M. Margaritis

M. Margaritis is a local supermarket serving the Plaka Beach area on Naxos, stocking the kind of everyday groceries and household essentials that self-catering visitors and longer-stay travelers actually need. It sits within the broader Margaritis family operation at Plaka — the same family behind the Nikos and Maria Restaurant and a set of studios on the beach — making it a practical one-stop point for guests staying in the area.

Plaka itself is a long, west-facing stretch of beach roughly 6 km south of Naxos Town, popular with campers, studio renters, and travelers who prefer a quieter base than the main port. Having a supermarket within reach rather than driving back to Naxos Town for supplies is a genuine convenience here.

What to Expect

This is a small, locally run grocery store rather than a large-format supermarket. Expect fresh produce, packaged foods, drinks, dairy, and basic household items — the essentials for stocking a studio kitchen or preparing a beach picnic. Given its position within a family-run complex that also includes a restaurant with its own production of ingredients, you may find some locally sourced Naxian products alongside standard grocery staples. The store serves the immediate needs of Plaka's visitors and permanent residents rather than competing with the larger supermarkets in Naxos Town.

How to Get There

From Naxos Town (Chora), follow the coastal road south past Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna. Plaka is approximately a 10–15 minute drive by car or scooter. The supermarket is located within the Nikos and Maria complex on Plaka Beach.

By bus, KTEL Naxos operates a route from Naxos Town that stops at Plaka during the summer season. Check the current schedule at the KTEL bus station on the port road, as frequency varies by season.

On foot or by bicycle, Plaka is reachable from Agia Anna along the beachside path heading south, though the distance from Naxos Town makes walking from there impractical.

Parking is generally available along the Plaka road, typical for this low-density part of the island.

Best Time to Visit

For grocery shopping, early morning is the quietest time — before beach crowds build and before peak summer heat. The Plaka area sees its heaviest footfall from late June through August; visiting the supermarket mid-morning on a weekday rather than a weekend afternoon will save time.

Note that opening hours are not confirmed. Small local stores in Greek beach areas often adjust hours seasonally and may close for a midday break (mesimeri), typically between roughly 2pm and 5pm. Verifying hours directly by phone before making a special trip is advisable, particularly outside peak season.

Tips for Visiting

• Call ahead (+30 697 272 2785) to confirm opening hours, especially in shoulder season (May, September–October).
• The store primarily serves the Plaka Beach area; for a wider selection of products, the larger supermarkets in Naxos Town or Agios Prokopios offer more choice.
• Naxos produces its own potatoes, cheese (graviera, arseniko), and olive oil — look for locally sourced versions of these in-store when available.
• Bring a reusable bag; small Greek grocery stores do not always provide free carrier bags.
• The adjacent Nikos and Maria Restaurant is open for meals if you prefer a cooked option to self-catering on a given evening.

About the Margaritis Family Complex

The Margaritis name at Plaka refers to a multi-generational family business. Nikos and Maria Margaritis founded a beachside restaurant in 1974, now continued by their son Michalis under the same culinary philosophy — traditional Naxian recipes, locally grown ingredients, extra virgin olive oil. The same complex includes rental studios overlooking Plaka Beach. The supermarket serves both guests of these studios and the wider beach community, functioning as part of a self-contained family hospitality operation rather than a standalone retail unit.