Plaka Beach Naxos – A Guide to the Best Naxos Beach
Are you planning to chill at Plaka Beach Naxos?
The Cycladic island of Naxos is renowned for its gorgeous beaches and Plaka Beach Naxos is certainly at the top of the list of best beaches in Naxos. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be in complete awe of Plaka’s golden sand and crystal clear turquoise water surrounded by rolling hills. Forget about noisy beach clubs and beaches filled with sunbeds up to such an extent that it’s hard to see the sand. Plaka is the best Naxos beach for those that appreciate unspoiled and underdeveloped beaches where all you can hear is the sound of the waves.
I have spent quite some time on the Naxos island, writing travel guides and exploring the island with a camera in hand, taking photos of this incredible island. On this page, I’m sharing with you my best tips!
Also, if you’re looking for where to stay in Naxos, Plaka Beach amongst Chora and Agios Prokopios Naxos and Agia Anna Naxos is one of the best places to stay on the island.
Plaka Beach – Quick Guide
🚢 Book your Naxos ferry from Athens or another Greek island through Ferry Scanner
🚗 For the best Naxos Car Rental deals, check Discover Cars
🏨 Still looking for a hotel in Naxos? Here are the best Accommodation Naxos Deals:
Chora Naxos: Naxian Horizon
Plaka: Acti Plaka Hotel Naxos
Agia Anna: Iria Beach Art Hotel
⛵Best Naxos Boat Tour: All-Inclusive Boat Tour Naxos to Small Cyclades
Where is Plaka Beach Naxos
Plaka Beach is located on the western coast of Naxos island, a 20-minute drive from Chora Naxos Town and the island’s ferry port. If you’re arriving by plane, Naxos airport is only 6 km away from Plaka Greece. Despite being so close to the lively Chora and popular town of Agia Anna, Plaka Beach Naxos is a tranquil oasis where you can truly unwind for the day, or even better, have an off-grid vacation.
Plaka Naxos is also a short walk from Maragas Beach Naxos – a more lively area littered with chic beach clubs, water sports facilities and restaurants for when feel like being around the people more.
For those that plan to visit some of the more authentic Naxos villages set in the mountains, such as Vivlos or Chalki, Plaka Beach is an excellent place to stay, located only 4 km away.
Plaka Beach on the map of Naxos
How to get to Plaka Beach Naxos?
Interested in Renting A Car In Naxos?
In this blog post, we will tell you how easy it is to rent a car in Naxos, covering everything from prices, rental conditions, insurance requirements, tips for driving in Naxos, and so much more.
By car/scooter/ATV
The most convenient way to get to Plaka Beach Naxos is to hire your own vehicle. Driving around the island is super easy if you have access to Google maps. If your mobile phone network doesn’t include internet usage abroad, get a local SIM card for the best rates. Just bring your passport with you and ask for a SIM card suitable for foreigners.
Check Discover Cars which is a car rental comparison site for the best car rental Naxos deals. Booking early can often save you money, and I recommend doing it in particular when you plan to travel during the high season – July and August. Car rental prices start at €40 or $45 per day.
You can also rent a scooter or an ATV vehicle on Naxos and there is no need for advance booking. Just find a local rental shop with good reviews. If you want to get a good price, be prepared for negotiating and pay in cash. You should definitely get a discount, if you book for more than a day and if you’re renting out outside of the summer months of July and August. Scooter rental starts at €20 per day and €40-50 for an ATV vehicle.
If you want to get to the northern end of the beach, type in Google – Medusa Naxos, which is a resort next to the beach entrance. There is a large dirt parking area where you can leave your vehicle free of charge. To get to the southern, more tranquil end, navigate to Mandala Beach, where you can leave your car along the road. There is also a small parking area that only fits a few cars, so if you arrive later in the afternoon, you will have to park on the road.
Naxos Town to Plaka Beach by Bus
For those that prefer not to rent a vehicle, there is a local bus that connects Chora Town with Plaka Beach Naxos. The bus runs several times a day and goes through Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna town.
Take a bus line 1 that leaves from the main bus stop located in Naxos marina, near the port. The bus ticket costs €1.8 or $2 and takes about half an hour. The bust makes several spots along the route and at Plaka, you’ll be dropped off at the northern end of the beach.
The only thing to keep in mind is that Naxos buses run less frequently outside of the summer season.
Best time to visit Plaka Naxos Beach
The best time to visit Naxos island is between June and September when the weather is suitable for enjoying the beach – swimming in the sea and sunbathing. Unlike other more popular Cycladic islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, Naxos doesn’t feel overcrowded even during July and August. And because Plaka Beach boasts a long stretch of shore, you can find a tranquil spot here, any time of the year.
If you’re flexible with your travel plans, I’d recommend coming in September when the weather is just perfect for the beach – not too hot and most certainly not cold. Another benefit of vacationing in September is lower room rates. I visited Naxos Plaka Beach in September and loved the sunny weather and almost empty beach.
How long to stay on Plaka Beach Greece?
If you’re visiting Plaka Beach on a day trip from Naxos Town, come in the late morning. You can stay on Plaka Beach easily all day. You can bring your own snacks for lunch, or eat in one of the few beach bars available in the northern part of Plaka Naxos. If you want to stay close to beach facilities, choose the northern end of the beach. You can type in Medusa resort Naxos and walk north from it. And for those that prefer a remote and secluded spot for a beach day, go south from Medusa resort. Make sure you take plenty of water with you as there are not many shops around.
Plaka Beach Naxos is also an excellent base to stay on Naxos for an off-grid getaway. Check out the next section where I share the best Plaka beach Naxos accommodation choices.
Plaka Beach Naxos Hotels
If you’re a beach lover and enjoy staying in quiet locations, close to nature, then you will love staying in one of the hotels in Plaka Beach Naxos. In terms of accommodation, Plaka Naxos Greece has a good selection of superb luxury and mid-range hotels that cater for couples and families. Some of them have access to a private beach, while more budget hotels are set further back from the beach.
Best Plaka Naxos Hotels
Below, you’ll find the best hotels Naxos Plaka Beach.
Medusa Beach Resort Naxos – Beachfront Plaka Hotel Naxos with pool.
Location | Medusa Resort Naxos is situated right on the beach, on the northern end of Plaka Beach a few minutes walk along the beach to a couple of beach bars.
Rooms | Hotel Medusa Naxos features a range of double, twin, family rooms and suites. All come with a balcony with a sea view and a minibar.
Facilities | At this Plaka Beach resort guests can enjoy a pool set in a lush garden, a pool bar, a beach bar with sunbeds and two restaurants. Free parking and a superb breakfast are also available as well as canoeing and snorkelling equipment.
Best for | Medusa beach Naxos is best for families, couples and friends, luxury, small resort vibe on the beach.
Nikos & Maria Studios,Apts and Suites – Deluxe suites with jacuzzi & 2-bed apartments for families.
Location | This property is located a minute walk to Maragas Beach, with a range of beach bars and cafes. Plaka Beach is a short walk away.
Rooms | A range of rooms is available to guests, all come with a balcony and a kitchenette. Some units feature a sea view, while deluxe suites come with a hot tub. There is also a 2-bed apartment for bigger groups and families.
Facilities | Free airport shuttle and parking is offered to guests as well as breakfast for an extra charge. The hotel also features a bar and a restaurant.
Best for | Comfy family holiday with kitchen facilities, romantic stays for couples.
Golden Sand Plaka Naxos – Naxos Plaka Beach Hotel with pool & family rooms and jacuzzi suites.
Location | Golden Sand Naxos is set right on the most northern end of Plaka Beach, minutes walk to Maragas Beach.
Rooms | A range of rooms is available to guests – double, triple, suites with sea view and jacuzzi as well as family apartments with kitchen.
Facilities | The hotel features a pool, bar and a restaurant. An airport shuttle is also available upon request.
Best for | Families as well as couples on a romantic getaway, beach lovers and pool-goers.
Affordable Naxos Plaka Beach Hotels
Here are the best Naxos Plaka beach accommodation options in terms of value for money.
Acti Plaka Hotel Naxos – Studios & family apartments with kitchen.
Location | Acti Plaka is located just a few steps away from Plaka Beach and a couple of beach bars and a nearby bus stop.
Rooms | The hotel features studios and two-bed apartments. All come with a balcony with a sea view and a kitchenette.
Facilities | Facilities include an outdoor pool, free parking and BBQ facilities.
Best for | Friends, couples, families.
Blue Harmony Apartments Plaka – Budget studios with kitchen for 1-3 adults.
Location | The hotel is set 120 meters from Plaka’s northern edge.
Rooms | All studios come equipped with a kitchen and a balcony.
Facilities | Free parking and breakfast, and airport shuttle are available for an additional charge.
Best for | Solo travellers, couples, friends and families.
Naxos Plaka Beach – What to expect?
Plaka Beach is considered to be one of the best beaches Naxos is renowned for! Plaka stretches over a few kilometres and its coast is largely underdeveloped with only a few hotels and guest houses and a couple of restaurants. The beach has soft, dark golden sand and crystal clear water that has a beautiful turquoise shade and is shallow and perfect for swimming.
Plaka Beach is perfect for families but also for couples that love nature and don’t mind being away from the bustling nightlife of Naxos Town, which is located 20 minutes drive away.
The northern end of Plaka Beach has more amenities, a few beach bars and sunbeds & parasol rentals. It is also where Medusa resort is located. North from Medusa, there is a more lively area of Maragas Beach littered with chic Naxos beach bars, sunbeds rentals and restaurants. Here, you will also find water sports facilities such as windsurfing classes and standup paddleboards rentals.
The southern end is completely untouched and this is where you can find a quiet spot for a relaxing beach day. Make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks with you as there aren’t many shops nearby. Also, take a towel, a good book to read or a relaxing playlist and enjoy the pristine beach, the sound of waves and the calm waters.
At the very southern end of Plaka, you’ll find Mandala Beach, with a few sunbeds, which is also a gorgeous spot for a beach day. In September, when I visited the sunbeds where €10 for the set and the beach almost entirely empty. There is also a small cafe on the beach that sells cold drinks and light bites, perfect for lunch. The place felt like a slice of paradise.
Plaka Beach Naxos Facilities
Plaka Beach is largely untouched and for that reason, it lacks beach facilities such as toilets, showers, changing rooms or a lifeguard. If this is an issue for you, I recommend visiting Agios Prokopios beach in Naxos instead.
Plaka, however, has a few bars where you can spend the day, have some food and watch the sunset. The beach bars in Naxos Plaka however are not what you expect from a beach bar – loud music and people partying all day. They are super quiet and perfect for relaxation.
Plaka Naxos Beach Bars
Earth Bar | This Naxos beach bar is part of the Medusa resort. It offers a great selection of gourmet cocktails and you can order food that will be brought for you from the hotel. Earth beach bar Naxos is an excellent place to enjoy a cocktail and sunset views over the stunning Plaka Beach.
Misha Beach Bar Naxos | Misha is a small beach bar situated on the northern end of Plaka Beach. You can rent a set of sunbeds and an umbrella here and stay until sunset for a cocktail or coffee.
Mandala Beach Club Naxos | Mandala is a secluded spot on the southern end of Plaka beach Naxos with a few sunbeds and umbrellas for daily rent and drinks and light food service.
Plaka Beach Naxos Restaurants
Tohu Beach Bar Restaurant | Boho vibe with simple, tasty food.
Voula Restaurant | Seafood and Mediterranean homemade cuisine.
Artos Lagogianni Plaka Naxos | Superb bakery to stop on your way to Plaka beach and get some baked goodies and freshly ground coffee!
Other Fantastic Beaches in Naxos near Naxos Plaka Beach
Aliko beach Naxos | The best beach Naxos for nature lovers. Aliko or Alyko beach Naxos has a picturesque small chapel and it’s close to Pyrgaki Beach Naxos and Hawaii Beach.
Hawaii beach Naxos | One of the best Naxos beaches! It has a picturesque cliff with shades of pink.
Agia Anna beach Naxos | Best beach in Naxos with plenty of bars and restaurants and a small village charm.
Agios Prokopios beach Naxos | One of the best beaches in Naxos Greece, close to Agia Anna town and Chora.
Kastraki beach Naxos | One of the remote and quiet Naxos Greece beaches.
How to Get to Naxos?
Direct Flights to Naxos
The only direct way via an aeroplane to the island is Athens to Naxos flight. Several airlines serve this connection and these are Olympic, Sky Express and Aegean. Use a flights browser such as Kayak to find the cheapest or best flight.
Naxos airport is situated on the western coast of the island, an 8-minutes drive from Chora. You can hire a car, take a taxi or a bus to get to your Naxos accommodation.
How to get to Naxos from the UK?
As there is no direct flight between the UK and Naxos, you will need to fly to Athens and then go on a flight Athens to Naxos, which operate multiple times per day. You can also take a ferry to Naxos from Pireaus Port in Athens. Check the next section for more information.
Naxos Ferries
The most common way of getting to Naxos is taking a ferry either from Athens or, if you’re island hopping in the Cyclades, from another island. Several companies service the route between the Cycladic islands in Greece such as Seajets, Blue Star Naxos, and Hellenic Seaways.
If you want to save some money on the ferries that can be costly, especially if you’re island hopping, I recommend booking your fares way in advance. I always use Ferry Scanner to look for the best tickets. If you’re planning your trip to Naxos at peak season, booking your ferry in advance makes even more sense, especially if you’re not very flexible on dates. If you book online, Ferry Scanner offers an extended free cancellation period in case your plans change.
When searching for tickets, you will also notice that slower ferries can be a lot cheaper, so if you don’t mind a 2-3 hours longer trip, booking a slower ferry can be a good way of saving some money.
Travelling on ferries is an experience in its own right! Remember to arrive early as the boarding process and loading the vehicles is swift, and boats don’t wait around and usually leave on time. Also, always check ahead of time if your ferry is scheduled to go on time. Ferry services rely on good sea conditions, and cancellations are common, especially in September and October when there are more chances of strong winds.
Ferries to Naxos from Athens
Athens to Naxos ferry is the most popular route and the most frequent service. Ferries Athens to Naxos leaves multiple times a day from Piraeus or Rafina ports to Naxos Town. Depending on the ferry, the journey takes anything from 3 to 5 hours. For ferry schedules and prices, check Ferry Scanner.
Ferries Santorini to Naxos
A ferry Santorini Naxos is another popular route with multiple ferries scheduled daily. The trip takes from 80 minutes to 3 hours, and during summer holidays, ferries get booked out quickly, so consider booking online if you’re travelling during that time.
Ferries Mykonos to Naxos
The same applies to ferry Mykonos to Naxos. The journey takes between 35 minutes to just under 2 hours, and online booking is recommended for travels between July and August. Because the two islands are so close to each other, taking a day trip from Naxos to Mykonos is a popular form of visiting the more expensive Cycladic sister island.
Ferries from Crete to Naxos
A ferry Crete to Naxos is way less popular and less frequent. There is only one ferry from Crete to Naxos with Seajets that takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you’re not flexible on dates and travelling during the peak season, make sure you prebook your Crete to Naxos ferry online.
Ferries from Paros to Naxos
Ferries Paros to Naxos are frequent, and the journey takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the route of your ferry Paros Naxos. If you are short on time, you can also visit Paros on a day trip from Naxos if you take a fast ferry.
Ferries from Milos to Naxos
Milos island is quite far from Naxos, and there is only one ferry per day with a journey time of almost 4 hours.
Ferry from Ios to Naxos
There are a few ferry services per day between Ios and Naxos. Ios is a much smaller island. It takes around 60 minutes to get there by ferry, which means you can also visit Ios on a day trip.
Car Rental Naxos
Car Rental in Naxos is super common and widely available on the island. I found that online car rental costs the same as doing it in person on arrival, and it saves you the hassle of shopping around on the island. It also makes sense to prebook the car online if you’re travelling during the peak season.
I usually use DiscoverCars to search for the best car rental option and always opt-in for the full insurance cover to save myself unpleasantries such as paying an excess fee for damages. Also, check if you need an international driving licence to drive in Greece. If you’re from one o the EU countries or the UK, you can legally drive in Greece with your country’s driver’s licence.
Car Hire Naxos Deals
Best Naxos Tours
A great way of exploring the island is by taking an organised tour. This is a particularly good option if you don’t have enough time. Here are some of the best hand-picked Naxos excursions, Naxos boat tours and best day trips from Naxos island.
All-Inclusive Catamaran Day Cruise & Snorkelling
All-Inclusive Boat Tour Naxos to Small Cyclades
Private Food Tour in Naxos Old Town
Half-Day Private Tour of Naxos
ATV Rental Naxos
Riding an ATV vehicle is also a popular form of exploring the island. ATVs are easy and fun to drive, and they are good at riding off-road. If you’re planning to visit places like Plaka Beach, Aliko Beach, Hawaii Beach, Pyrgaki, you may want to consider getting an ATV as an alternative to a car. I was travelling on a scooter in that area, and at times the road was very tricky with sandy, slippery surfaces.
The downside of renting an ATV is they are almost as expensive as car rental and may be unpleasant to drive in windy conditions. The prices start at €50 per day. If you decide on an ATV vehicle, make sure you rent it from a reputable dealer. Always check their reviews and get yourself insured. You may also require an international driver’s licence.
TIP | If you want to rent it for more than one day, try negotiating down the price. You may also offer a cash payment to get a better deal.
Scooter Rental Naxos
Probably the cheapest way how to get around Naxos other than the bus is renting out a scooter. Since I lived in Bali for a long time, this was my preferred way! I rented a scooter in Naxos Town for €20 a day in September and I paid cash.
You will probably need to negotiate a little and pay in cash to get a similar rate, but it’s entirely possible! Before you decide on renting a scooter, make sure you have the appropriate driving licence suitable for scooters. They actually check it in every rental shop! If you’re from the UK, a full driving licence is sufficient.
Naxos Bus System
If renting a car in Naxos is not your cup of tea, you can also travel around the island on Naxos buses. There is a private bus Naxos company that runs several lines connecting all the places worth visiting on Naxos such as Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Glyfada, Aliko, Halki, Filoti and even Vivlos with Naxos Town and making using buses in Naxos easy. Buse ticket prices are also very reasonable costing anything between €1.8 and €5 for a single trip. I’m leaving a link to the Naxos bus schedule below.
Best time to visit Naxos?
Naxos experiences its peak season during July and August when the island receives the most visitors, hotel prices are at their highest and so are the daily temperatures averaging around 27 degrees Celsius.
June, September and October are the perfect months to visit Naxos island. You can expect plenty of sunshine, temperature averaging in the mid-twenties degree Celcius with seawater staying at above 20 degrees Celsius as well, which is ideal for swimming. During this time you can also grab some good deals on accommodation and rentals and enjoy half-empty Naxos beaches.
How many days in Naxos?
Naxos is the biggest Cycladic island which is impossible to visit on a day trip. Luckily, all the most exciting things to do in Naxos and Naxos best beaches are concentrated on its western coast. To fully appreciate the island’s beauty and the best of Naxos, I recommend spending here at least one week.
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