Orkos Beach, Naxos: Quiet Coves Between Plaka and Mikri Vigla
Orkos is a chain of quiet sandy coves on the west coast of Naxos, between Plaka and Mikri Vigla, about 11 km from Naxos Town. Golden sand, turquoise water, red hills and cedar trees behind the shore make it one of the most photogenic stretches of the coast, and because there are no beach bars or sun beds, it stays calm even in summer. From Mikri Vigla it is an easy walk north along the coast.
Key takeaways
- Orkos lies between Plaka and Mikri Vigla, about 11 km from Naxos Town and 7.6 km from the airport.
- It is about 1 km of sand split into several coves by rocks, with red hills and cedar trees behind the beaches.
- There are no beach bars, shops or sun beds, so bring water, snacks and your own shade.
- It is popular with windsurfers, and from Mikri Vigla you can walk there along the coast in about 30 minutes.
In this article
Where Orkos is
Orkos sits on the west coast of Naxos, between the long beach of Plaka to the north and the cape of Mikri Vigla to the south. It is about 11 km from Naxos Town and 7.6 km from the airport. From the beach, the houses of Mikri Vigla are visible on the headland to the south.
For guests staying at Mikri Vigla beach, Orkos is the natural next step when you want an even quieter swim.
What the beach is like
Orkos is not one long beach but a string of coves, about 1 km of sand in total, separated by rocks that run into the sea. The first stretch is a longer beach lined with trees and shrubs, followed by smaller coves of around 100 to 200 metres each, tucked between rocky points.
- Setting: golden sand, very clear turquoise water, red coloured hills and cedar trees behind the shore.
- Crowds: remote and rarely busy, even in high season.
- Facilities: none on the beach itself, no beach bars, shops or sun beds.
- Accommodation: a few places to stay in the area, most with sea views.
Windsurfing at Orkos
Like the rest of this coast, Orkos gets the summer meltemi, and it is one of the best known windsurfing beaches on the island. The water is less busy than at Mikri Vigla, which many riders appreciate. Kitesurfers usually launch from the main spot at Mikri Vigla, where the schools and rental centres are based. Our kitesurfing and windsurfing guide explains the wind, the schools and the best months.
On windy days the sea at Orkos can be choppy, so for a calm swim choose a morning before the wind picks up, or head to a more sheltered beach such as Pyrgaki in the south.
How to get to Orkos
- On foot from Mikri Vigla: follow the coast north for about 30 minutes. It is the nicest way to arrive, with views of the whole coastline.
- By car or scooter: the fastest route from Naxos Town is the asphalt road that runs past the airport runway towards the southwest beaches. From the Vivlos road to Mikri Vigla, a dirt road of 1.5 to 2 km in fairly good condition leads down to the beach, and signs show the way.
- By bus: take the KTEL bus from Naxos Town to Mikri Vigla and walk from there.
Our guide on how to get to Mikri Vigla has more details on buses, car rental and taxis.
Tips for a day at Orkos
- Bring water, snacks and an umbrella, as there is nothing to buy on the beach.
- Walk past the first cove to find the quietest spots.
- Wear sandals for the rocky paths between the coves.
- Go early on windy days, when the sea is calmer in the morning.
- Stay for the late afternoon, when the red hills glow in the low sun.
For more ideas close to home, see our list of things to do in Mikri Vigla and our guide to quiet beach stays in Naxos.
Frequently asked questions about Orkos beach
Where is Orkos beach in Naxos?
Orkos is on the west coast of Naxos, between Plaka and Mikri Vigla, about 11 km from Naxos Town.
Is Orkos beach organised?
No. Orkos has no beach bars, shops or sun beds, so bring water, food and shade with you.
Can you walk to Orkos from Mikri Vigla?
Yes. Following the coast north from Mikri Vigla, you reach Orkos in about 30 minutes on foot.
Is Orkos good for windsurfing?
Yes. Orkos is one of the best known windsurfing beaches on Naxos and is less crowded on the water than Mikri Vigla, while kitesurfers usually launch from Mikri Vigla.
Sources
By the team at Studios Kontos, Mikri Vigla, Naxos. We write about what we live every day on the island.
