A MULTIPLICITY OF BEACHES
WHAT’S THE COLLECTIVE NOUN FOR WONDERFUL BEACHES?
Naxos has an amazing number of beaches which left us wondering what the collective noun for such a spectacular display might be. An Amazement of Beaches? A Preponderance of Coves? Perhaps simply A Gobsmack of Sands. Whatever, there are certainly 33 main beaches, and any number of secluded smaller places you can picnic on besides the warm blue waters of the Aegean.
As a slightly off-the-beaten-tourist-track sort of place with so many visitors, only a few of the island’s beaches have the sort of resort-style infrastructure of say Mykonos or Santorini. Most of these are near the capital Naxos Town (also known as Chora, which is a common name for island capitals in this neck of the woods). That means you have the choice of being close to a taverna and a few amenities or visiting one of the many mini-markets and grabbing the wherewithal for a picnic, a few beers and setting out to explore more deserted shores.
Most of the beaches are of fine sand and even the more popular ones are long enough to find relative privacy even during high season if you’re prepared for a stroll. If you’re travelling as a family with young children we can particularly recommend Agios Georgios where the waters are shallow for some way out and you’ll find a good selection of tavernas.
Other beaches of note are Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, Alyko, Mikri, Vigla and Plaka. Like most islands in the Aegean there is normally a good breeze and the waters are popular for board sailing and kite surfing. There are a number of water sports schools and centres located around the island where you can get lessons or hire kit – it’s best to look out for local posters or ask your hotel for a recommendation as new places tend to spring up each summer.
