Apollonas is an idyllic little fishing village with a small stretch of sandy beach, situated on the north side of the island. You’ll find some locals and tourists enjoying the sun, but, generally speaking, it’s quieter than larger, more southerly beaches on this list. Sample locally caught seafood in the village’s tavernas while you’re here, and visit the half-finished – but still 10m-long (33ft) – Kouros statue nearby, which dates back to the 6th century BCE. Recommended by local insider Charlie Bush

Pyrgaki Naxos: Pyrgaki is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches of Naxos that reflect the peace and serenity of the island. It is located in the southwestern coast of the island at a distance of 19 km south of Chora. This beautiful beach has some umbrellas and sunbeds for tourists, while the close restaurant also serves coffees, drinks and snacks.The beach is frequently affected by the winds, so it is a nice spot for windsurfing. The shallow waters are a great advantage for children and the small forest areas form an unusual scenery. Driving south, the peripheral road of Chora will end at Pyrgaki. Other lovely beaches in the area are Sahara, Kastraki and Mikri Vigla.

Amitis Naxos: This desolate beach is one of the few between Naxos and Apollon. There is plenty of debris from the sea and little in the way of development. The wind is quite strong.

Agia Anna Naxos: Located 6 km from the capital, following Agios Prokopios, there is the beautiful beach of Agia Anna. It is the group of several sandy beaches, interrupted only by a small fishing port and some rocky formations. Some parts of the beach are fully organized and some are not.The crystalline turquoise waters are forming, with the soft golden sand, an idyllic picture. Agia Anna Beach can be reached by bus from Naxos Town. The village of Agia Anna has many hotels, studios and rooms for rent as well as numerous fish restaurants and taverns, cafes, bars and night clubs.

Aliko Naxos: Aliko is a wonderful beach on the south western side of Naxos Cyclades. Located only 18 km south of Naxos Town and just after the beaches of Kastraki and Glyfada, Aliko is lovely place to relax away from the crowded resorts of the island.This special region consists of many small bays with soft white sand and crystal water. Some tamarisk trees on the shore provide shade to visitors, while the beach is not organized with sunbeds and umbrellas.Above the beach of Aliko, there is a unique cedar forest with marvelous sand dunes. This forest has been declared a protected natural area and creates an exotic landscape. Aliko can be reached by private means or by bus. A local bus to Aliko departs from the port of Naxos 6 times a day.

Agios Prokopios Naxos: Located at 6 km away from the capital, Agios Prokopios is one of the most popular beaches of Naxos and considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and also in Europe. The long golden sandy beach extends over 1, 5 kilometres and has beautiful crystalline waters, protected from the strong winds frequently blowing on the island.

Plaka is like a continuation of the beach of Agia Anna and is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island but also listed among the most beautiful It is a calm and endless sandy beach with, in some parts, big flat stones and amazing crystal clear waters. In the beginning of the beach, one can find sunbeds and umbrellas but most of it keeps its unspoiled natural beauty, without any tourist facility to disfigure it. A few hotels, restaurants and cafes can be found behind the sandy dunes boarding the beautiful beach.