Alyko Beach
Wild white sands, cedar shade, and nesting turtles
About
stretches roughly 1,200 metres of white sand along Naxos's southwest coast, where turquoise water meets a landscape that feels genuinely untamed. A protected cedar forest backs the beach, spilling into multiple coves that break the shoreline into private-feeling pockets. Loggerhead turtles nest here each summer — a rare privilege that comes with real responsibility. The crumbling ruins of an abandoned Club Med complex add a strange, photogenic contrast to the natural setting. It's wild, low-key, and unlike anything else on Naxos.
How to get there
From Naxos Town, it's a 20-minute drive by car — the most practical option, with a daily bus connection also available, though that takes around 36 minutes and runs only once a day. A dirt track leads to the beach edge; the access is easy enough, but soft sand and the unpaved approach mean it's not wheelchair accessible. Informal free parking is available at the forest edge, though spaces are limited — arrive early in peak season. No entry fee.
Who it's for
For couples
The quiet coves tucked into the cedar forest give couples genuine seclusion — pick a pocket of sand, spread out, and you may have it entirely to yourselves on a weekday outside peak season.
For families
Families should note there is no lifeguard and swimming is rated moderate, so it suits confident swimmers rather than very young children in the water. The naturist-friendly sections are informal and separate, but parents should be aware of the beach's character before arriving.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
is one of those beaches that rewards visitors who come prepared and leave lightly. No lifeguard, no facilities, no vehicles on the sand — that's the deal, and it's a good one if you respect it. The turtle nesting season (June–August) brings real restrictions: barriers must be honoured, and some sections close entirely, so plan accordingly or visit in late May or September. The cedar forest, the ruined resort, the naturist coves — it all adds up to a beach with genuine character rather than polished resort gloss. Worth the detour for anyone who wants Naxos without the noise.
What to do
The cedar forest coves invite slow exploration — follow the tree line to find quieter spots away from the main stretch. Kastraki Beach, just 2.5 km away, offers a longer sandy alternative with low dunes if you want to extend your day. Further afield, Mikri Vigla's dramatic granite headland (5.8 km) is one of the Aegean's top windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations and worth a look even if you're not on the water. History lovers can make a half-day trip to the Portara, the iconic marble gateway of an unfinished 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo, about 22 km away in Naxos Town.
The decaying Club Med ruins half-swallowed by cedar trees are unlike anything else on Naxos — shoot them at golden hour for maximum atmosphere.
Frame a wide shot from the waterline looking back at the forest-backed white sand coves for a composition that captures the beach's wild, undeveloped character.
Where to eat
Taverna Faros is the closest option at just 0.9 km — a logical stop before or after the beach. Glyfada (2.1 km) and Blue Lagoon (2.8 km) offer more choice a short drive away. Taverna Axiotissa and Taverna Kastraki Paradise are both around 3 km out and worth considering for an early dinner after a long beach day.
Where to stay
Finikas Beach Hotel sits just 0.4 km from the beach — the most convenient base if you want to walk there at sunrise. Pyrgaki Sun And Moon Luxury Villas And Suites at 1.2 km offers a more upscale option with easy access to this stretch of coast. Further north, Mikri Vigla (5.6 km) suits those who want to split time between and the windsurfing scene.
Photography
The abandoned Club Med ruins framed against the cedar forest make for striking, unusual shots — best in the soft light of early morning before the haze builds. The multiple coves offer natural framing for wide-angle compositions of white sand meeting turquoise water, with the forest as a green backdrop.
Good to know
There is no lifeguard on duty, so bring your own water and supplies before you arrive — there's nothing on the beach itself. From June through August, turtle nesting barriers must be respected without exception; some sections of the beach may be closed entirely during this period. Fires, camping, and driving vehicles onto the beach are all prohibited year-round. Dogs are not permitted, particularly in nesting areas during nesting season.
Map
Nearby places
Taverna Faros
Glyfada
Blue Lagoon
Taverna Axiotissa
Taverna Kastraki Paradise
Finikas Beach Hotel
Pyrgaki Sun And Moon Luxury Villas And Suites
Mikri Vigla
Flisvos Kite Center
Plaza Beach
Laguna Beach Park
Tunnel Entrance of Ancient Aqueduct of Flerio
Tunnel Exit of Ancient Aqueduct of Flerio
Things to see around Naxos
Mikri Vigla
Double-bay granite headland renowned as one of the Aegean's top windsurfing and kitesurfing spots.
Kastraki Beach
Long sandy beach with low dunes and sparse tamarisk, quieter than the main southwest beaches.
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 — dronepicr · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 2 — rene boulay · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 3 — dronepicr · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 4 — dronepicr · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 5 — rene boulay · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 6 — Windy2020 · source · CC BY-SA 4.0