Alyko Beach

Alyko is a protected coastal zone on Naxos's southwest shore, about 18 km south of Naxos Town. The area consists of two sandy bays separated by a low headland, backed by juniper scrub and one of the few remaining coastal cedar groves in the Aegean. There are no facilities, no sunbeds, and no buildings—just sand, dune systems, and shallow turquoise water.

What to Expect

The northern cove is wider and more exposed, with fine pale sand and steady afternoon wind that draws a few windsurfers from nearby Mikri Vigla. The southern cove (sometimes called Mikro Alyko or Hawaii) is smaller, more sheltered, and backed by low cedar trees that provide patchy natural shade. The water is clear and shallow for 20–30 meters out, with a sandy bottom and occasional patches of seagrass. The entire area is part of a Natura 2000 protection zone, so development is prohibited and the landscape remains rough and undisturbed. Expect to see a few naturists, especially on the southern beach, and almost no one midweek outside July and August.

How to Get There

From Naxos Town, take the main southwest road toward Pyrgaki. Pass Mikri Vigla and continue south for about 3 km until you see a small brown sign for Alyko on your left. The turnoff leads to a dirt track (passable by car in dry conditions, rough in spots) that runs 1.5 km through scrubland to a small clearing where most people park. From there, walk 5–10 minutes on a sandy footpath through the dunes to reach the northern beach. For the southern cove, follow the path that veers left around the headland.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring an umbrella or beach tent—there's almost no natural shade on the northern beach, and the cedar canopy on the south side is thin and patchy.
• Pack water, snacks, and anything else you need. The nearest taverna is back at Mikri Vigla.
• Wear sandals or water shoes for the walk in; the path crosses loose sand and low scrub.
• Afternoon wind picks up most days, especially on the northern beach. If you're after calm water, come in the morning.
• Respect the dune vegetation. The area is protected for a reason, and the cedar forest is fragile and rare.
• A 4x4 or higher-clearance car helps, but standard rentals can make it if driven slowly and the track is dry.

Best Time to Visit

June and September offer warm water, reliably sunny weather, and very few people. July and August see more visitors, but the beach rarely feels crowded due to its size and lack of promotion. Morning visits guarantee calm conditions; afternoons are windier and better for those who enjoy a breeze. Sunset light on the dunes is excellent, and because the beach faces west-southwest, the late-day glow is worth staying for.

What's Nearby

Mikri Vigla, 3 km north, has two organized beaches (one on each side of the headland), several tavernas, and a kite- and windsurfing center. Kastraki Beach lies another few kilometers south along the same coastal road—wider, with a handful of sunbeds and a beach bar. The quiet inland village of Vivlos is 6 km northeast if you need a supermarket or fuel.