Orkos

Orkos Beach is a long, sandy stretch on Naxos's southwest coast, adjacent to Mikri Vigla and a couple of kilometers south of Glyfada. It's known for steady afternoon meltemi winds that draw kite surfers and windsurfers, though the northern end stays calm enough for swimming when the wind picks up.

What to Expect

The beach runs for roughly 800 meters, with fine pale sand and shallow, clear water. The southern half sees the most wind and is typically dotted with kites from May through September; the northern section has lighter wind and is quieter. There are no permanent umbrellas or sunbeds — most visitors bring their own shade or rent gear from the windsurf shops stationed at the southern access point. The shoreline is wide, so even in July you can claim space away from the kite-launch zones.

How to Get There

From Naxos Town, drive south for about 14 kilometers on the main coastal road toward Pyrgaki. Turn west at the sign for Orkos, just before the Mikri Vigla junction. A narrow paved lane leads 600 meters to a small dirt parking area behind the dunes. If that lot is full, park along the lane — the walk is flat and short.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive before 11 a.m. for calm water — the meltemi typically builds from midday onward.
• Bring an umbrella or pop-up tent — natural shade is limited to a few tamarisk shrubs at the north end.
• Footwear optional — the sand is soft all the way to the water; no rocks or urchins.
• Check wind forecasts if you're kite surfing — the bay works best with northwest meltemi above 18 knots.
• No taverna on-site — the nearest cafés are 2 kilometers north at Mikri Vigla village.

Best Time to Visit

May through early October. July and August bring the strongest, most consistent wind for watersports; June and September are quieter and better for families who want mellow water in the mornings. The beach is almost empty from November through March, and the wind can be too gusty for safe swimming.

What's Nearby

Mikri Vigla village, 2 kilometers north, has windsurf schools, rental shops, and two tavernas serving grilled fish and Greek standards. Glyfada Beach, 4 kilometers north, is a wider, sandier bay with a couple of beach bars. Kastraki Beach, 5 kilometers south, is even longer and emptier, backed by low dunes and cedar groves — ideal if Orkos feels too sporty.