Kastraki Beach, Naxos: The Long Sandy Beach Next to Mikri Vigla

Kastraki is one of the longest sandy beaches in Naxos, a stretch of more than 3 km of fine white sand on the southwest coast, right next to Mikri Vigla. Clear water, cedar trees at the edges of the sand and plenty of room to find a quiet spot make it a favourite for people who want a natural beach rather than a busy resort. This guide covers what the beach is like, the wind, how to get there and how to combine it with the rest of the coast.

Where Kastraki beach is

Kastraki sits on the southwest coast of Naxos, about 15 to 16 km south of Naxos Town and roughly 12.5 km from the airport. It begins where Sahara, the long south beach of Mikri Vigla, ends and continues south towards Glyfada. The northern end, known as Limanaki, is often considered part of Mikri Vigla.

In other words, Kastraki is our next door beach. If you are staying at Mikri Vigla beach, you can reach it on foot along the sand, or with a very short drive.

What the beach is like

Kastraki is a long, open beach with fine white sand and clear, green blue water. Cedar trees grow along the edges of the sand and offer some natural shade, while the length of the shore means that even in summer you can walk a little and find space for yourself.

• Organisation: mostly natural, with a few sun beds and umbrellas for rent in some spots.
• Facilities: no lifeguard, but tavernas, a few rooms and a well stocked mini market behind the beach.
• Atmosphere: quiet and spacious, with some secluded corners that nudists also use.
• Sunsets: the west facing shore is known for its sunsets, and many people stay until the sun goes down.

Wind at Kastraki

Like most of the southwest coast, Kastraki is exposed to the wind. On days with a strong meltemi the sea can be wavy and the sand blows around, so check the forecast before you set off.

On windy days, a more sheltered bay is a better choice for a relaxed swim, such as Pyrgaki or the small coves of Alyko, surrounded by cedar trees. On calm days, Kastraki is at its best, with flat, clear water along the whole beach. Our kitesurfing and windsurfing guide explains how the wind behaves on this coast.

How to get to Kastraki

• On foot from Mikri Vigla: walk south along Sahara beach and keep going, the sand continues into Kastraki. It is a long walk, best early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• By car or scooter: the road from Naxos Town passes through Vivlos, and the last kilometre is a dirt road in good condition. There is parking along the beach.
• By bus: KTEL runs a line from Naxos Town to Kastraki, but departures are infrequent, so check the timetable in advance.

For more on buses, car rental and taxis, see our guide on how to get to Mikri Vigla.

Best time to visit

Kastraki gets busier in July and August, but its length means it rarely feels crowded. September is a lovely time to visit, with warmer water and fewer people, as we explain in our guide to Naxos in September. In any month, early mornings are the calmest and late afternoons bring the best light.

A day along the southwest coast

Kastraki works well as part of a longer day on the coast. Start with a morning swim in the north bay of Mikri Vigla, before the wind picks up, walk or drive to Kastraki for a long beach walk and lunch at one of the tavernas, then continue south to the cedar forest and coves of Alyko and the calm, shallow bay of Pyrgaki. Finish back on the cape of Mikri Vigla for the sunset. Our list of things to do in Mikri Vigla has more ideas for slow days close to home.

Frequently asked questions about Kastraki beach

Sources

• Greeka, Kastraki beach
• Naxos.net, Kastraki beach
• Cyclades Map, Kastraki beach in Naxos
• Exploring Greece, Kastraki beach in Naxos

By the team at Studios Kontos, Mikri Vigla, Naxos. We write about what we live every day on the island.