Plaka Beach is a long stretch of white sand backed by dunes on Naxos’s west coast, running for several kilometres between Agia Anna and Orkos. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This guide was updated in August 2026. A national law now requires at least 70 percent of every Greek beach to remain free of sunbeds, and the list of specially protected “untrodden beaches” grew to 251 in 2026, so expect fewer commercial sunbeds at Plaka than in previous years.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Always open (public beach); beach bars typically open morning until evening |
| Ticket prices | Free to access; sunbeds and umbrellas typically €25–€40 per set |
| Address | Plaka, Naxos 843 00, about 8 km south of Naxos Town (Chora) |
| Nearest transport | Bus Line 1 from Chora, roughly hourly in peak season |
| Typical visit length | Half a day to a full day |
Plaka Beach opening hours
The beach itself has no set opening hours, since it is a public shoreline accessible at any time.
Beach bars and sunbed rental typically operate from morning until evening during the summer season, mainly at the northern end.
Plaka Beach ticket prices
There is no charge to access the beach, and much of the southern stretch remains completely free of sunbeds and facilities.
Sunbeds and umbrellas at the northern end typically cost around €25 to €40 per set, though prices vary by operator and have been affected by national rules limiting sunbed coverage.
Plaka Beach is not included in any city pass, since beach access on Naxos is free and unticketed.
Background information was checked on the official website and last updated in August 2026.
Why book the Meet Naxos II Bus Tour Around Naxos Island?
- 🏛️ Temple of Demeter at Gyroulas: Visit the stunning 6th-century BC marble temple, beautifully restored and situated in the fertile valley of Sangri, showcasing ancient Greek architectural mastery.
- 🏺 Damalas Pottery & Olive Oil Mill: Step back in time to witness traditional pottery craftsmanship at a fifth-generation workshop and tour a restored historic olive press to sample authentic local oils.
- 🏺 Marble Village of Apiranthos: Stroll through the picturesque mountain village famous for its marble-paved alleys, traditional stone architecture, and rich local folklore.
- 🗿 The Colossus of Apollonas (Kouros): View the impressive, unfinished 10.5-meter ancient marble statue lying peacefully in an ancient quarry near the coastal village of Apollonas.
- 🍋 Kitron Distillery Tasting in Halki: Stop in the island’s former capital to visit the historic Vallindras Distillery and taste Naxos’ famous citrus-based liqueur, Kitron.
How to get to Plaka Beach
Bus Line 1 runs from Naxos Town (Chora) to Plaka, roughly hourly in peak season, costing around €2.10.
By car, the drive from Chora takes about 20 minutes; the final stretch of road is unsealed and can be dusty.
Plaka is also about a 10-minute drive from Agios Prokopios and within walking distance of Agia Anna.
Parking near Plaka Beach
Free parking is available in dirt lots at the northern and southern ends of the beach, though the northern lot fills up quickly in peak season.
Arrive early or park slightly back from the beach and walk if the main lots are full.
How long to spend at Plaka Beach
Most visitors spend half a day to a full day, given the beach’s length and range of atmospheres from lively to secluded.
Walking the full length of the beach, over 3 kilometres, takes about an hour each way.
Accessibility at Plaka Beach
There are no public toilets, changing rooms, or showers directly on the beach; these facilities exist only within private beach bars and resorts.
The unsealed access road and soft sand may be difficult for wheelchairs or pushchairs, particularly away from the main beach bar area.
Inside Plaka Beach: what to see
Plaka stretches for more than 3 kilometres along Naxos’s west coast, backed by sand dunes and offering views towards Paros.
The northern end is the most developed, with beach bars, restaurants, and sunbeds clustered near the main bus stop.
Further south, the beach becomes progressively quieter and more natural, with long-standing informal naturist areas, though these have shrunk under newer sunbed regulations.
A watersports centre near Maragas Beach, at the northern end, offers windsurfing and paddleboard rental.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Head south along the beach for a quieter, more natural stretch of sand away from the main bars. |
| Tell the bus driver your intended stop in advance, since Plaka has several informal stops along its length. |
| Use the parking areas near the beach bars rather than a beach app’s general map pin, since some pins lead to less convenient spots. |
| Bring your own umbrella if visiting the southern stretch, since facilities are minimal away from the northern end. |
| Check current sunbed availability before travelling in peak season, since national rules now limit commercial sunbed coverage. |
Frequently asked questions about Plaka Beach
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Plaka Beach suitable for children? | Yes, particularly the organised northern end near the beach bars. |
| Do you need to book sunbeds in advance? | Not usually, though it is worth checking with popular beach bars in peak season. |
| Is Plaka Beach accessible by public bus? | Yes, via Bus Line 1 from Naxos Town, roughly hourly in peak season. |
| Is nudity allowed at Plaka Beach? | In parts of the southern stretch, informally, though this area has become smaller under recent sunbed regulations. |
| Is there an entrance fee? | No, the beach itself is free; only sunbeds and umbrellas are charged. |
Things to do near Plaka Beach
Maragas Beach, at Plaka’s northern end, offers additional beach bars and watersports rental. Agia Anna Beach, a short walk north, is a well-serviced, family-friendly beach with its own bus stop.
Agios Prokopios Beach, a short drive away, is one of Naxos’s most popular organised beaches. Naxos Town (Chora), with its Venetian Kastro and Catholic Cathedral, is about 20 minutes away by car.
Alternative attractions
Agios Prokopios Beach offers a more developed, similarly sandy alternative nearby. Agia Anna Beach provides a calmer, family-friendly stretch of sand a short walk from Plaka.
Kalo Livadi Beach, on Mykonos, is a comparably long, family-friendly beach on a different island. Porto Beach (Agios Ioannis), on Tinos, offers a sheltered sandy bay with a similar range of facilities.
More Cyclades travel
Other Cyclades travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Practical guide to visiting the Yria Archaeological Site on Naxos.
- Discovering the inland highlights on a full day Naxos bus tour.
- What you need to know before visiting the Archaeological Museum of Naxos and Catholic Cathedral of Naxos.
- Mykonos beach guides: What to expect when visiting Kalafati Beach and Elia Beach.
- How to plan your visit to the Lost Atlantis Experience, Skaros Rock, Oia Castle and the Maritime Museum of Oia on Santorini.
