A Short Guide to Agios Prokopios, Naxos' Most Popular Beach
Welcome to Agios Prokopios beach, Naxos’ true beachside resort. In this guide, we share our tips on what to see and do, where to stay, and the best places to eat in the village.
The hues of Prokopios are like nothing you’ve ever seen - endless shades of Aegean elegance, the golden sands, and the coloured sunbeds and parasols make this corner of Naxos Island unmissable.
The most popular beach on Naxos, Agios Prokopios is a quintessential holiday destination beach, filled with beach clubs, sunbeds, and water sports.
The beach itself is endless, with a wide sandy beach and some of the most gorgeous, turquoise water on Naxos.
It’s here we suggest you spend your days, sitting back on a sunbed, reading a book, enjoying a cocktail and going for half-hourly swims.
Beyond the beach is a fun little town, filled with no-frills restaurants and bars, affordable accommodation, and beach activities for the adventurous types.
This is our guide to Agios Prokopios beach, we share our tips on the best things to do, and where to stay, as well as advice on where to eat, activities to enjoy, amenities to expect, and transport connections.
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AGIOS
PROKOPIOS
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Agios Prokopios Beach, Naxos Island
HOW TO GET THERE | 15 minutes from Chora town, 5 minutes from Plaka beach
THINGS TO DO | Relax at the beach bars, swim, snorkelling/diving
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK | Giannoulis Taverna, Lefto’s kebabs, Del Mar
AGIOS PROKOPIOS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS AGIOS PROKOPIOS, NAXOS?
Agios Prokopios beach is located on Naxos Island, around 10 minutes south of the capital, Chora.
The south-western coastline of Naxos is popular with tourists due to its array of stunning, long, white, sandy beaches. One of the largest beaches on the island, Agios Prokopios has sweeping views across Paros Island, making it one of the most picturesque beaches in all of the Cycladic islands.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT AGIOS PROKOPIOS
Naxos is also prone to the summer northern winds (called Meltemia), which can make the most popular parts of the island, including Agios Prokopios beach, extremely windy.
During our visit in June and early July, we enjoyed both sides of the wind - most days in June were calm and wonderful, but as the weather warmed, the winds increased.
The Meltemia peaks around July and August and while it doesn’t detract from the beauty of Agios Prokopios beach, it can make a day relaxing at the beach or beach bars on the Agios Prokopios quite uncomfortable. Think blowing sand, choppy waves, and constant wind blowing your hair every which way.
On top of the Meltemia winds, Agios Prokopios beach (and surrounds) gets super busy during this time. Because of the influx of domestic and international tourists to Agios Prokopios beach, prices increase dramatically for things like food, drinks and sunbeds.
That’s why we suggest visiting Naxos between late April - early June, and mid-September - October - otherwise known as the shoulder season.
During this time, the days are still long and the weather and sea are warm, but the crowds are smaller and more manageable, making the island extremely pleasant.
What's more, the price of accommodation, food and drinks are cheaper during the shoulder period - and you’re helping reduce the environmental impact while extending the tourism season to locals.
HOW TO GET TO AGIOS PROKOPIOS
Due to its popularity, Agios Prokopios. is super easy to get to, with a range of transport options making a trip to the beach simple from Chora town, or Plaka Beach.
RENTING A CAR ON NAXOS
By far our most recommended form of transport on Naxos, a rental car will help you no end on Naxos. Naxos is huge with so much to see, and if you have your own set of wheels, especially an air-conditioned set, it will make your life so much easier.
Compared to other Greek Islands such as Santorini, Car rental on Naxos is actually quite affordable, especially during the shoulder seasons.
Expect to pay around €25 - €50 per day for car rental on Naxos.
Agios Prokopios beach has plenty of parking for those with a car, especially in the southeast, which is mostly deserted.
SCOOTER OR ATV
For those on a budget, hiring an ATV or scooter might be a better option to get to Agios Prokopios beach, as it will allow you to park almost anywhere, as well as navigate the sometimes manic summer traffic.
There are plenty of places to rent scooters on Naxos, however, we recommend Naxos On the Road.
Note that to rent a scooter in Greece you'll need to show proof of a motorbike license.
LOCAL BUS
Buses are by far the cheapest mode of transport on Naxos, and the network is pretty good and reliable, especially between Chora and Agios Prokopios (and return). In fact, we took this exact bus many times during our month on Naxos, and found it super easy.
Line #1 is the bus you’ll need to take (there aren’t many, so don’t stress), and will take around 20 - 30 minutes, depending on the summer traffic (which can get bad around Agios Prokopios).
Most tickets between major hubs generally cost around €1.80 (the most we paid was €2.50 for a ticket). Tickets for the Naxos bus service need to be bought prior to boarding and can be found at tourist markets throughout the Island.
See the Naxos bus timetable here
We used these buses frequently are they’re decent, efficient, and sometimes a little busy in the peak months, so you may find yourself standing at some points. They run frequently, although the timings are sometimes a little limiting when you want to pack lots of Naxos's best things to do into a single day.
During the peak of summer, we'd recommend getting to the bus stop early and being prepared to queue for a while (it can also get pretty pushy!).
AGIOS PROKOPIOS FACILITIES
Unfortunately, there are no public amenities on Agios Prokopios beach, so if you’re in need of a toilet or shower, you may have to wait until you get back to your accommodation, unless you want to stump for a private beach bar or resort.
We also recommend bringing your own water to the beach, especially if you’re in the northern part of Plaka, as there are no shops and limited tavernas and bars.
For parking, there’s a large space that exists between Agios Prokopios beach and the salt flats just behind. In summer, this can get super chaotic, so arrive early if driving, or head to the western end of the beach where it is a bit quieter.
Regarding shops, there is a range of small supermarkets located just off the beach, that sell everything from drinks and snacks, to goggles and fins.
However, if you’re after a more substantial shop, there is a Spar located just outside of the town on the way to Naxos Chora. Perfect for if you’re renting an apartment, you can find just about everything you need here.
THINGS TO DO AT AGIOS PROKOPIOS BEACH
LAZE AT THE BEACH BARS, OR ON THE BEACH
Thankfully, Naxos actually does beach clubs well. Sure, they’re still kind of expensive (although, about 1/4 of the price of Mykonos!), but the beaches, cocktails and quality of food sure make up for it.
Although the best beach clubs in Naxos can be found on Plaka, Agios Prokopios has a few in which you can where the long stretch of perfect white sand is dotted with many boho-chic restaurants and bars, offering sunbeds and cabanas at the water's edge. Thankfully, Mykonos prices don’t apply here (yet), so an affordable and comfortable day out at the beach is possible.
Our favourite beach bar on Agios Prokopios is Kahlua.
The bar design is simple boho-Mediterranean, and the chilled tunes make Kahlua perfect for a long day at the beach. The food is typical of a beach bar - burgers, sandwiches and burritos. Also served is a range of drinks including smoothies, cocktails and beers, which you should enjoy in that order.
The sunbeds and beach area is well maintained, and the staff are some of the friendliest in the area. A set of beach beds (2 beds and 1 Umbrella) will cost between €15 - €25 depending on the season.
Other beach bars in the area that are worth your time include Del Mar, an Italian restaurant-cum-bar serving Italian favourites such as pizza, pasta and tiramisu, and Macao Beach Naxos.
If beach bars aren’t your thing, and you’d prefer to enjoy a stretch of sand without others around, the undeveloped western part of the beach is perfect.
READ MORE | Our guide to Plaka Beach, Naxos
GO DIVING OFF THE WATERS OF NAXOS
While Naxos is filled with so many incredible things to do above water, there’s another world to discover in the deep blue - a world filled with abundant wildlife, colourful reefs, historic shipwrecks, and WW2 plane wrecks.
Blue Fin Divers is a Padi 5 star Resort located on the popular beach of Agios Prokopios and is the place to enjoy the underwater world - from snorkelling through to open-water dives, your diving expertise will determine which dive site you’re able to visit, however, there are 10+ sites incredible located off Naxos that excite and thrill.
The pick of the bunch (for us, anyway) is the wreck of the British Beaufighter Plane, a WW2 military plane that crashed into the sea off Naxos. Still mostly intact, the wreckage has now a living reef.
There is a huge range of affordable classes and dives to suit all diving levels, including beginners through to advanced, so regardless of your expert level, there’ll be a class for you.
Classes start from €60 and dives from €25 (snorkelling).
THE DETAILS
Where | Blue Fin Divers, Agios Prokopios, Naxos
Opening Hours | 8 am - 11 pm
Cost | From €25
GO SWIMMING IN THE BLUEST WATERS
The waters off Agios Prokopios are outrageously blue - like the bluest blue you’ve ever seen in your life. So blue, that all you want to do is dump your stuff and sprint straight into the water.
The beach is long and the waters quite shallow, which means it’s the perfect place to wade for hours - in fact, we spent many a morning swimming in these waters and can assure you it is one of the best places to swim on the entire island.
Although not blessed with the rocks and reefs of nearby Plaka beach, you can go for a snorkel from the water edge here - there’s not a huge amount to see bar some aquatic life, but
Grab your snorkelling gear from any mini-market in town.
Just be warned though - due to the Meltemia winds, Agios Prokopios can get very windy and in many cases uncomfortable - so remember to check the forecast or ask a local before heading to the beach in late July and August.
WATCH A MOVIE AT THE OUTDOOR CINEMA
In the heart of Prokopios lies the Art Cafe, a local institution that puts on an Art Festival over the summer months. On top of live music and art, there’s a pop up outdoor cinema that (weather permitting) showcases a range of Hollywood favourites under the stars.
For €10, you get a drink, a snack and a seat to watch a movie, which, if you ask us, is ridiculous value. But value can’t be placed on the experience - there’s literally nothing as cool as watching a movie outdoors with the light summer breeze, and drink in hand.
Beyond the outdoor cinema, there is a variety of programs, including musical performances (mostly jazz and Greek) and art installations which may take your fancy.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK AT AGIOS PROKOPIOS
Agios Prokopios is home to a large number of restaurants, with a range of really good traditional options, and some varied international fare including Italian.
Although Naxos is a foodie paradise, we found the food options here fell short of our expectations - far better options exist at close by Plaka beach. But for ease, affordable prices, and ambience, Prokopios is a good option for those staying in town.
Here are a few of our favourite options:
LEFTO’S SOUVLAKI & KEBAB HOUSE
Lefto’s was suggested to us by a friend and boy did it not disappoint. Lefto’s does perhaps our favourite gyros in all of the Cyclades (we had the halloumi and vegan options), with the ingredients super fresh, the halloumi moist, and the flavours exceptional. So much so, that we came here almost every day.
On top of that, it’s super affordable, and the staff are so friendly, making a real effort to smile and say hello each day.
GIANNOULIS TAVERNA
Another recommendation from our local friends, family-run Giannoulis is definitely the best taverna in Prokopios, and the lines out the front each night attest to that. Serving a range of traditional Naxian and Greek cuisine, the food here is good, although we found a lot better on the Island.
We suggest trying the Dakos salad, the delicious mussel risotto, and a range of small bites including the fava spread, and zucchini balls.
We were provided complimentary ouzo and yoghurt & honey to finish our meal, which was a wonderful touch (Greek hospitality = winning!).
DEL MAR
Located just off the Agios Prokopios beach, Del Mar is a summer favourite serving no-frills Italian/Greek cuisine at reasonable prices.
Serving a range of hot and cold plates, fresh, homemade pasta, Neapolitan-style pizza and desserts, you can’t really go wrong here. And while it’s better than most restaurants in the area, it’s perhaps not the best meal we’ve ever eaten.
We suggest you stick with the pasta, which is the star of the show here - we had the spaghetti Aglio olio which was delicious and flavoursome. The pizza, however, left a little to be desired.
The staff, however, are wonderful, and overall we thoroughly enjoyed our evening here.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR AGIOS PROKOPIOS
Agios Prokopios is filled with super affordable accommodation options, from hotel rooms to self-contained apartments.
From experience, while accommodation might be cheap, it’s not the best. However, if you’re looking for an affordable room with no frills, and would rather spend your money on experiences, Agios Prokopios is the perfect place to stay.
We’ve added our top accommodation options below, based on price, location and cleanliness:
NAXIAN COLLECTION | Where we stayed - a classy, well-appointed four-star hotel with a private pool and epic views. Check prices and availability
NAXIAN UTOPIA | Sleek, boho-modern and inviting hotel with amazing views over the whole of Naxos. The pool set-up is grand, too - and some suites have their own plunge pool. Check prices and availability
HOTEL FRANCESCA | It’s all about the pool at this 2* hotel near Agios Prokopios beach. The rooms aren’t bad either, so this place is a real bargain. Check prices and availability
HOTEL PROTEAS | Another surprisingly cheap, modern hotel on Agios Prokopios beach. Studios are self-contained with AC, so perfect for a long stay. Check prices and availability
READ MORE | Our guide to the best hotels on Naxos
NAXOS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND ON NAXOS?
Being the largest island in the Cyclades, there are many things to see and do on Naxos, so we recommend staying for five nights.
That might sound like a lot to those wanting to Island hop throughout the summer, but it’s cheaper than many other popular islands such as Santorini or Mykonos, so spending more time here will stretch your holiday dollars further.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NAXOS
No matter where we suggest travelling to in Europe, be it Paris or Hvar Island, we always suggest visiting during the shoulder seasons (either side of the peak seasons).
In the case of Naxos, this is between late April - early June, when the island is green and lush, and mid-September - October, when the tourists have departed and the island slows down.
During this time, the days are still long and the weather and sea are warm, but the crowds are smaller and more manageable, making the island extremely pleasant. What's more, the price of accommodation, food and drinks are cheaper during the shoulder period - and you’re helping reduce the environmental impact while extending the tourism season to locals.
Naxos is also prone to the summer northern winds (called Meltemia), which can make the most popular parts of the island extremely windy. During our visit in June and early July, the winds were just starting to increase, with the peaks around July and August.
Now, if you’re a windsurfer, these winds are heavenly. However, if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, then can be a little frustrating.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN GREECE
Responsible, sustainable travel is what we’re all about here at TCW HQ, and this is especially true when we travel to places suffering from climate change and plastic pollution, such as Greece.
Disappointingly, we encountered quite a bit of plastic pollution during our Greece trip — a sad reality of our planet today! — so we feel it’s super important to share a few tips on how you can minimise your overall impact while still having the Greek holiday of your dreams.
DON’T BUY BOTTLED DRINKS | Please, for the love of the ocean: DO NOT BUY SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES! When you see a bunch of plastic bottles bob past you in the open sea, you’ll understand why. Buy one of these amazing bottles instead
TRAVEL DURING SHOULDER SEASON | Shoulder season is the time before and after the peak season when things are quieter, cheaper, and more enjoyable (especially in the Med!). Travel then to reduce over-tourism, and extend the season for local operators
OCEAN-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Everything that goes down the boat drain ends up in the ocean, try and make sure all your toiletries, sunscreen, and shampoo is as ocean-friendly as possible! Solid bars are a great place to start (see below to buy some eco-friendly toiletries).
DO YOUR OWN CLEANUPS | See rubbish on the beach, forest or town? Pick it up, and dispose of it properly. If every traveller helped out during their holiday, the beaches, oceans and forests would be a much happier place for it
DON’T USE PLASTIC BAGS | Pack a reusable tote and use these to carry your snacks, drinks, or new souvenirs instead
LEAVE NO TRACE | Limit your consumption of plastic, and opt for sustainable / zero waste alternatives instead. Pack a reusable water bottle, bring your reusable coffee cup, and if you can’t sip your cocktails without a straw, bring a metal or bamboo one along instead. And never leave a trace...
BE ANIMAL-FRIENDLY | Observe sea creatures from a distance, don’t pick up wildlife like starfish or urchins, or grab onto turtles, dolphins, etc. If an animal wants to interact with you, it’ll approach you 🙂
SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY | Visit a locally owned taverna for a meal, buy which means both supporting the local economy and community, and also giving you a real authentic experience. This is something we’ve appreciated about both our MedSailors trips!
ICE CREAM CONE | bonus tip - eat your ice cream in a cone, rather than a cup and plastic spoon for the ultimate plastic-free indulgence!
READ | For more responsible travel tips, we also have this guide to reducing your plastic consumption on your travels, as well as this guide to the eco-friendly packing essentials we have with us on every single trip.
GREECE PACKING ESSENTIALS
Travelling through Greece comes with a unique set of needs. To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allows us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!)
A TOTE BAG | The humble tote is a versatile little lifesaver when on the road. They're plastic-free, small, easily foldable, and can pack a surprising amount in! Check out this range of beautifully designed, personalisable totes bags here
BIODEGRADABLE WET WIPES | Keep clean without destroying the planet!
HAND SANITISER | This is not something we’d actually recommend normally, but we now live in Covid times... so this can be a bloody great investment
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADAPTER | You’ll need a European plug to keep your gear going!
WATERPROOF CAMERA | We used our Go Pro for a few hours every single day to capture all our underwater fun! DEFINITELY BUY ONE OF THESE!
POWER BANK | Don’t get caught out without power for your devices
EYE MASK |For those annoyingly early European sunrises!
BIO-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Avoid damaging and chemical-heavy products and facial scrubs with microbeads altogether. We recommend:
Lush solid shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars (these are also great for saving space in your toiletries bag!)
Ocean-friendly sunscreen (Stream2Sea)
For the ladies | a mooncup is a great investment for “that” week, as it totally eliminates awkward bathroom waste.
Lip balm | Warm weather and ocean breeze can wreak havoc on your kisser
READ | check out our eco-friendly packing guide to travel through Sri Lanka consciously and comfortably
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out of pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
*In normal times, we recommend using World Nomads travel insurance, but unfortunately they're not currently covering COVID-19 related claims right now.
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
THE BEST OF NAXOS | Top things to do on Naxos, These are the best beaches on Naxos, Where to stay on Naxos Island, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, How to get from Athens to Naxos
EXPLORE PAROS | The best things to do on Paros, Things to know before visiting Paros Island, A guide to Naoussa town, A guide to Lefkes, A short guide to Parikia Paros, Where to stay on Paros, The best hotels in Naossa, How to get from Athens to Paros Island
SANTORINI ATTRACTIONS | Our complete Santorini Guide, The best things to do in Santorini, A complete guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, A guide to Megalochori Town, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets, where to stay in Santorini, How to get from Athens to Santorini
MYKONOS DREAMING | What to see and do on Mykonos, How to get from Athens to Mykonos, A guide to Mykonos Chora
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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