Agios Prokopios Beach

Agios Prokopios Beach stretches for roughly one kilometer along the southwest coast of Naxos, about 6 km south of Naxos Town (Chora). The sand is fine and golden, the water is shallow and calm for 20–30 meters out, and the beach is well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and several beach bars. It consistently ranks among the top beaches in the Cyclades for families and swimmers who want soft sand underfoot and clear, calm water.

What to Expect

The beach runs in a gentle arc facing southwest, so the water stays calm most days unless the meltemi blows hard from the north. The sand is soft and clean, with virtually no pebbles or rocks in the water. You'll find rows of sunbeds with umbrellas available for rent (typically €8–12 per set), but there's also open stretches where you can lay your own towel. Several beach bars and tavernas line the back of the beach, serving cold drinks, snacks, and full meals. The water clarity is excellent — you can see your feet in waist-deep water — and the gradual depth makes it ideal for children and less confident swimmers.

How to Get There

From Naxos Town port, head south on the main coastal road toward Agia Anna. Agios Prokopios is signposted clearly on your right after about 6 km. There's ample free parking in the sandy lots behind the beach, though spaces fill up by mid-morning in July and August. The local bus (KTEL Naxos) runs regularly from Naxos Town to Agios Prokopios during summer, with stops right at the beach access points — journey time is about 15 minutes. If you're staying in nearby Agia Anna (the next beach south), you can walk along the shore in 10 minutes.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive before 10:00 to claim a sunbed near the water or find prime free-sand real estate
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen — the reflection off the sand is intense even on partly cloudy days
• The shallow water heats up by afternoon, making it perfect for toddlers but less refreshing for strong swimmers
• Sunset faces west-southwest; the beach gets lovely late-afternoon light but not a direct horizon sunset view
• Most beach bars accept cards, but bring cash for the occasional umbrella vendor

Best Time to Visit

Agios Prokopios is swimmable from May through October. July and August bring peak crowds and full sunbed rows, but the beach is long enough that it rarely feels overcrowded. June and September offer warm water (22–24°C) with fewer people and lower sunbed prices. The meltemi wind can pick up in late July and August, though Agios Prokopios is more sheltered than north-facing beaches. Early morning (before 9:00) is quietest, with glassy water and soft light — ideal for a peaceful swim before the beach bars open.