The Sensational Twin Sandy Beaches of Greece’s Naxos

In the middle of the west coast of Naxos south of the island’s capital, Chora, there are two neighboring beaches or seaside settlements that are ideal destinations for your summer vacation.

Located 5km from Naxos Town, Agios Prokopios beach is considered to be one of the most mesmerizing beaches in Greece and in all of Europe with its golden, coarse sand and crystal-clear waters.

One part of the beach is an organized tourist resort with sunbeds and umbrellas, whereas the other part is left unspoiled by tourist facilities and provides a quieter, peaceful place at its western edge, where a chapel of the same name stands.

The beach’s name was taken after this small chapel dedicated to St. Prokopios. On the 8th of July, the chapel has a celebration with prayers and traditional festivities arranged by the locals with music and food.

Meanwhile, water sports lovers can get their fill, thanks to the wealth of water sports activities on offer including beach volleyball, windsurfing, sea bicycles, and snorkeling.

To discover the magnificent underwater landscapes, snorkeling gear providers and shops can be found on the coast.

Agios Prokopios used to be the main port of Naxos during the Middle Ages, and a shipwreck can be found at the end of the beach.

‘Red lake’ near the beach

For people interested in nature, a natural little lake known as ‘kokkini limni’ (red lake) is worth visiting, as the lake often attracts herons, long-legged freshwater and coastal birds.

Shops for entertainment and convenience can be found in a nearby small village offering mini markets, cafes, bars, taverns, car and motorbike rental agencies, presenting everything needed for vacationers, which is located on the beach’s eastern side.

The wide, sandy beach of Agios Prokopios extends over 1.5 km, and its crystal clear waters, that alternate from blue to deep blue and turquoise colors, embrace the sheltered bay making it an attraction for all holidaymakers in Naxos.

A short distance away from Agios Prokopios is Stelida, a tourist settlement where hotel accommodation and many rooms are available for rent.

A bit further from Stelida, in the area stretching north of Naxos airport, the magnificent view of the capital and the ideal conditions for lovers of windsurfing and other water sports magnetize numerous Greek and foreign holidaymakers.

Naxos’ Agia Anna beach

A short distance to the southeast of Agios Prokopios is the picturesque tourist coastal settlement of Agia Anna, with a forest filled with cedar trees that grow in the hot sand surrounding the exotic beach, offering tranquility and shade to swimmers.

Once a fishing village, Agia Anna (6 km) is a continuation of Agios Prokopis beach. The extensive sandy beach is interrupted by the picturesque harbor of the coastal settlement, anchorage for the fishermen of the area, where early in the morning you can find fresh fish on the boats.

The scenic settlement has been built along the coast and has recently expanded remarkably. Since it has been largely developed to accommodate the area’s high demand for tourist facilities, only a few inhabitants live there all year round.

Agia Anna includes umbrellas and sunbeds throughout the beach, and it is one of the best-organized beaches on Naxos. There are numerous accommodation units, such as beachfront hotels and apartment rooms.

You can find plentiful beachfront restaurants, taverns, beach bars, and cafes with a great view of the sea and the exotic landscape.

Sometimes, the northern part of the beach gets choppy waters and that is when you witness nature’s beauty. However, the small port is protected from the winds and is usually very calm, making it ideal for a nice, relaxing swim even with the strongest winds.

If you are around on the 25th of July, don’t miss attending the local religious feast (called panigiri) honoring Agia Anna (St. Anna).

Agia Anna and Agios Prokopis connect with Chora by buses that pass every twenty minutes to half an hour from early morning hours to late at night. The beaches can also be accessed by taxi, car, or motorbike.

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