Hawaii Beach

Hawaii Beach sits on Naxos' remote south coast near the Alyko peninsula, roughly 18 km from Naxos Town. The name comes from its unusually dramatic landscape — golden-red cliffs framing turquoise water that looks more Caribbean than Cycladic. There's no development here, no sunbeds, and on most days outside August, very few people.

What to Expect

The beach is a long crescent of coarse sand and small pebbles backed by low dunes and tamarisk trees. The water is exceptionally clear and stays shallow for several meters, making it safer for less confident swimmers than many of Naxos' west-coast beaches. The cliffs to the south glow ochre and rust in the afternoon light — this is where most of the photos you've seen come from. There are no facilities, so shade is limited to the sparse trees at the back of the beach.

How to Get There

From Naxos Town, head south past Agios Prokopios and Plaka, continuing through Kastraki. After Alyko Cedar Forest, watch for a rough dirt track on your left marked by faded signs for Hawaii Beach. The track is about 1.5 km of bumpy, unpaved road — passable by car if you go slowly, though scooters struggle when it's dry and dusty. Park in the clearing at the end and walk the final 100 meters over the dunes. No bus service reaches this area; a rental vehicle is essential.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring everything: water, snacks, sunscreen, and a beach umbrella if you want guaranteed shade
• Wear sandals for the walk over the dunes and into the water — the sand gets scorching by midday
• Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat and catch better light on the cliffs
• Check conditions before heading out — this beach is fully exposed to southern winds and can turn rough
• Don't rely on phone signal; download offline maps before you leave

Best Time to Visit

June and September offer the best balance — warm water, smaller crowds, and calmer seas than midsummer. Avoid going after strong southern winds (scirocco), which churn up the water and leave debris on the sand. Early morning in July and August gives you the beach nearly to yourself before day-trippers arrive around 11 AM. Sunset here doesn't work as well as you'd expect — the sun sets behind you over the island's interior, not over the water.

What's Nearby

Alyko Cedar Forest is a 5-minute drive back toward town — a protected grove of Aleppo pines and junipers worth a short walk if you want a break from the sun. Pyrgaki Beach, about 3 km south, is another quiet option with slightly easier access and a summer beach bar. For provisions, the last reliable spot is Kastraki village, where you'll find a small supermarket and a couple of tavernas.