Naxos Beaches, Coastline, Surfing and Water Sports

(Naxos, Cyclades, Greece)

The superb sandy beaches and endless sunshine all combine to make the Greek island of Naxos nothing short of a major tourist destination. Not only does Naxos boast many truly heavenly beaches, but a number of archaeological ruins are never far from hand, should you wish to sightsee after you have finished soaking up the sun.

If you like to sunbathe in the 'all together', then the main beaches where nudism, is tolerated are to be found on the more southerly side of Naxos, where the sands tend to be more secluded and well; away from the roads. Plaka Beach is one such stretch where nudism is widely permitted, although tourists will soon notice that it is widely accepted on many further beaches.


The water sports on offer here are another good reason to visit the Naxos beaches and a great way to cool down. Holiday makers can enjoy everything from kite surfing and windsurfing, to snorkelling and scuba diving.

Those who are particularly interested in scuba diving should consider visiting the Naxos Diving Centre, where you will learn more about the coral reefs and colonised shipwrecks residing beneath the island's surround crystalline waters.

List of the main beaches and island's top resorts

• Agia Anna Beach - located on the western coastline on Naxos, Agia Anna comprises a small group of family orientated beaches, close to Maragas
• Abram Beach - a very peaceful and untouched stretch, just before Apollonas village. This is perfect for those wishing to escape from the crowds
• Agiassos Beach - with beautiful fine sand and undeveloped views. Agiassos lies near to the village of Kastraki and features a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills
• Agios Georgios Beach - situated directly on the southern side of Naxos Town, Agios Georgios offers a vast stretch of sand, with more than enough room for even the biggest of crowds. Due to its closeness to the island's capital, Agios Georgios Beach is always busy. You can expect good views of Paros from the sands, and the shallow waters is highly suitable for windsurfing
• Aliko Beach - tourists come to Aliko for the numerous sheltered coves, which reside either side of the actual headland. Expect lots of natural sand dunes, a number of nearby cafes and even a woodland of conifers
• Agios Prokopios Beach - close to both Agios Georgios and also Naxos Town (5 km / 3 miles), Agios Prokopios is amongst the island's most popular beaches, and rightly so
• Amitis Beach - Amitis resides on the northern side of Naxos and is just a stone's throw from Galini. This is a long stretch of sand, although the winds can be strong at times, washing up some interesting debris at times
• Kastraki Beach - sited on the western shoreline and featuring a number of charming bays. Kastraki remains very undeveloped and tranquil, and is often overlooked
• Apollonas Beach - on the north-western side of Naxos, alongside a charming fishing village. Apollonas Beach may be small, but it has a huge amount of character and is very pretty, with the beachfront being edged by a small selection of Greek tavernas
• Maragas Beach - found on the western side of Naxos and near to both Agia Anna and also Plaka. Maragas is beautiful and worth searching out and its popularity is partly due to a neighbouring camping site
• Mikri Vigla Beach - sandwiched in between Kastraki and Plaka, on the island's scenic western coastline and conveniently near to the Cape. The Mikri Vigla features excellent conditions for windsurfing
• Orkos Beach - lying on the southern of Plaka and alongside the village of Kastraki. Orkos boasts a series of appealing coves, which offer seclusion and natural views. The beach tends to remain fairly uncrowded in the summer and is perfect for windsurfing
• Plaka Beach - one of the most famous and longest of all the Naxos beaches, near to several big hotels. Plaka stands proudly on the western coast and is easy to reach from the main town. With fine white sand, dunes, crystal clear water and views across Paros, Plaka Beach is one not to miss and is near to Agia Anna
• Pyrgaki Beach - towards the bottom of the island's westerly beaches, close to Alyko and Kastraki. This stretch of sandy may be short, but it is very deep and features its very own bar serving hot snacks
• Sahara Beach - directly to the south of Mikri Vigla and close to the village of Kastraki. The Sahara Beach is perfect for snorkellers and boasts golden sand, beautiful turquoise waters, plenty of space and a good restaurant close by