Pyrgaki Beach

Pyrgaki Beach stretches for nearly a kilometer along the southwest coast of Naxos, south of Kastraki village. The sand is fine and golden, the water shallow and clear turquoise, and the surrounding hills are almost entirely empty. Unlike the busier strands to the north—Plaka, Mikri Vigla—Pyrgaki sees a fraction of the visitors, even in July and August.

What to Expect

The beach faces west and curves slightly, so morning brings calm water and afternoon brings steady meltemi wind—enough to flatten the sea into ripples but not enough to churn up waves. The sand shelf extends twenty or thirty meters before the drop-off, making it safe for children and strong swimmers alike. There are no facilities: no loungers, no umbrellas, no tavernas. You'll see a handful of other beachgoers, the occasional windsurfer testing the breeze, and little else. Nudism is tolerated at the southern end, where cedar scrub provides loose natural shade. The rest of the beach is fully exposed.

How to Get There

From Naxos Town, drive south through Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka. Continue past Kastraki village; after about 1 kilometer the paved road turns to hard-packed dirt. Follow the signs for Pyrgaki—there are two or three—and bear left at the fork. The dirt track is passable in a standard sedan if driven slowly, but after rain it can develop washboard ruts. Budget 35–40 minutes from the port. Park in the informal dirt lot at the end of the track; from there it's a two-minute walk over low dunes to the sand.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring everything: water, snacks, umbrella or tent, and a cooler if you plan to stay past noon. The nearest taverna is back in Kastraki.
• Wear reef shoes or old sneakers for the walk from the car—the path crosses dry brush and loose pebbles.
• Arrive before 10 a.m. to claim one of the few patches of natural shade under the cedars at the south end.
• The wind picks up after 2 p.m.; if you're not a fan of breeze, plan your visit for the morning.
• Check your fuel gauge before leaving Kastraki—there are no services beyond the village.

Best Time to Visit

Pyrgaki is swimmable from late May through early October. June and September offer the best balance: warm water, light wind, and near-solitude. In peak August the beach attracts a small crowd—still sparse by Naxos standards—but parking can fill by midday. Winter storms reshape the dunes and deposit driftwood; the beach is walkable year-round but too rough for swimming November through March. Sunset here is unobstructed and dramatic, though you'll need headlamps or a phone torch for the walk back to the car in darkness.

What's Nearby

Aliko Beach lies 2 kilometers to the north, accessible by a separate dirt road from the same Kastraki junction. Aliko has larger dunes, a small forest of cedars, and similarly shallow water. Kastraki village has two supermarkets, a bakery, and several tavernas; it's your last supply stop before heading south. The tiny church of Agios Nikolaos sits on a low hill above Pyrgaki's northern end, reachable by a faint footpath—bring water if you hike up in summer.