Top 10 Beaches in Naxos Accessible by Bus
The 10 best Naxos beaches by bus
1. Agios Georgios (Naxos Town)
The island's town beach, a long shallow stretch right beside Chora. You don't even need the bus — it's an easy walk from the port — which makes it the perfect first-afternoon or last-morning swim. Calm, sandy and good for families and beginner windsurfers.
2. Agios Prokopios
About 5 km south of town and consistently rated one of the best beaches in Greece. Wide golden sand, clear shallow water and good shelter from the north wind, plus plenty of tavernas and beach bars. It's the most popular stop on the main beach line, with a short ride of around 10–15 minutes.
3. Agia Anna
Right next door to Agios Prokopios — you can walk between them along the sand — but with a more relaxed, fishing-harbour feel and a row of tavernas at the little port. Same frequent beach line, so it's easy to combine the two in one day.
4. Plaka
Where Naxos really shows off: roughly 4 km of soft pale sand backed by dunes and cedar trees. The northern end has beach bars and sunbeds; keep walking south and it gets quieter, wilder and more laid-back. One of the island's great sunset spots. Reached on the same west-coast beach line.
5. Maragas
The continuation of Plaka, with calm clear water, a campsite and casual tavernas. A good choice if you want Plaka's beauty with a slightly more low-key, local feel. Same line — just stay on a stop or two longer.
6. Orkos
A cluster of small, sheltered sandy coves tucked between Plaka and Mikri Vigla. Quieter than the headline beaches and popular with windsurfers in the breezier inlets. Take the southern line and walk down from the road.
7. Mikri Vigla
Naxos's watersports capital. A rocky headland splits two bays: the exposed side gets reliable wind that draws kitesurfers and windsurfers from across Europe, while the sheltered side stays calm for swimming. Served by the Mikri Vigla–Kastraki–Alyko–Pyrgaki line, which runs less often than the main beach line.
8. Kastraki
A long, broad ribbon of pale sand and dunes with far fewer facilities — bring what you need and you'll find plenty of room to spread out, even in August. Same southern line as Mikri Vigla.
9. Alyko (Aliko)
The most distinctive beach on the island: wild dunes wrapped in a protected cedar-juniper forest, with a string of small coves (including the spot locals call "Hawaii") and an abandoned hotel covered in street art nearby. Rugged, beautiful and uncrowded. Southern line.
10. Pyrgaki
The end of the southwest line and the quietest of them all — a trio of calm, shallow sandy coves backed by greenery, ideal if you want to escape the crowds. The ride from town takes around 50–55 minutes, so plan your return bus carefully.
Worth the longer ride: Agiassos, a remote shallow bay in the far south; Apollonas, a northern fishing village with a pebble-and-sand beach and the famous ancient Kouros, reached on a scenic mountain ride; and Moutsouna on the east coast, via the village of Apeiranthos. All have only a few buses a day.
Sample bus-only beach days
Day 1 — The classic beach line. Ride the main west-coast beach line to Agios Prokopios for a morning swim, stroll the sand to Agia Anna for lunch, then carry on to Plaka for the afternoon and sunset. It's all one frequent line, so you can hop on and off as you please.
Day 2 — Wild southern beaches. Take the Mikri Vigla–Kastraki–Alyko–Pyrgaki line all the way out to Pyrgaki, then work your way back north, stopping at Alyko for the cedar forest, Kastraki for space, and Mikri Vigla for windsurfing. Fewer buses run this way, so check the timetable first.
Day 3 — North and culture. Catch the Naxos Town–Apollonas line up the mountain road to Apollonas for a swim and a look at the giant ancient Kouros lying in the old quarry, then head back down for a late beach afternoon nearer town.
When to go
May–June: warm, uncrowded, every beach accessible; the sea is still fresh.
July–August: busiest, hottest, and the time with the most frequent buses — arrive early for popular beaches.
September–October: many travellers' favourite — warm sea, thinner crowds and a calmer island.
Quick tips for beach days by bus
Check the last bus back, especially from Pyrgaki, Alyko and Apollonas — evening services thin out fast.
Buy tickets in advance (or use a digital QR ticket) so you're not queuing while the bus you wanted pulls away.
The southern beaches have little or no shade and few shops — take water, sunscreen and a beach umbrella.
In August the midday buses fill up; arrive 10–15 minutes early to get a seat.
Ready to go? Check the full Naxos timetable and buy digital tickets on the Naxos buses page.