Psarou Beach
White sand, turquoise water, zero sunbeds — locals only
About
Psarou on Naxos is a narrow cove tucked behind a tamarisk-lined path, reached only on foot from Agia Anna village. The white sand is soft underfoot, and the water runs a clear turquoise that rewards anyone who makes the short walk. At roughly 150 metres wide, it stays genuinely quiet — you'll find local families here, not tour groups. There are no sunbeds, no umbrellas for hire, and a single family-run taverna that sets the unhurried tone. It's the kind of place that feels like a private discovery even on a busy island.
How to get there
Walk from Agia Anna village along a tamarisk-shaded path — the beach is about 10 minutes on foot. There is no road access and no parking at the beach itself; leave your vehicle in Agia Anna before setting out. The sandy path is manageable for most walkers but is not wheelchair accessible. No entry fee.
Who it's for
For couples
The absence of sunbed operators and the hush of a local-only cove make Psarou an easy choice for couples who want unhurried time together — pack a picnic, claim a patch of white sand, and let the afternoon stretch out.
For families
Safe swimming, a short 10-minute walk from Agia Anna, and a family taverna on site mean you're not over-committed — if the kids tire of the cove, Agia Anna Beach with its fishing jetty is only a kilometre back.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Psarou earns its reputation as a local secret by being genuinely inconvenient for anyone who can't be bothered with a 10-minute walk. Swimming is safe, the white sand is clean, and the turquoise water is as clear as the hype suggests. No sunbeds means you bring what you need and take it back with you — that small friction is exactly what keeps the beach quiet. The single family taverna is a bonus, not a guarantee, so treat it as a pleasant surprise rather than a plan. If you want a beach that feels like it belongs to the island rather than to the tourist industry, this is it. Come in June or early September when the light is long and the path is yours.
What to do
A kilometre away, Agia Anna Beach offers a working fishing jetty and beachfront tavernas if you want a livelier scene after your quiet morning at Psarou. Two kilometres south, Plaka Beach stretches out as Naxos's longest undeveloped shoreline, backed by cedar and tamarisk forest — worth the extra walk. For history, the Portara, the iconic marble gateway of an unfinished 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo, is about 6 kilometres away near Naxos Town and makes a rewarding half-day excursion.
Stand at the water's edge and shoot back toward the tamarisk canopy — the green tunnel of trees framing white sand and turquoise water is the defining image of this beach.
The narrow cove walls on each flank create a natural frame; position yourself low on the sand at golden hour for a shot that shows just how compact and unspoiled this little corner of Naxos really is.
Where to eat
The single family taverna on the beach is your best bet for a simple meal without leaving the cove — it's low-key and local in spirit. Back in Agia Anna, options open up considerably: Nostimies Naxos and Vlassi's Family are right on the doorstep, while Taverna Nostimies Plaka offers regional cooking just 200 metres away. If you're after something different, Amore Mio (Italian) and Picasso (Mexican) are both within easy reach of the village.
Where to stay
Athina Studios sits just 100 metres from the Agia Anna starting point, making it the most convenient base for repeat visits to Psarou. Aegean Land (300 metres) and Stella Apartments (500 metres) give you a little more distance from the village while staying well within walking range. For a longer stay, Iria Beach Art Hotel and Dolphin Studios Agia Anna are both about a kilometre away.
Photography
The best shot is from the water's edge looking back toward the tamarisk path — the green canopy framing white sand and turquoise water is most vivid in the soft morning light before 9 a.m. For a wider composition, the narrow cove walls on either side of the beach give natural framing that works especially well in the golden hour before sunset.
Good to know
Bring your own towel and shade — there are no sunbeds or umbrellas for hire, so a beach mat and a hat are non-negotiable. Swimming is safe, but the cove is small, so arrive early in peak season if you want a quiet patch of white sand. The single family taverna is your only on-site food option, so don't count on a full menu if it's closed. This beach draws a local visitors almost exclusively — keep noise low and leave no trace to keep it that way.
Map
Nearby places
Amore mio
Nostimies Naxos
Vlassi's Family
Picasso
Taverna Nostimies Plaka
Athina Studios
Aegean Land
Stella Apartments
Dolphin-Studios Agia Anna
Iria Beach Art Hotel
Laguna Beach Park
Ancient Aqueduct
Tunnel Entrance of Ancient Aqueduct of Flerio
Things to see around Aghia Anna
Agia Anna Beach
Fine white-sand beach with a working fishing jetty and beachfront tavernas.
Plaka Beach
Naxos's longest undeveloped beach, backed by cedar and tamarisk forest.
Portara (Temple of Apollo)
Iconic marble gateway of an unfinished 6th-century BC temple on a rocky islet at Naxos Town.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Alexander Gkionis · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — freeblue_kostas · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 3 — Tsui · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 4 — Carlo Pelagalli · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 5 — G Da · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 6 — VasCr · source · CC BY 3.0