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Are you visiting the gorgeous Greece Isles, and in particular Naxos? Then don’t miss out on these 8 best beaches in Naxos worth adding to your Greek Island hopping itinerary!

There’s a legend among Greeks that when God created the world, he gave mankind the whole earth, but kept Greece for himself.

It’s easy to understand why: with a total of 227 inhabited Greek islands sitting on turquoise seas, Greece boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines and beaches in the world.

From the ever so romantic island Santorini to the gorgeous beaches of Crete and the beaches in Rhodes, you’ll never get bored of the exquisite scenery and idyllic laid back lifestyle found in Greece. 

Naxos, right in the middle of the Aegean Sea, is just one of these islands, in a group known as the Cyclades. Being the largest of the Cyclades, Naxos is well worth a visit, thanks to its old town, impressive Greek landmarks, and not to forget incredible cuisine and hospitality. 

Sadly, we only spent about 4 nights on Naxos on our island-hopping adventure through Greece (we were hopping between Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini). We honestly wished we had booked more time to explore this wonderful isle. 

Thankfully, we had booked ourselves an incredible apartment just a few steps from the shores of Agia Anna, one of my favourite beaches on Naxos. This awesome self-catering apartment (Naxian Althea) even offers free, private sun loungers. I guess it’s no surprise then that we spent most days here, lazing away under the Grecian sun, admiring the stunning blue waters, and endlessly sipping away at our Greek drinks and cocktails. 

Due to its size, there are plenty of other amazing beaches in Naxos to visit too! You will no doubt be spoilt for choice by these Naxos beaches, but to make the choice that much easier, we’ve decided to narrow it down to these 8 best beaches in Naxos that you should consider adding to your itinerary!

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Pssst…Before you jet off to idyllic Greece, be sure you have all your essentials packed by reading our European packing guide. 

8 Best Beaches in Naxos

Plaka Beach Naxos

Plaka is the of the most famous beaches not only on Naxos but in the whole of Greece. It attracts many visitors, but the stretch of golden sand is so huge that you won’t be bumping elbows with strangers.

Conveniently close to Naxos Town, and with buses leaving regularly, it’s the perfect day out even if you don’t rent a car. Shallow waters stretch out a good way, so there’s plenty of relaxing paddling and safe swimming to be had in warm, crystal clear waters.

Head to the north of the beach for the bars, restaurants, water sports and overall bustling beach vibe, but if you’d rather stay away from the noise then make your way instead to the south of the beach for quiet, uninterrupted sunbathing.

Kastraki Beach in Naxos

The western side of Naxos boasts the best beaches, and Kastraki is one such example. You’ll think you’re in Hawaii as the traditional golden sands are replaced with soft, white sand swept over by topaz water.

It’s a little out of the way and tough to reach by public transport at around 10 miles (16km) from Naxos Town but it’s thanks to this that the beach lies mostly undisturbed and is therefore perfect for tranquil sunbathing.

There are some umbrellas available for hire, but you may prefer to bring your own in order to truly experience the peace and quiet. There are still places nearby to pick up drinks and snacks.

Agios Prokopios Beach

It’s possibly the most difficult beach to pronounce, but it’s guaranteed to give you the most fun from morning to night.

It’s not the beach for those who want quiet and seclusion but if you’re looking for water sports, parties, fabulous cocktails and fun for the whole family then you’ll have hit the jackpot.

The sea is stunning, the beach stretches as far as the eye can see, and despite the vibrant scene it’s a very well-organised beach with plenty of bars and umbrellas offering plenty of facilities.

You’ll pay a little more for the umbrellas at the very front of the beach but the views are worth it and the service at the bars is efficient and friendly, as well as being reasonably priced.

After your day in the sea, head back to your hotel to change and then come back to Ayios Prokopios for the welcoming nightlife and restaurants.

Agia Anna Naxos Beach

A little further down from Agios Prokopios is the sister beach, Agia Anna. If you like the location of Agios Prokopios but want a little more seclusion, then Agia Anna is the beach for you.

The coastline here is less flat and straight but that makes it ideal for the secluded little coves and bays that offer more privacy than some of the other, more ‘commercial’ beaches. If you’re looking to spend the night, camping is free at plenty of places along this coast.

Shelter under the cool shade offered by the juniper trees, and if you fancy a walk then head to the picture-postcard sights of the tiny fishing port, then sit for a glass of local wine or raki with honey and ice.

Agios Georgios Beach

Named after Saint George, the local beach of the island’s capital is easily accessible and full of amenities.

Agios Georgios beach in Naxos has forever been in a friendly rivalry with Plaka Beach as they battle for the top spot of The Best Beaches in Naxos, and we can understand why.

It’s perfect for families who don’t want to be too far away from the town and their hotels, but who still want to enjoy soft, golden sands and pristine waters.

And if you’re a fan of windsurfing and kitesurfing, then look no further, because this is the prime location for such sports. This is thanks to the strong sea winds that whip up along the shores of Naxos all year round, and yet these winds won’t bother those who want to sit and relax on the beach.

Alyko Beach – Naxos Beaches

The further down the western side of the island, the further you’ll escape from the bustling, family-friendly beaches of Naxos as you head out toward the more secluded areas.

Alyko Beach is a prime example of Greek nature at its finest, as you can take a walk through the cool, dense forest of juniper (also known as cedar). Deemed a protected area, the forest is a place where you can see plenty of wildlife, so it’s perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Once you’re through the forest you’ll come out onto a beautiful beach where you can swim and feel refreshed after your walk. There are no bars here and no umbrellas to hire, so you’ll need to bring your own shade here if you want to sit for a while.

Do be prepared for the odd nudist; Alyko is a nudist-friendly beach so if you’re looking to bring along youngsters it’s something to bear in mind.

Panormos Beach – Beaches in Naxos

While the western side of the island may have all the most accessible beaches, it’s the ones that are harder to reach that will always remain the most unspoiled. They’re the true hidden gems as far as Naxos beaches go.

Panormos is one such beach. It’s an hour and a half drive away from Naxos Town, which is one reason it’s less popular, but even if you’re not planning to hire a car, consider getting one for the day, just to visit Panormos.

This beach is right on the south-eastern tip of Naxos, and from there if you book a boat excursion, you’ll be taken to the stunning Rina Cave, where you can dive, snorkel or swim in the greenest of green water. Panormos is one of the best days out in Greece that you will ever experience.

Booking a boat trip will usually mean taking your own packed lunch, but many boat owners will enjoy offering out samples of homemade bread with homegrown olives and tomatoes, washed down with a glass of wine from local vineyards. This is the real taste of Greece.

Azalas Beach in Naxos

Azalas beach in Naxos won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, specifically because it’s a pebbled beach, as opposed to sandy, but for some people, it’ll be on the very top of their list.

When waves crash over pebbles the soothing sound it gives off cannot be compared to anything else. As for the overhanging red rocks and unusual cliff formations, Azalas makes for a beach trip with a difference.

It’s at the north of the island, so once again away from the more popular western beaches, but it’s just the ticket if you want quiet, seclusion, and true rugged beauty in its natural, unspoiled form.

Be sure to bring sturdy shoes as you walk down to the beach and don’t forget to bring your own umbrellas, lunch, and snacks because to have organised beach bars on Azalas would simply spoil it. 

Map: Beaches of Naxos

To help you plan all your Naxos beach days here is a handy map listing the locations of all the Beaches of Naxos.