🏖️ Complete Beach Paradise Guide: Naxos offers some of the most diverse and stunning beaches in the Cyclades, and the best part? Nearly all of them are accessible by public bus! This comprehensive ranking covers the top 10 beaches you can reach without a rental car, complete with bus routes, schedules, amenities, and insider tips for each destination.
Why Naxos is Perfect for Bus-Based Beach Hopping
Unlike many Greek islands where the best beaches require expensive taxi rides or rental cars, Naxos has developed an exceptional public transport network that connects virtually every major beach destination. The KTEL bus system operates regular services to both famous and hidden beach gems, making Naxos the ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers and eco-friendly tourists.
Each beach on our top 10 list offers something unique: from family-friendly swimming spots to windsurfing havens, secluded coves to vibrant beach bars, and dramatic landscapes to crystalline waters perfect for snorkeling. Best of all, every destination is reachable for the cost of a bus ticket - typically €2-5 depending on distance.
The Complete Ranking: Top 10 Bus-Accessible Beaches
1
Plaka Beach
The crown jewel of Naxos beaches, Plaka offers over 4 kilometers of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunset views. This Blue Flag certified beach consistently ranks among Greece's best beaches.
🚌 Bus Access: Route 89 from Naxos Town (30 minutes) | Departures every 2 hours in summer
Sand Quality
Fine golden sand
Water Clarity
Exceptional (10/10)
Best For
Families, sunsets, swimming
Crowding Level
Moderate to high in summer
Tavernas
Sunbeds
Showers
Parking
Water Sports
Why #1: Plaka combines exceptional natural beauty with excellent facilities and reliable bus access. The beach's length means you can always find space, and the sunset views are legendary throughout the Cyclades.
2
Agia Anna Beach
This picture-perfect beach features in countless travel magazines and Instagram posts. The small fishing harbor adds authentic charm to the pristine sandy beach and turquoise waters.
🚌 Bus Access: Route 31 from Naxos Town (25 minutes) | Regular service every 1.5 hours
Sand Quality
White fine sand
Water Clarity
Outstanding (9/10)
Best For
Photography, romantic walks
Crowding Level
High (very popular)
Traditional Tavernas
Fresh Seafood
Sunbeds
Clear Waters
Insider Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. The small harbor offers some of the freshest fish tavernas on the island.
3
Agios Prokopios Beach
Consistently rated among the world's best beaches, Agios Prokopios offers 1.5km of golden sand, shallow crystal-clear waters, and excellent facilities - perfect for families.
🚌 Bus Access: Route 31 from Naxos Town (20 minutes) | Frequent service every hour
Sand Quality
Golden, soft sand
Water Clarity
Excellent (9/10)
Best For
Families, swimming, relaxation
Crowding Level
Moderate to high
Family-Friendly
Beach Bars
Water Sports
Hotels Nearby
Shallow Waters
Family Perfect: The gradual depth increase and calm waters make this ideal for children, while beach bars and water sports keep adults entertained.
4
Mikri Vigla Beach
A paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, Mikri Vigla offers consistent winds, professional instruction centers, and two distinct beach areas to choose from.
🚌 Bus Access: Route 24 from Naxos Town (35 minutes) | 3-4 daily departures in summer
Sand Quality
Golden sand, some pebbles
Water Clarity
Very good (8/10)
Best For
Windsurfing, kitesurfing
Crowding Level
Moderate, sports-focused
Windsurfing Schools
Equipment Rental
Sports Bars
Consistent Wind
Adventure Hub: Even non-surfers enjoy watching the colorful sails and kites. Two beach sections offer choice between windsurf action and calmer swimming areas.
5
Kastraki Beach
This expansive beach offers a perfect combination of organized and wild sections, with dramatic rock formations providing natural windbreaks and stunning photography opportunities.
🚌 Bus Access: Route 24 from Naxos Town (40 minutes) | Continue from Mikri Vigla
Sand Quality
Fine golden sand
Water Clarity
Excellent (9/10)
Best For
Long walks, exploration
Crowding Level
Low to moderate
Rock Formations
Cedar Forest
Long Walks
Photography
Natural Beauty: The combination of sandy beach, cedar forest, and dramatic rock formations creates one of Naxos's most photogenic coastal landscapes.
6
Alyko Beach
A series of secluded coves surrounded by aromatic cedar forest, Alyko offers privacy and natural beauty for those seeking a more intimate beach experience.
🚌 Bus Access: Route 24 from Naxos Town (45 minutes) | Limited service, check schedule
Sand Quality
White sand, small coves
Water Clarity
Outstanding (10/10)
Best For
Privacy, nature lovers
Cedar Forest
Secluded Coves
Natural Shade
Crystal Waters
Hidden Paradise: Multiple small beaches offer different experiences. The cedar forest provides natural shade and creates a unique Mediterranean landscape setting.
7
Pyrgaki Beach
The southernmost beach accessible by bus, Pyrgaki offers wild beauty, strong waves, and some of the most pristine sand dunes in the Cyclades.
🚌 Bus Access: Route 24 from Naxos Town (50 minutes) | End of the line, limited service
Sand Quality
Golden sand dunes
Water Clarity
Very good (8/10)
Best For
Adventure, solitude
Sand Dunes
Wild Beauty
Strong Waves
Remote Feel
Adventure Destination: This remote beach rewards those willing to make the longer bus journey with pristine natural beauty and genuine solitude.
8
Orkos Beach
A quieter alternative to nearby Plaka, Orkos offers excellent swimming conditions with a more relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sand dunes backdrop.
🚌 Bus Access: Route 89 from Naxos Town + 10-minute walk from Plaka
Sand Quality
Fine golden sand
Water Clarity
Excellent (9/10)
Best For
Quiet relaxation, couples
Peaceful
Good Swimming
Sand Dunes
Sunset Views
Hidden Gem: Many visitors miss this beach while focusing on famous Plaka nearby, making it perfect for those seeking tranquility.
9
Panormos Beach
Located on Naxos's northern coast, Panormos offers a different landscape with its protected bay, traditional fishing harbor, and excellent seafood tavernas.
🚌 Bus Access: Limited bus service to northern Naxos + local transportation needed
Sand Quality
Mixed sand and pebbles
Water Clarity
Good (7/10)
Best For
Authentic culture, seafood
Fishing Harbor
Fresh Seafood
Protected Bay
Authentic
Cultural Experience: More about the authentic Greek fishing village experience than pure beach beauty, but offers excellent local food and culture.
10
Apollonas Beach
The northernmost beach accessible by bus, Apollonas combines a pebble beach with dramatic coastal scenery and the famous unfinished ancient kouros statue nearby.
🚌 Bus Access: Route 90 from Filoti (seasonal service) | Long journey but scenic
Sand Quality
Pebbles and small stones
Water Clarity
Good (7/10)
Best For
Cultural exploration, scenery
Ancient Kouros
Dramatic Cliffs
Remote
Cultural Sites
Adventure & Culture: The journey is as rewarding as the destination, passing through traditional mountain villages and offering spectacular views of northern Naxos.
Planning Your Beach Bus Tour
🗓️ Perfect Beach-Hopping Itinerary
Day 1 - Southern Coastal Explorer: Take Route 24 early morning to Pyrgaki, work your way back through Alyko, Kastraki, and Mikri Vigla. Each stop offers different experiences and the return journey allows multiple beach visits.
Day 2 - Classic Beach Perfect: Route 31 to Agios Prokopios for morning swimming, continue to Agia Anna for lunch and photography, finish with Route 89 to Plaka for sunset viewing.
Day 3 - Cultural & Remote: Northern exploration via Route 90 combining beach time at Apollonas with cultural sites and mountain village experiences.
Essential Beach Bus Travel Tips
⚠️ Important Bus Schedule Notes:
- Southern beaches (Route 24) have limited return services - always check last bus times
- Northern routes (Route 90) operate seasonally and may have long gaps between services
- Popular beaches fill buses quickly in July/August - arrive at stops early
- Carry cash for bus fares - cards not always accepted
What to Pack for Beach Bus Days
- Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, hat, and beach umbrella if staying long
- Water & Snacks: Beach tavernas can be expensive, pack provisions
- Beach Gear: Towel, snorkeling equipment, beach shoes for rocky areas
- Timing Tools: Download bus schedules to your phone for offline access
- Emergency Cash: For unexpected taxi rides if you miss last buses
Best Time to Visit Each Beach
Early Season (May-June): Perfect weather, fewer crowds, all beaches accessible. Water may be cooler but very refreshing.
Peak Season (July-August): Maximum bus frequency and facilities, but expect crowds at popular beaches like Plaka and Agia Anna.
Shoulder Season (September-October): Many consider this optimal - warm sea temperatures, reduced crowds, reliable weather, and more authentic Greek island atmosphere.
💡 Local Secret: The best beach experiences often come from getting off the bus one stop early and walking along the coast. You'll discover hidden coves and swimming spots that many tourists miss, while still maintaining easy bus access for your return journey.