Kastraki Beach

Kastraki Beach lies along Naxos's southwest coast, 6 kilometers south of Naxos Town and immediately south of the busier Agios Prokopios. It's a long, wide stretch of fine golden sand fronting shallow turquoise water, backed by low dunes and a scattering of tavernas and small hotels. The beach faces west, making it one of the best sunset spots on the island.

What to Expect

Kastraki runs for roughly one kilometer, widening as you walk south. The sand is soft and clean, and the water stays shallow for 20 meters or more offshore—ideal for families with small children. The sea bed is sandy with no rocks or sea urchins. Several sections have sunbeds and umbrellas, typically run by the beachfront tavernas, but you'll find plenty of open sand if you prefer your own setup. The southern end of the beach is quieter and less developed. In July and August, a light afternoon meltemi wind is common, keeping temperatures comfortable but occasionally kicking up small waves.

How to Get There

From Naxos Town port, head south on the coastal road toward Agios Prokopios. Continue past Agios Prokopios Beach; Kastraki begins where the road curves inland slightly. The drive takes 10 minutes. Public buses run between Naxos Town and Agia Anna every 30 minutes in summer, stopping near Kastraki Beach; confirm the stop with the driver. Parking is available along the roadside and in a small unpaved lot at the northern end—arrive before 10:00 in peak season to secure a spot. You can also walk from Agios Prokopios along the sand in 15 minutes.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive by 09:30 to claim a sunbed at your preferred taverna, or bring your own umbrella and settle on the free sand farther south.
• Water shoes are unnecessary—the shore and sea bed are sandy throughout.
• Stay for sunset. The sun drops into the sea on the horizon, and the light over the Cyclades to the west is dramatic. The beach empties after 18:00, so you'll often have the view to yourself.
• Bring cash for sunbeds and taverna tabs; card acceptance varies and there's no ATM at the beach.
• If you're driving, fill the tank in Naxos Town—the nearest fuel station is back toward the port.

Best Time to Visit

Kastraki is swimmable from May through October. June and September offer warm water, fewer crowds, and reliable sunshine without the August peak. Mornings are calm; afternoons can be breezy. For photography or a quiet swim, visit before 10:00 or after 17:00. Sunset hours (roughly 19:30–20:30 in summer) draw a small crowd to the waterline, but nothing like the Portara scene in town.

What's Nearby

Agios Prokopios Beach is a five-minute walk north—more developed, with more beach bars and watersports. Agia Anna Beach lies one kilometer south, smaller and rockier but with excellent tavernas. Plaka Beach, the longest stretch of sand on Naxos, begins just beyond Agia Anna and runs for four kilometers. All four beaches are part of the same continuous southwest coastline and can be walked or driven in sequence. Naxos Town, with its old quarter, port, and Portara, is 10 minutes by car or bus.