Plaka Beach Mikri Vigla Naxos and Orkos Beach Naxos
Naxos' western coast offers vast sandy beaches, ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant beach life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer waters for swimming
Plaka Beach Mikri Vigla Naxos and Orkos Beach Naxos
Best Time
Calmer waters for swimming
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Naxos' western coast offers vast sandy beaches, ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with crystal-clear waters and vibrant beach life.
"A paradise for windsurfers and a beautiful spot for beach lovers, though be prepared for the wind!"
🚗 Rent an ATV/Scooter
Explore multiple beaches easily! Great for discovering hidden gems along the coast.
💨 Embrace the Breeze
It's windy! Perfect for watersports, but bring a cover-up for sunbathing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing Spectacle
Mikri Vigla Beach
Witness thrilling aerial maneuvers as kitesurfers and windsurfers dance on the waves. A true spectacle of skill and athleticism.
Expansive Sandy Shores
Plaka Beach
Miles of soft, coarse sand meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. Perfect for long walks and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
Unique Street Art Ruins
Alyko Beach (near Mikri Vigla)
Explore an abandoned hotel transformed into an open-air art gallery with vibrant street art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wind: Naxos' Windy West Coast
Beach Hopping Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent an ATV/Scooter
Explore multiple beaches easily! Great for discovering hidden gems along the coast.
💨 Embrace the Breeze
It's windy! Perfect for watersports, but bring a cover-up for sunbathing.
🍕 Pizza Perfection
Don't miss the Italian restaurant nearby for amazing pizza!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Ideal for walking along the long sandy stretches. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent an ATV/Scooter
Explore multiple beaches easily! Great for discovering hidden gems along the coast.
💨 Embrace the Breeze
It's windy! Perfect for watersports, but bring a cover-up for sunbathing.
🍕 Pizza Perfection
Don't miss the Italian restaurant nearby for amazing pizza!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Ideal for walking along the long sandy stretches. :athletic_shoe:
🍺 Grab a Cold Beer
Enjoy spectating the windsurfers with a refreshing drink from the nearby supermarket.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
These beaches are praised for their stunning natural beauty, with clean, coarse sand and incredibly clear turquoise waters. They are a mecca for windsurfers and kitesurfers, offering constant entertainment. However, visitors should be aware of the strong, consistent winds, which can make sunbathing less comfortable and swimming challenging at times.
"Amazing beach: clean sand and wonderful water color (+ perfect visibility underwater). Not great for swimming when windsurfers arrive - in our case it was in the early afternoon - but a fantastic place to spend time at."
Oleg Borodin
"This is our favorite beach on Naxos, the sand is very coarse and clean, and even in the high wind, it doesn't blow in your eyes or onto your towel or clothes. There is constant entertainment as the kite suffers do tricks. Water is crystal clear, and there is an Italian restaurant close by that serves the best pizza on the island. If you visit Naxos, don't miss this gem!"
Robin Hoon
"Beautiful beach and entertaining to spectate the kite surfers. But it’s extremely windy so not a place to lounge or swim in.
There’s a supermarket very close by so was fun to grab a beer and spectate."
Real Yang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Plaka and Mikri Vigla beaches from Naxos Town by car, scooter, or ATV. The drive is approximately 10-15 km along the west coast. Local buses also service these beaches, though schedules may vary. Renting a vehicle offers the most flexibility for exploring the numerous beaches along this stretch.
Yes, local buses connect Naxos Town to Plaka and Mikri Vigla. However, for the best experience and to explore other nearby beaches like Alyko or Kastraki, renting a scooter or ATV is highly recommended.
It's a long walk from Agios Prokopios to Plaka Beach, but it's a beautiful coastal route. Many visitors enjoy walking between adjacent beaches like Plaka and Mikri Vigla.
Renting an ATV or scooter is the most popular and convenient way to hop between Plaka, Mikri Vigla, Orkos, and other stunning beaches like Alyko and Kastraki.
Yes, there are parking areas available at both Plaka and Mikri Vigla beaches, especially near the beach clubs and restaurants.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, both Plaka Beach and Mikri Vigla Beach are public beaches and do not have an entrance fee. You only pay for services like sunbeds, umbrellas, or food and drinks at the beach bars and restaurants.
Beach clubs and restaurants typically open in the late morning and stay open until the evening, especially during the peak summer season. Hours can vary, so it's best to check specific establishments.
During peak season, it's advisable to arrive earlier in the day to secure good sunbeds, especially at popular beach clubs. For specific events or prime locations, booking might be an option.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting the beaches themselves. However, be mindful of the wind conditions, especially if you're not participating in watersports.
The abandoned hotel ruins at Alyko are accessible and have become a popular spot for street art enthusiasts. It's an open-air exploration, so no tickets are required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Plaka Beach is beautiful with clear waters, but it can get windy, especially in the afternoon, which is ideal for windsurfing. For calmer swimming conditions, visiting in the morning is recommended.
Mikri Vigla Beach is famous for its strong, consistent winds, making it a prime destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It's also a great spot to watch these sports.
Yes, these beaches are known for being quite windy, particularly in the afternoon. This is a major draw for windsurfers and kitesurfers but can be less ideal for those seeking a completely calm beach experience.
The sand at these beaches is coarse and clean, which is a significant advantage as it tends not to blow into your eyes or onto your belongings as much as finer sand.
Many of the beach clubs and organized sections of Plaka and Mikri Vigla offer facilities such as restrooms and showers for their patrons.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! There are several beachfront tavernas and restaurants. One highly recommended spot near Mikri Vigla serves 'the best pizza on the island.'
You'll find a range of options from casual beach bars serving snacks and drinks to more formal tavernas offering traditional Greek cuisine and international dishes.
Most Greek tavernas offer fresh salads and vegetable-based dishes that can often be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets. It's always best to ask your server.
Prices can vary, with beach clubs often being a bit pricier. However, you can find more affordable options at traditional tavernas slightly away from the main beachfront.
Yes, there is a supermarket very close to Mikri Vigla beach, which is convenient for grabbing drinks, snacks, or picnic supplies.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant kitesurfers against the blue sea, the expansive sandy beaches, and the unique street art at the abandoned hotel near Alyko. Sunsets here are also spectacular.
The golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but it's perfect for capturing the action of the windsurfers.
The colorful kites of the windsurfers, the long stretches of sand, and the graffiti-covered walls of the abandoned hotel at Alyko are iconic photo spots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beaches. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on the windsurfers' action. Don't forget a polarizing filter for the water. :iphone:
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and be mindful of other beachgoers and watersports participants before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♀️ Watersports Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wind Factor: A Double-Edged Sword
However, for those seeking a tranquil day of sunbathing and swimming, the wind can be a significant factor. Travelers often note that while the sand is coarse and less prone to blowing, the wind can still make lounging less comfortable, especially in the afternoon. Reviews suggest that visiting in the early morning offers calmer conditions for swimming and relaxation before the wind typically picks up. This duality means understanding the wind's role is key to planning your perfect beach day.
Beach Hopping Along Naxos' Western Coast
A particularly unique stop is Alyko Beach, which features an abandoned hotel complex now adorned with vibrant street art. This offers a stark contrast to the natural beauty and is a popular spot for photographers and urban explorers. The ability to seamlessly transition from the lively atmosphere of Plaka to the artistic intrigue of Alyko, and then to the watersports hub of Mikri Vigla, makes this stretch of Naxos incredibly diverse and rewarding for exploration.
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