If you’re planning a trip to Naxos, you might be wondering how you’ll possibly choose from its swathes of amazing beaches, all featuring stunning waters and golden sands, and practically tailor-made for sitting back and sipping a bottle of cold Mythos – it’s a hard life, isn’t it? This island is the largest in the Cyclades group, and according to Greek mythology it’s where Zeus was raised following his birth in Crete. All we can say is, if it’s good enough for the king of gods, it’s good enough for us. Naxos’ mythological magic has injected every inch of the island with a touch of the divine, and this naturally applies to its beautiful beaches. If you’d like some help deciding which of its sandy stretches is right for you, keep reading for our roundup of the best beaches in Naxos.
Plaka
Best all Rounder
Well-known but not impossibly crowded, Plaka is first up on our list of the best beaches in Naxos. With a little something for everyone (including a nude section, if that’s your thing) this beach stretches along two-and-a-half miles of turquoise ocean, and is scattered with sunbeds for rent along with plenty of open spaces if you prefer to lie directly on the sand. Along with golden sand and clear waters, straw umbrellas and beach bars bring the island vibes. Plaka can get windy at times, which is one reason it’s a favourite among watersports enthusiasts. If you fancy windsurfing, waterskiing or tubing, there are plenty of rental spots to choose from. You can get here by bus from Naxos town, or if you prefer to drive there’s parking available (the last stretch of the journey is a dirt road, but it’s well maintained). Whether you spend your day at Plaka swimming, snorkelling or lazing on the sand, don’t forget to top off your experience by grabbing a drink in a nearby taverna to catch that spectacular Cyclades sunset.
Agios Giorgos
Best for Families
Just a few minutes’ walk from Naxos town, Agios Giorgos is the perfect spot for a family beach holiday. This is the town’s main beach, and is accordingly kitted out with sunbeds, umbrellas, watersports facilities, cafés and restaurants, aka everything you need for a fun family beach day. The shallow waters and soft sand are great for little ones, and it’s relatively sheltered compared to other beaches on the island (though, like everywhere in Naxos, it can still get windy). Because of all these fabulous features, this is definitely the most popular beach on the island, so gear yourself up to share with plenty of other happy holidaymakers. However, because Agios Giorgos is nearly two miles long, you’re unlikely to run into trouble securing yourself your ideal seanic spot (do you sea what we did there?).
Agios Prokopios
Best for Aesthetics
It’s easy to see why Agios Prokopios is one of Naxos’ and Greece's most popular beaches. Its vibrant waters have been awarded for their cleanliness and quality, and are widely regarded as the most beautiful on the island. Some areas of the sea get deep quickly here, and are therefore a good choice for those who want to work on their stroke (or those who want to float around and work on their tan). The beach is well organised with sunbeds, cafés and bars, so you can spend all day sipping drinks, snacking on local cuisine and snapping stunning pictures to send to your friends back home. One thing to note is that Agios Prokopios has limited parking, so if you’re not staying in the area, it’s best to take public transport. Luckily, this is very regular, especially during high season.
Kastraki
Best for Peace and Quiet
White sand, crystal-clear waters, few visitors even in high season – this next beach has it all. Kastraki is one of the island’s wilder beaches, though there’s still a handful of sunbeds to rent, a mini market and a few excellent tavernas nearby. This beautiful beach is over a mile long, so there’s plenty of space to spread out and find your own pocket of peace for lazing on the sand and letting the sound of the sea wash away your troubles. Surrounded by cedar and sand dunes, Kastraki has a more tropical feel than other beaches. It also lends itself to long walks along the shore as the waves gently lap over your bare feet. We know what you’re thinking: what’s the catch? Well, the only downside to Kastraki is that it’s fairly exposed, so it can get pretty windy. For this reason, it’s best to check the windspeed before making your way there.
Alyko
Best for an Unusual Experience
By now you’ve probably gathered that every beach on Naxos carries its own charm, and Alyko is no exception. If you’re looking for a beach that’s a little bit different, this one is for you. Of course, Alyko has all the usual assets – bright, clear water, pristine sands – but it’s also wilder, surrounded by cedar forest and scattered with rocky coves. There are no sunbeds, umbrellas or restaurants, so remember to bring your own food and shade, or grab something to eat from the beach’s sole food truck. What Alyko lacks in facilities, it makes up for in untouched charm, making this the ideal spot for those who prefer a simpler experience. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the abandoned hotel, whose walls are painted with unusual street art.