Greece's 'most beautiful beaches' under one mile from each other on breathtaking island

Naxos island is a popular tourist destination thanks to its several ruins, but also its stunning beaches. The beaches of Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios, conveniently, are located under one mile from each other on Naxos’ western coast, just south of the island’s capital Chora. Both offer perfect escapes from the crowds that have descended on the larger Greece islands and the mainland.

Located just over 3 miles from Naxos Town, Agios Prokopios beach is considered one the most beautiful beaches in Greece, if not Europe, with its coarse golden sand and crystal-clear blue waters. 

The beach caters to all, with one part being an organised tourist resort with sunbeds and umbrellas, while the other is left unspoiled by tourist facilities and provides a quieter, peaceful place at the western edge to spend the day.

The wide sandy beach extends for just over a mile, with its water alternating from deep blue to the iconic turquoise. 

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

For watersport lovers, a great number are on offer, including beach volleyball, sea bikes and snorkelling. Naxos itself is considered one of the windiest Greek islands, making it perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. 

During the Middle Ages, the beach was the main port of the island and a shipwreck can be found at the end of the beach.

Meanwhile, for nature lovers, a salt pan, referred to as “kokkini limni” (red lake) is worth visiting, where herons, and other coastal birds can be found. 

Everything one could need for the perfect beach day can be found in a nearby village on the beach’s eastern side, with mini markets, cafes, bars, tavernas and vehicle rental agencies.

The nearby tourist settlement of Stelida is home to hotel accommodation and many rooms available for rent. 

A short distance southeast of Agios Prokopios is another picturesque tourist coastal settlement - Agia Anna, with a cedar forest growing in the sand surrounding the beach, offering shade and tranquillity to swimmers and sunbathers. 

Once a fishing village, Agia Anna is a continuation of the Agios Prokopios beach. It houses a picturesque harbour, an anchorage for local fishermen where early in the morning you can find fresh fish. 

The settlement, built along the coast, has begun to expand only relatively recently, to accommodate the area’s high demand for tourist facilities.

Agia Anna is also described as one of the best organised beaches on Naxos, with sunbeds and umbrellas throughout. There are also numerous accommodation units, including beachfront hotels and apartment rooms. 

There are also plenty of beachfront restaurants, tavernas, beach bars and cafes to choose from, providing a great view of the sea and the exotic landscape. 

Both beach resorts connect with Chora by buses that run every 20 to 30 minutes from early morning to late at night. They can also be accessed via car, motorbike or taxi.