Saint George Beach

Saint George Beach (Agios Georgios) is the closest beach to Naxos Town port, running south from the main waterfront along a shallow, sandy bay. It's a working beach, not a postcard one — sunbeds, umbrellas, tavernas, watersports — but the water is calm, the sand is clean, and you can walk here in five minutes from the ferry dock.

What to Expect

The beach runs about 1 kilometer, wide enough that you can find quiet stretches even in August. The water is shallow for 20–30 meters out, which makes it safe for children and a favorite with Greek families. The sand is fine and golden, though you'll share it with a mix of tourists and locals. Most of the beach is lined with sunbed concessions (€8–10 per set), but there are free public sections at either end. A paved promenade backs the beach, dotted with cafés, seafood tavernas, and a few beach bars. The southern end of the beach tends to be calmer and less crowded.

How to Get There

From the Naxos Town port, walk south along the waterfront promenade past the National Bank and the bus station. The beach starts just after the small church of Agios Georgios, about 400 meters from the ferry terminal. If you're staying in the Old Town, exit through the southern gates near the Metropolis Cathedral and follow Papavasiliou Street downhill — the beach is a 5-minute walk. No car needed.

Tips for Visiting

• Go early (before 10am) or late afternoon (after 5pm) if you want the free sections without crowds
• The north end near the port gets choppier; the south end stays calmer even on windy days
• Bring water shoes if you're sensitive — small pebbles mix with the sand in places
• The beachfront tavernas serve lunch, but prices run 20–30% higher than inland spots
• Several watersports outfits offer paddleboard and kayak rentals (€15–20/hour)

Best Time to Visit

Saint George Beach works year-round. May and June give you warm water without the crowds. July and August bring full sunbed rows and shoulder-to-shoulder swimmers by midday, though the evenings thin out. September and early October are warm and quieter. Even in winter, locals walk the promenade and swim on calm days — the beach is open 24 hours, though most facilities close from November to March. On very windy days (common in July and August), Saint George stays swimmable when the north-facing beaches turn choppy.

What's Nearby

Naxos Town is a 5-minute walk. The Old Town's marble lanes, Portara sunset viewpoint, the Archaeological Museum, and dozens of restaurants are all within 10 minutes on foot. The bus station is 300 meters north if you want to catch a ride to Plaka or Agia Anna beaches. South along the coast, a 15-minute walk takes you to the quieter end of the bay where the hotels thin out and you can sometimes have a stretch of sand to yourself.