Naxos beach guide
Where to swim in Naxos
Naxos is famous for its long sandy coastline and clear Aegean water. The island offers a rare mix: easy beaches close to Naxos Town, organized beaches with tavernas and sunbeds, wild sandy stretches for a quiet day, and windy bays that attract windsurfers and kitesurfers from all over Europe.
The best-known beaches are on the west and southwest coast, where the water is usually calm and the sand is soft. Agios Georgios is the most convenient beach if you stay in Naxos Town. Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka are the classic holiday beaches. Further south, Mikri Vigla, Kastraki, Alyko and Pyrgaki feel more open and natural. If you rent a car, the north and east coast beaches, including Abram, Apollonas and Moutsouna, show a completely different side of Naxos.
Quick beach guide
Featured beaches in Naxos
Agios Georgios Beach
Agios Georgios is the main beach of Naxos Town and the easiest choice if you want to swim without taking a bus or renting a vehicle. It starts just south of the town and is lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes and beach facilities.
The water is very shallow for a long distance, which makes Agios Georgios one of the best beaches in Naxos for families with children. It is also useful for first-time visitors because you can combine a swim with a walk in Chora, dinner in town or a visit to the port area.
In summer it can be busy, but its convenience is hard to beat. Water sports are available in the wider bay, and conditions are often suitable for beginners when the wind is not too strong.
Agios Prokopios Beach
Agios Prokopios is one of the most popular and photographed beaches in Naxos. It is known for its clear water, soft sand and easy access from Naxos Town by bus, taxi, car or motorbike. It is a great choice if you want a classic Cycladic beach day with restaurants and services nearby.
The beach is long enough to offer both organized and more relaxed areas. Families, couples and groups of friends all choose Agios Prokopios because it combines beautiful water with practical facilities. If you are staying nearby, it is also one of the best bases for a beach-focused holiday.
Agia Anna Beach
Agia Anna is immediately after Agios Prokopios and has a more village-like feeling. The beach is smaller, with tavernas, cafes and accommodation close to the sea. It is ideal if you want to spend the whole day by the water without moving far for lunch or dinner.
Agia Anna is also a useful starting point for continuing south toward Plaka. Many visitors like to walk between Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and the beginning of Plaka, especially late in the afternoon when the light is softer and the beach road becomes more relaxed.
Plaka Beach
Plaka is one of the signature beaches of Naxos: a long sandy coast with open views, clear water and plenty of space. It is the beach many repeat visitors return to because it feels less compressed than the busier resort beaches, while still offering tavernas and accommodation in several areas.
Plaka is excellent for swimming, walking and sunset views. Some sections are organized, while others remain more natural. Because the beach is long, the atmosphere changes from one part to another. This makes Plaka suitable for couples, families with older children and anyone who wants a more spacious beach day.
Mikri Vigla Beach
Mikri Vigla is the best-known windsurfing and kitesurfing area in Naxos. The northern side is exposed to the meltemi wind and attracts experienced riders, while nearby sheltered sections can be better for swimming when conditions allow.
If you are interested in water sports, Mikri Vigla should be high on your list. For a normal swimming day, check the wind before you go. On calm days the area is beautiful, but when the wind is strong it is better suited to sports than relaxed swimming.
See also our windsurfing and activities guide for more information.
Kastraki Beach
Kastraki is a quieter beach area south of Mikri Vigla, known for clean water, open space and a calmer atmosphere. It is a good choice if you want to avoid the busiest beaches but still stay on the west/southwest side of Naxos.
The beach is long and not as heavily organized as Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna. Bring water, shade and anything else you need if you plan to stay for several hours, especially outside the busiest summer weeks when services may be limited.
Pyrgaki, Alyko and the southwest coast
Pyrgaki and Alyko are among the best choices for visitors who want a more natural beach experience. This part of Naxos has sandy stretches, cedar trees, dunes and a quieter feeling than the main beaches close to town.
Alyko is especially loved for its landscape and the sense of space around the coast. Pyrgaki is further south and can be excellent for swimming when the sea is calm. A car is recommended, and it is worth checking wind conditions before choosing your beach for the day.
Abram, Apollonas and Moutsouna
The north and east coast beaches are very different from the popular west coast. Abram, near the road toward Apollonas, is a peaceful beach for visitors who want to explore beyond the main tourist areas. Apollonas combines a seaside village atmosphere with a beach and tavernas.
Moutsouna on the east coast is ideal as part of a day trip through the mountain villages. The landscape is more rugged, the pace is slower and the tavernas by the sea make it a memorable stop. Winds can be stronger on this side of the island, so it is better for confident swimmers when conditions are rough.
For a full day out, combine the east coast with a visit to Naxos villages and use our Naxos maps to plan the route.
How to choose the right Naxos beach
For families: choose Agios Georgios, Agia Anna or Agios Prokopios.
For long sandy walks: choose Plaka, Kastraki or Pyrgaki.
For windsurfing and kitesurfing: choose Mikri Vigla or check conditions at Agios Georgios.
For quiet beaches: try Kastraki, Alyko, Pyrgaki, Abram or the east coast.
Without a car: focus on Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka, which are easier to reach by bus in the summer season.
Frequently asked questions about Naxos beaches
What is the best beach in Naxos?
Agios Prokopios and Plaka are usually the top choices. Agios Prokopios is famous and convenient, while Plaka is longer, more spacious and ideal for a relaxed beach day.
Which Naxos beach is best for families?
Agios Georgios is the most family-friendly beach because it is close to Naxos Town and has very shallow water. Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios are also good family choices.
Which beach is best for windsurfing?
Mikri Vigla is the main windsurfing and kitesurfing area in Naxos. Agios Georgios also has water sports and can be suitable for beginners depending on the wind.
Are there quiet beaches in Naxos?
Yes. Kastraki, Alyko, Pyrgaki, Abram and the beaches around Moutsouna are usually quieter than the main beaches near Naxos Town.
Can I visit Naxos beaches without a car?
Yes, especially Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka in season. For remote beaches, renting a car or bike gives you much more flexibility.