The beaches of Naxos, from our doorstep to its hidden coast
Our carefully ordered guide begins with the beach we recommend most, Agios Georgios, only two minutes on foot from your accommodation, and continues toward Panermos and the remote coves of southeast Naxos.
Begin at Agios Georgios
Agios Georgios is the natural first choice for guests of Pasas Castle because it combines a long sandy shore, shallow water and full facilities with the rare advantage of being only about two minutes away on foot. There is no need to plan transport, search for parking or devote a large part of the day to the journey, while the seafront remains close to cafés, tavernas and the centre of Naxos Town.
For a second and very different experience, we strongly recommend Panermos on the southeast coast. The route crosses the mountainous interior of Naxos and reaches a quiet, sheltered bay with palms and a much more secluded character. The journey can form a complete day trip, especially when combined with Moutsouna, Psili Ammos, Kanaki and the small beaches of Kleidos.
Where to swim and how to get there
Travel times are approximate and may change with traffic, season and road conditions. For distant beaches, start early, carry water and check the return route before sunset.
Agios Georgios
The main beach of Naxos Town has fine sand, very shallow water and a lively but relaxed seafront. It is particularly suitable for families, less confident swimmers and anyone who wants to move freely between the sea, cafés, tavernas and the centre of Chora without a vehicle.
The northern and central parts offer sunbeds, food and easy access, while the southern end opens toward Laguna and attracts windsurfing activity when the wind rises.
Leave Pasas Castle toward the seafront and follow the nearest pedestrian route to Agios Georgios. Walking is much easier than driving because parking becomes limited during the busiest hours.
Panermos
Panermos lies at the end of the southeast coastal road and offers a calm, secluded setting far from the busy western resorts. Its palm trees, small harbour and sheltered orientation give the bay a distinctive character, while the long journey makes the destination feel like a genuine discovery rather than a routine beach stop.
Traditional boat excursions may depart from the bay toward Rina Cave and remote sections of the southern coast, although schedules and sea conditions must always be confirmed locally on the day.
Drive from Chora toward Chalki and Filoti, continue through Apeiranthos and descend to Moutsouna. From Moutsouna, follow the southeast coastal road past Psili Ammos, Kanaki and Kleidos until Panermos. The road is long and winding, so allow generous time and avoid a rushed return after dark.
Psili Ammos and Kanaki
Psili Ammos, whose name means fine sand, is one of the most attractive stops on the road from Moutsouna toward Panermos. Sand dunes, cedar vegetation and shallow water create a natural setting with little commercial development, while nearby Kanaki provides another quiet coastal stop within the same excursion.
Follow the mountain route from Chora through Chalki, Filoti and Apeiranthos to Moutsouna, then continue south along the coast. Watch for the signs to Psili Ammos and Kanaki. Some final access sections may be rough, so drive slowly and assess the surface before continuing with a low vehicle.
Kleidos and the coves before Panermos
Kleidos is not a single large resort beach but a succession of small sandy bays between Psili Ammos and Panermos. Rocky headlands divide the coastline into separate coves, each with a different orientation and degree of exposure, which makes this area ideal for travellers who prefer solitude and exploration.
The wider southeast route also includes small coastal settlements and inlets around Kanaki, Kleidos and Lygaridia. Names can appear with different Latin spellings on maps, so navigation by the Greek place names Κλειδός and Λυγαρίδια may produce better results.
Continue south from Moutsouna after Psili Ammos and Kanaki. Stop only where the road and parking area are clearly safe, and do not block local access. Carry water, sun protection and suitable footwear because some coves require a short walk over uneven ground.
Agios Prokopios
Agios Prokopios is one of the best-known beaches on Naxos and combines clear turquoise water with a long, organised shore. It suits guests who want sunbeds, cafés, restaurants and frequent transport without travelling far from Chora.
Drive south from Chora following signs for Agios Prokopios, or use the seasonal public bus from Naxos Town. During high season, the bus can be easier than searching for parking near the busiest section of the beach.
Agia Anna
Agia Anna follows directly after Agios Prokopios and adds the atmosphere of a small seaside village and harbour. The beach is sandy and organised, while the waterfront tavernas make it a convenient choice for guests who wish to combine swimming with lunch or an early evening meal.
Follow the road through Agios Prokopios and continue south for a short distance to Agia Anna. Seasonal buses from Chora commonly serve both beaches on the same route.
Plaka
Plaka extends for several kilometres and allows visitors to choose between organised sections near restaurants and quieter stretches farther south. Its scale, broad sand and western orientation make it one of the most versatile beaches on the island and an excellent place to remain until sunset.
Continue south after Agia Anna. The northern part is served by the main coastal road and seasonal buses, while southern sections require a vehicle or a longer walk. Choose the specific point on the map before departure because Plaka is very long.
Mikri Vigla
Mikri Vigla is shaped by a headland that separates two different beach environments. The northern side is famous for strong winds and kitesurfing, while the southern bay is often calmer and better suited to relaxed swimming. Conditions can differ greatly across a very short distance.
Drive south through the Plaka area and follow the signs to Mikri Vigla. Select the north or south side in Google Maps according to the day's wind and the activity you prefer.
Alyko and Hawaii Beach
Alyko combines white sand, clear water and a protected juniper landscape, while several neighbouring coves provide different swimming options. Hawaii Beach is the best-known of these small bays and is reached on foot from the Alyko area, although visitors should respect the fragile vegetation and remain on established paths.
Drive south through Kastraki and Glyfada toward Alyko. Park only in established areas and continue to the selected cove on foot. Do not drive onto sand dunes or through juniper vegetation.
Agiassos
Agiassos is a long sandy bay on the southwest coast and often feels calmer and less developed than the famous beaches near Chora. It is a rewarding choice for guests who want space, a slower rhythm and a destination that remains accessible by ordinary car.
Follow the southwest road through the Kastraki and Pyrgaki area, then continue toward Agiassos. The route is simpler than the journey to Panermos, although services become sparse toward the southern end of the island.
Kalantos
Kalantos lies at the southern edge of Naxos and offers a broad sandy bay, a small marina and a strong sense of isolation. The journey is part of the experience because the route crosses the interior of the island and descends through a sparsely populated landscape.
Drive inland toward Filoti and continue south through the villages and mountain roads indicated by current navigation. The final descent is winding. Fuel the car beforehand, carry supplies and confirm road conditions locally if the weather has recently been poor.
Apollonas
Apollonas is a northern seaside village with a sandy and pebbly beach, waterfront tavernas and a very different atmosphere from the western resorts. The excursion can be combined with the ancient Kouros of Apollonas and a scenic drive through the northern part of Naxos.
Choose either the northern coastal route or the interior mountain route according to current navigation and road conditions. The roads are winding, so the journey usually takes longer than the distance suggests.
Chora to Panermos through the mountain villages
This route is our preferred excursion for guests who wish to understand the scale and variety of Naxos. It combines the mountainous interior, traditional villages, the historic emery port of Moutsouna and the remote southeast beaches in one complete day.
Open the complete routeCoffee, village streets and supplies before the remote coast.
A mountain village that rewards a short walking stop.
The former emery port and the beginning of the southeast coastal road.
Choose one or two quiet swimming stops rather than rushing through every cove.
Finish at the sheltered bay and allow enough daylight for the return.
Useful beach-day advice
Check the wind
The Meltemi can change the character of a beach. A calm bay on one side of the island may be a better choice than an exposed western beach on a windy day.
Prepare for remote roads
For Panermos, Kleidos, Kalantos and other distant areas, begin with sufficient fuel, water and phone charge, while offline maps can be useful where mobile coverage weakens.
Respect the landscape
Use established paths, avoid driving on dunes, take all waste with you and do not remove sand, shells or plants from protected coastal environments.
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