t full of organized amenities but there’s plenty of space to find a comfortable spot where you can enjoy the sand and shallow waters that are suitable for swimming. A tavern offering snacks and beverages is nearby with a fantastic sea view.
Mikri Vigla Beach
This beach has varying water conditions depending on which end you go to. The main area isn’t very protected from the wind and sees a lot of wave activity suitable for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The southern area of the beach is more suitable for swimming due to the shallow and calmer water. Lining this beautiful white sand beach is a collection of tavernas.
10. Kalantos Beach
This gorgeous sandy beach is a little more remote than some of the more popular ones but that’s what makes it great for visitors who want to escape the crowds and commercialism.
This is one of the best beaches in Naxos that is protected from windy conditions. A wetland here has drawn in many interesting birds to spot.
11. Alyko Beach
In order to access this small, protected beach, you’ll need to walk a fair distance, but the effort is worth it! There are no umbrellas, chairs, or eateries on site, but you’ll enjoy fantastic views.
12. Plaka Beach
If you can only go to one beach during your visit to Naxos, make it Plaka. It’s the best beach in the area and possibly the best beach in all of Greece! Best of all? It’s close to Chora and easy to get to!
Enjoy golden sand for 2.5 miles. You’ll find many eateries and beach clubs at one end while the other is quiet and free of crowds and facilities.
The Best Beaches in Naxos Map
The Best Things to do in Naxos
Of course you can’t spend all your time at these Naxos beaches, there are plenty of other things to do on Naxos!
- Eat Naxian food at Giannis Tavern in Chalkio
- Explore Portara, a beautiful landmark over the whole island
- Hike To The Top Of Mount Zas
16 Amazing Things to do in Naxos Island!
The Best Restaurants in Naxos
- Arolithos Restaurant: Traditional Greek restaurant in Melanes with rave reviews. Try the tzatziki!
- Irini’s Restaurant: Greek family restaurant with delicious Greek food, friendly staff and nice atmosphere in Hora.
- BOULAMATSISL: Can’t go wrong with this restaurant in Chora. Head here for sunset and sit outside for the most amazing views.
What to Pack for Greece?
We have an entire packing list for traveling around the Cyclades and the best of the Greek Islands. But in general you will need a bathing suit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and flip flops! Read the rest here!
READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best Naxos beaches! Here are a few relevant articles for more travel around Greece!
- The Best Beaches on Corfu
- The Best Things to do in Corfu
- The Best Things to do in Milos
- The Best Things to do in Santorini
- The Best Things to do in Rhodes
- The Best Things to do in Paros
- The Best Things to do in Mykonos
Greek Travel Planning Resources
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”
- Currency: Euro – (EUR) – ā¬
- Visa:Ā Schengen visa. Which is 90 days in the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival for free. Check with your embassy to see if that is you.
- Weather:Ā TheĀ weather in GreeceĀ is a Mediterranean climate. This means winters areĀ mild and rainy, while summers are warm and dry with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
- What to Pack:Ā Warm weather clothes and a swimsuit, don’t forget a good pair of clothes to go and a jacket for cool nights. Read about what to wear in Greece.
- Budget: If you’re in the initial stages of planning, check out our awesome post that breaks down how much a trip to Greece costs.
- Rent a Car: We suggest most visitors consider renting a car for the best trip possible. Try Discover Cars to compare quotes from different rental agencies. Check Price Here!
- Protect Your Trip:Ā Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance! We always carry travel insurance to protect us from injury, theft, or a canceled trip. We use HeyMondo for our insurance needs.
- Tours in Greece: Check out our list of the best tours you can enjoy in Greece!
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
