Kedros Beach

Kedros Beach is a narrow sand-and-pebble cove on the remote southwest coast of Naxos, framed by low cedar trees and accessible only by footpath or small boat. It's one of the island's least visited beaches, drawing hikers and day-trippers willing to walk or anchor offshore.

What to Expect

The beach itself is about 120 metres of coarse golden sand and smooth stones, facing southwest into open sea. The water is typically calm in the morning and picks up a light afternoon chop. A seasonal beach bar operates during summer months (10:00 AM to midnight), offering sunbeds, snacks, and cocktails — the only structure visible from the shoreline. When the bar is open you'll find a small cluster of sunbeds; outside the season or midweek you may have the entire cove to yourself. The seabed slopes gently, and visibility is excellent on calm days. There are no other facilities, no road access, and no mobile signal for most networks.

How to Get There

Kedros sits roughly 12 km southwest of Naxos Town, down the island's unpaved western spine. The most common approach is a 45-minute walk from the end of the dirt road near Kastraki village — park where the track becomes impassable to cars (a standard sedan won't make it past the first kilometre beyond Kastraki) and follow the coastal footpath south. The trail is clear but rocky in places; allow one hour each way and carry water. Some visitors arrive by small boat from Agia Anna or Plaka; the bay offers good shelter except in strong southwest winds. There is no bus service and no marked trailhead signage.

Tips for Visiting

• Wear closed walking shoes with grip — the path includes loose stones and short scrambles
• Bring all water and snacks you need; the beach bar is seasonal and hours can vary
• A shade umbrella or pop-up tent is useful if you're visiting when the bar is closed
• Check the wind forecast — southwest Meltemi makes the swim choppy and the walk back dusty
• Snorkelling gear is worthwhile; the rocky flanks of the cove hold small fish and clear water

Best Time to Visit

Mid-May through late September offers the calmest sea and the most reliable beach bar service. July and August see a handful of daily visitors, mostly between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM; mornings before 10:00 AM are nearly empty. Outside high summer the bar may not operate every day, and you should assume total self-sufficiency. Autumn (late September through October) brings warm water, fewer people, and occasional strong wind. Avoid the hike in midday heat — start early or arrive late afternoon for the walk back at sunset.