Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka beaches

Three beaches in a row

South of the Chora, the west coast of Naxos is a succession of sand with almost no breaks. First comes Agios Prokopios, then Agia Anna, which is its continuation, and then Plaka, which follows Agia Anna to the south. You can spend the day on just one or walk along the shore from one to another and come back by bus from whichever stop is nearest.

• Agios Prokopios, about 5 km from the Chora. Sand slightly coarse at the water's edge and fine in the water. It has stretches of sun loungers and parasols, and a quieter western end next to a chapel. On the east side are concentrated minimarkets, tavernas, cafés and car and motorbike hire. There is windsurfing, beach volleyball and pedalos. The dive centre for the try dive is also here.
• Agia Anna, about 6 km away. Golden sand, beach bars and tavernas with sun loungers along almost the whole beach, natural shade from a juniper wood and a small fishing-boat harbour at the end. A wooden ramp leads to the chapel.
• Plaka, the longest and least built-up. Golden sand, coarse in places, with dunes behind and sea lilies that flower from August. There are organised stretches with sun loungers and others that are free, juniper shade by the water and cafés and tavernas spread along it. You can park along its whole length.

How to get there

The KTEL bus on the beach line leaves from the Chora station, next to the port. In summer it runs every half hour, from morning to night. To Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna it takes about 15 minutes and the ticket costs €1.80; to Plaka, about 25 minutes and €2. Buy the ticket before boarding. Out of season the departures drop a lot: check the timetable at the station.

By hire car or quad, there is parking at many points by the sea. In August, at midday, it is hard to find a space at Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna; at Plaka it is easier.

Swimming and wind

The water is clear and the bottom is sand, with some small stones at Plaka. The entry into the water is gradual, comfortable for children. These beaches face west and get the north wind: with a strong meltemi, in July and August, there can be swell and flying sand. On those days, Agios Georgios beach, in the Chora, is the alternative at hand. Always check whether there are flags or notices at the beach bars.

When to go

From June to September everything is open and the water is warm. July and August bring more people and more wind; in June and September the beaches are quieter. From November to April many beach bars and beach hotels close, and the bus runs infrequently. The sun sets over the sea: stay to see it and come back on one of the last buses.

With children and accessibility

For a day with children, Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna have facilities at hand and a gentle entry into the water. The Naxos tourism website states that both are wheelchair accessible; Plaka is not.

Eating and sleeping nearby

There are tavernas and bars all along the coast. If you want to stay by the sea, in this area are Plaka Camping and Maragas Beach Village. Further south comes Mikri Vigla, the kitesurfing spot.