Naxos is one of the largest islands in the Cyclades, boasting an expansive coastal stretch with plenty to offer. From relaxing sandy shores to secluded pebble beaches, romantic coves and even naturist areas – there’s something here for everyone
Plaka Beach’s golden sand and gorgeous turquoise waters are often voted the best beach in Greece. It’s a family-friendly spot with plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas and restaurants available for visitors to enjoy.
1. Plaka Beach
Plaka Beach is a tranquil, secluded beach tucked into a protected harbour that keeps its waters calm and glassy. With soft sand and crystal-blue water, Plaka Beach makes for an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling or simply lounging on the lounger.
Plaka stands out for its serene, unspoiled environment. A small section of the beach is designated for sunbeds and umbrellas, but most of it remains untouched.
In high season, this beach can get quite busy as nudists converge on one end. But if you can get there off-season, this is an ideal spot for families or couples to unwind. The sand and water here are soft, and there’s plenty of restaurants and cafes around to choose from if you need a break from all that activity.
Maragas Beach offers several organized resorts where you can enjoy various activities like surfing, windsurfing, jet skiing and banana boating. Plus there are plenty of taverns along the shore for those seeking delicious Greek and international cuisine.
Experience the ideal Naxos beach getaway when you book a villa or hotel on Plaka Beach. There are numerous luxury and mid-range accommodation options to suit all budgets.
2. Maragas Beach
Maragas Beach is one of Naxos’ finest sandy beaches, boasting sparkling sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s a popular destination for families, beachgoers and romantics alike – making it the perfect getaway!
The sand is soft both inside and outside the sea, making it ideal for walking or swimming. Furthermore, there’s a water sports centre as well as plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas to rent.
Though the beach can get busy, it does not feel overrun and makes for a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. There are plenty of tavernas and bars nearby, plus there’s also an excellent bus service from Maragas to Agia Anna.
Wind and kitesurfers love this beach due to its strong winds. Plus, you can go rock diving from its eastern edge.
Another great thing about this beach is its seclusion and remoteness. It’s not as crowded as some other popular Naxos beaches, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful holiday with plenty of shade and privacy.
If you’re traveling as a family, this area is ideal for playing and less crowded. There are plenty of shade spots under trees as well as an occasional taverna serving drinks and food. Plus, there’s even a small chapel at the shore here!
3. Panermos Beach
On the eastern edge of Naxos, this peaceful and secluded bay offers plenty of room to unwind. The sand is fine and there are a few palm trees for shade; making this one of the most tranquil beaches on Naxos and ideal for families.
Water sports enthusiasts will love it here, as the shallow waters are protected from windy conditions. Additionally, there are several tavernas, cafes and hotels nearby for your dining pleasure.
Take a short walk to Korfari to explore the remains of an early Cycladic settlement dating back to 3rd millennium B.C.
Panermos Beach is another amazing beach in this region. It has fine sand and the sea is calm and crystal clear. Being a protected bay, swimming here is easy since the bottom is sandy with no rocks to contend with.
This long, secluded beach offers plenty of space to play Kadima and volleyball net. Plus, it’s an excellent snorkeling spot with literally thousands of sea urchins!
Moutsouna’s picturesque sandy beach is only a short drive away and perfect for families. While not quite as busy as Agios Georgios and Agios Prokopios, it does boast some restaurants and tavernas in the vicinity. Be warned: it can get very crowded during peak tourist season but still worth visiting.
4. Agiassos Beach
If you’re searching for the ideal beach with soft white sand and shallow waters, Agiassos is an ideal option. This expansive stretch of shore is sheltered by pine trees and small coves, giving kids plenty of space to play in and explore.
Families will appreciate this safe swimming area. Those seeking more seclusion will appreciate the rocky coves here, which are scattered with scattered sand dunes.
Naxos town, Aliko beach is 17km south and popular among those looking for an escape from the crowds. Its soft sand and turquoise waters draw nudists as do its rocky coves that offer shelter from windy conditions.
Aside from its beautiful seashore, this beach also has an incredible view of Donoussa. As one of the few beaches on the island with natural shade, it makes for a great spot to sit back with a book and take in the view!
Pyrgaki Beach is ideal for those seeking a more sedate vacation. This area features fine sand and shallow, green-blue waters surrounded by cedar trees. Although windier than other Naxos beaches, Pyrgaki still draws few people and makes for ideal family fun. There are plenty of cafes, taverns, as well as accommodation options near the shoreline.
5. Aliko Beach
Aliko Beach is a quiet beach backed by an ancient forest of cedar trees, offering visitors a chance to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature. Situated only 18 kilometres south of Naxos town along surfaced coastal roads, Aliko offers more privacy than many nearby beaches due to the lack of sunbeds and umbrellas.
This idyllic beach offers a long stretch of white sand interspersed with small pebbles – the ideal haven for those who like to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground and take time off from all the bustle. The sand here is soft and fine, while the waters are crystal clear and inviting.
This tranquil beach is best enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon when the light is at its most picturesque. However, you can explore it at any time of the day if desired.
One must-visit destination on Naxos Island is Portara – the majestic stone gate to an unfinished Temple of Apollo. A paved path leads to this site from Chora and provides stunning views of Naxos Town below.
Naxos is an inclusive island, offering something for everyone – from romantic couples to solo travellers and groups of friends looking for some peace and quiet. There’s never a shortage of activities on this stunning island – and if you have some spare time, there’s plenty of beach time too!
6. Psili Ammos Beach
If you’re searching for a sandy beach with fine sand and clear waters, Psili Ammos is the ideal destination. This long stretch of sand is shaded by tall cedar trees that offer protection from the sun’s rays.
This beach offers a range of facilities to make your trip more enjoyable. For instance, there’s the beach restaurant and toilets. In addition, there are pubs and taverns offering drinks as well as traditional meals.
The sand here is incredibly soft and fine, making it ideal for sunbathing or simply relaxing. Plus, the sand is free of any dirt particles, making it a pleasure to sit on.
This beach is popular among families and couples, especially on calm days. You can easily reach it by car or boat.
Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands and as such, offers plenty of beaches to enjoy. Although most are popular with tourists, you can still find some tranquil coves if you look hard enough.
Psili Ammos beach is the ideal haven for naturists. Although this is not a public beach, it has been noticed by naturists and is considered one of Greece’s premier nude sunbathing locations.
