If I had to pick just one beach to visit for the rest of my life, it’d be Agios Prokopios Beach on the Cycladic Island of Naxos, Greece.
It’s not just incredibly beautiful, it also has the perfect combination of sand, local flavour and summer vibes to keep you feeling totally blissed out.
Agios Prokopios in Naxos, Greece is beach perfection
Iโm not gonna lie. There are definitely more beautiful beaches in the world. Iโve been lucky enough to visit some of the best in the Maldives, Indonesia, Italy and Thailand. Some of them literally took my breath away (Porto Katsiki in Lefkadaย for one), but humble little Agios Prokopios Beach remains my world favourite.
Read on to discover exactly why Agios Prokopios should be your top summer beach pick in Europe too!
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In this guide
- 1 Agios Prokopios has the perfect European summer beach vibe, but it’s not crowded.
- 2 Agios Prokopios Beach has the clearest water I’ve ever seen.
- 3 Agios Prokopios beach is covered with champagne coloured sand that’s… not quite sand.
- 4 The water temperature on Agios Prokopios is perfectly refreshing.
- 5 The dominant language you hear is still Greek.
- 6 Agios Prokopios beach in Naxos is still affordable.
- 7 How to get to Naxos
- 8 Where to Stay near Agios Prokopios Beach
Agios Prokopios has the perfect European summer beach vibe, but it’s not crowded.
Naxos is part of the Cycladic Island group that includes Santorini and Mykonos. These are undoubtedly 2 of the most famous and touristed islands in the entire country (if not the world). And yet… Naxos remains remarkably pleasant to visit.
Agios Prokopios has the perfect balance of people and energy
Thereโs pretty much nothing worse than going to a beach hoping to relax, and leaving completely drained of resources instead, because itโs so noisy and crowded. (Iโm talking to you Italy).
Iโve visited Agios Prokopios in the peak of summer, and during the last week of August. On both occasions, there was a nice balance of people and space. Enough human souls to give the beach energy, but not so many that I left feeling anything but rejuvenated.
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- Totally relaxed and rejuvenated on Agios Prokopios Beach
Agios Prokopios Beach has the clearest water I’ve ever seen.
I’m one of those people that feels a bit grossed out when I can’t see the bottom of a body of water. Even when I KNOW for a fact it’s clean. I guess that’s why I’m not much of a lake person. All that murkiness kind of freaks me out. I mean, who knows what could be hanging out right underfoot? It’s enough to give me nightmares.
The water surrounding Naxos, Greece is beyond beautiful
The water at Agios Prokopios is not only a gorgeous colour, itโs so brilliantly crystal clear, it feels like a swimming pool. Head out on a catamaran cruise into the Aegean Sea around Naxos to explore secluded beaches and coves, and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
Diving into this water is like being reborn. And no Iโm not exaggerating. Thereโs literally not 1 speck of opacity spoiling the incredible clarity of this fantastic sea. There’s one big reason for this…
Agios Prokopios beach is covered with champagne coloured sand that’s… not quite sand.
The sand on Agios Prokopios is at that magical point in its evolution from rock to sand, where it’s still soft enough to walk on without pain, but not so small that it sticks to every surface of your body.
Just look at how clear and gorgeous the water is at Agios Prokopios. It’s because of the sand!
Growing up a landlocked Canadian, the importance of sand quality, was something I never quite understood until I spent serious time in the Mediterranean, and started spending realย time on the beach during summer. But boy, do I get it now.
Is there anything more annoying than walking all over the fine grains of sand that youโve invariably tracked into your hotel room after a day at the beach? Or worse yet, finally lying down at the end of a long day, and finding it all over your bed.
Yeah, I didnโt think so.
DAY TOURS FROM NAXOS TO SURROUNDING CYCLADIC ISLANDS
Skip the packing and re-packing! For a relaxing trip, base yourself in Naxos, and take day tours to nearby islands, like Koufonissi and Mykonos, instead. Check out the options here.
Santorini must be seen at least once (or twice) in life.
The water temperature on Agios Prokopios is perfectly refreshing.
I admit that when you first venture into the water at Agios Prokopios, it can feel downright brisk. But trust me, that feeling doesn’t last long. Within minutes, you’ve acclimatized and the water at this summer beach feels as invigorating and revitalizing as a dip in the sea should.
Water as warm as bathwater? No thanks!
The water at Agios Prokopios only feels cold at first
The dominant language you hear is still Greek.
When we visited the neighbouring island of Santorini on a day trip, I hardly heard any Greek at all. Kinda strange, given that, I don’t know…we were in GREECE.
When the tourists outnumber the locals, you know a place has crossed into tourist trap territory.
The Temple of Apollo at sunset is the only place you’ll find a concentration of tourists on Naxos.
Despite picture postcard perfect beaches, like Agios Prokopios, Naxos is still predominantly loved and visited by locals and Greek families on vacation. It feels like youโre actually on vacation in Greece, instead of in an over-touristed place that could be anywhere.
Never mind all the added advantages like good food, kind people and an absence of touts.
Agios Prokopios beach in Naxos is still affordable.
Finding a place to stay on the summer beach paradise of Naxos, Greece is still incredibly affordable. We were able to rent a small studio apartment last minute, just a few minutes walk from Agios Prokopios beach for less than 40 euros a night. Compare that to neighbouring Mykonos, where the cheapest alternative I could find was no less than $100 per night.
Yes, Naxos really is this pretty
Beach chairs and umbrellas run just 5 euros, meals are delicious and reasonably priced, and frappes can be had for just a few euros.
I just hope that Agios Prokopios stays this way forever. Because I plan on visiting again and again.
How to get to Naxos
Naxos is one of the few Greek islands that has an airport, but most travellers still get to Agios Prokopios beach via different ferries. In the warmer, high season from mid-March until the end of September, there’s a ton of direct ferries connecting Naxos with other Cycladic Islands and Athens on the mainland.
You’ll have to leave from massive Piraeus port to get to Naxos by ferry.
If you’re traveling in the summer months of July and August, I can’t stress enough, how important it is to book your Naxos hotels and ferry tickets well in advance. Everyone and their dog heads to the Greek islands for the summer and ferry tickets do sell out in advance (particularly in August when all of the Mediterranean is on a month long vacation).
There’s quite a few ferry companies, as well as different types of boats (high-speed and other) that service the route between Athens and Naxos, and the other Cycladic Islands. Use the search box below to compare ferries, check schedules, and book.
Where to Stay near Agios Prokopios Beach
Naxos is a relatively small island, so you could stay pretty much anywhere comfortably. Thereโs a bus route that takes you all over the island, so visiting any beach on a day trip is easy.
However, if youโd like to stay near Agios Prokopios Beach (and I suggest you do), here are a few places to check out.
Virtu Suites
If you’re looking for beachfront luxury, check out the gorgeous rooms available at Virtu Suites. You’ll be able to step out of the hotel and immediately out onto the perfect sand of Agios Prokopios Beach.
Dimitra Hotel
This hotel has a perfect location just 200 metres from the beachfront, close to the restaurants and cafes on Main Street. There’s also a swimming pool, super comfy beds, and wonderful hosts. Book this one early – as it’s one of the most popular places to stay on Agios Prokopios.
Dmitra Hotel is close to restaurants, cafes, AND the beach.
Liana Beach Hotel & Spa
Beachfront, swimming pool, fitness centre + everything else you need for a perfect vacation on Agios Prokopios beach!
Katerina Hotel
The Katerina Hotel is a great budget option with a swimming pool, that’s just 100 metres away from the beach.
Agios Prokopios, Naxos: Essential Info and FAQs
Have you added Agios Prokopios to your beach bucket list yet? Don’t hesitate!
Pooja @lostinprettyeurope
I never thought about the quality of sand until I read this post! This beach sounds perfect for relaxing. I am a big fan of Greece and I can’t wait to go there once the restrictions are lifted. I love crystal-clear water! But I swim (and scuba dive) in lakes too ๐ The nicest crystal-clear waters from here in Poland is in Croatia – so 10 hours drive to the nearest beach there which is not so near.
shelley
Haha yeah, I never thought about it either… and I could never understand why my hubby preferred rock beaches to sandy ones… but now I kinda get it. The only lake I’ve felt comfortable in is Khao Sok in Thailand. It’s just like a sea, but so clean and surrounded by limestone cliffs!
Pooja @lostinprettyeurope
I love rocky beaches! But sometimes sandy is fine too. But when I think of it, really fine sand can get irritating. I am really curious about the consistency you talk about it on this beach! Maybe some day soon ๐
Oh, the Places We See
What an enticing review! I’m ready to book a trip there just for this champagne-colored sand! Such a pretty place.
shelley
I’d take that champagne coloured sand, over powder white any day. It’s such a pleasure to hang out at the beach and not drag any grains back. Hopefully we’ll be able to get back there soon.
Oh, the Places We See
Iโve always wanted my own beach house, but since that wonโt happen, Iโll settle for being a renter on any beach!
This Wanderlust Heart
I love Naxos! Such a great place!
Pooja @lostinprettyeurope
I am a big beach person too, Shelley. I do agree with you that the beach on the insta screenshot is breathtaking!! Greece is so amazing isn’t it.. One of my favorite things about living in Europe might be that Greece is few hours of plane ride (and cheap plane ride) away! ๐ I will have to write blog posts on Crete beaches that I visited recently soon, as we enjoyed some truly stunning beaches there. I will check out your top 10 beaches list! So excited ๐
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Ooooh, I’m so jealous of people that live in Europe, because all the countries are so close together! If I lived there, I’d be all over the place for sure. Here in Korea, it’s at least 4 hours + a lot of boat rides, to the closest good beaches in the Philippines. Look forward to reading about Crete – def wanna make it there one day myself. Lol…actually to ALL the Greek islands. Hahahaha
twobrownfeet
Loved all the pics, but seriously, I think Naia stole the show, Shelley! She’s quite a star. These days, I do feel that I could do with a nice little beach vacation. Haha!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Dang that Naia, always stealing all the attention! ๐ Honestly, I’m totally missing Thailand these days. Not sure why? Have you been?
twobrownfeet
haha! I’m missing a quiet place where I can sit back and admire what’s in front of me.
lexklein
Such a perfect H2O post! I simply must get back to Greece (my mom’s country), and now that I’ve seen these photos and read about your heavenly time, it is going to have to be in the summertime. I have kind of given up on beach time in recent years, but this might kickstart a return to at least a few days soaking up the sun on a seashore! Bliss!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
I always say that there’s nowhere I’d rather be in summertime than on a Greek Island, and after this summer, it still holds true. In fact, all I can think about is how I can get back there again next summer! And your mom is Greek!! Do you speak the language? Even more reason to get yourself back to Greece! ๐
lexklein
I do speak Greek! Poorly at present, but it comes right back when I see relatives there or try to ask for directions (which gives me plenty of practice because the directions are never right! ๐ )
Alison and Don
Well Naxos sounds perfect. Greece is on the list so I’ll be sure to include Naxos. Lovely post, and thanks for the tip!
Alison
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Oh Alison, I hope it doesn’t change before you make it there. I always feel incredibly relaxed and rejuvenated there. So much so that when we had a week to spare at the end of the summer, it was the only place I wanted to go (though there was a part of me that kinda sorta thought we should go somewhere new). :p
Mabel Kwong
The busy street really doesn’t look busy at all! Good to hear that the Greece beaches there you showed can be relaxing, and you can feel at home. So cool that the sand does not stick to you. It sounds quite magical in that aspect – no messy and it must really be soft ๐
Shelley @Travel-Stained
It really wasn’t, and the back streets were practically empty. It was so lovely to walk around and explore without being jostled about by tons of other tourists. Lots of great restaurants too. ๐ And ya know…I think the sand might really be the selling point of that beach. It’s amazing to come home and not be covered in gritty sand, and with the baby, it was really a blessing. She could crawl all over the place and not a speck of sand stuck to her…
Sha
Sounds like a beautiful place to get to…next time I’m in Europe..??
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Hahaha…next time you’re in Europe, eh? Little Miss Globetrotter. NZ to Greece is a mighty long flight, though… ๐
Sha
Never say never! I don’t know what will happen after all these here…just in a haze of travelling at the moment…??
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Traveling haze is the best. Wish it were an eternal state for me ?
Happily Tanned
Nice post! I love Greece Islands. I had visited Santorini and Mykonos last year and loved the beaches and the sunset there….Next time I visit Greece, I will surely Visit Agios Prokopios….
Shelley @Travel-Stained
There’s nowhere I’d rather be in the summertime than on a Greek Island! ๐ I think there is more beautiful water on other islands in Greece (Lefkada for one), but I feel so relaxed in Naxos…there’s just something about the energy and vibe there. Definitely check it out if you get a chance.