Pyrgaki Beach, Naxos: Dunes, Cedars and a Calm Family Bay

Pyrgaki is a wide sandy beach on the southwest coast of Naxos, about 19 km south of Naxos Town and just one kilometre past Alyko. Golden dunes, old cedar trees close to the water and a shallow, calm sea give it a wild, almost North African look, and it is one of the quietest beaches on this side of the island. This guide covers what the beach is like, why it suits families, how to get there from Mikri Vigla and what to combine it with.

Where Pyrgaki is

Pyrgaki sits on the southwest coast of Naxos, between Alyko and Agiasos, about 19 km south of Naxos Town. From Mikri Vigla, you follow the coast road south past Kastraki and Glyfada, reach Alyko and continue about one more kilometre. It is roughly 7 km from our studios.

The beach takes its name from the hill above it, which, according to local tradition, served as a lookout point against pirates.

What the beach is like

Pyrgaki is a long, open beach with fine golden sand, a few pebbly spots and clear, turquoise water. Behind it rise sand dunes and old cedar trees, some growing almost down to the sea, which give the whole area an unusual, exotic character for the Cyclades.

• Organisation: only a handful of sun beds and umbrellas, run by a beach bar that also works as a taverna at the southern end.
• Space: most of the beach remains free, so it is easy to find a quiet spot even in summer.
• Hidden cove: on the right side of the beach there is a small cove wrapped in cedar forest, one of the prettiest corners of the area.
• Food: besides the beach bar, there are a few tavernas and small hotels in the wider area.

Why Pyrgaki suits families

The sea at Pyrgaki is shallow and the entry is gentle, so children can play in the water safely under supervision. The bay is also protected from the northern winds, which means calmer water on many days when the more exposed beaches have waves. Add the shade of the cedars and the soft sand, and it becomes one of the easiest beaches on the island for a family day.

If you are travelling with children, our guides to a family day in Mikri Vigla and to family accommodation in Naxos have more ideas and practical tips.

How to get to Pyrgaki from Mikri Vigla

• By car or scooter: the easiest way. The road is asphalt almost all the way to Alyko, and the last kilometre to Pyrgaki is an easy dirt road. Follow the signs.
• By bus: the southwest KTEL line lists stops down to Pyrgaki, but services are limited, so check the timetable carefully or plan to drive.

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

Combine Pyrgaki with Alyko and Kastraki

Pyrgaki is the last stop of a lovely beach day along the southwest coast. Start at Kastraki for a morning walk on the long sand, continue to the cedar coves of Alyko for a swim, and end at Pyrgaki for lunch and a slow afternoon in the calm water. Back at the cape of Mikri Vigla, the sunset over Paros closes the day. Our Mikri Vigla beach guide explains the beaches right on our doorstep.

Tips for a day at Pyrgaki

• Bring your own umbrella if you want a spot near the water, as sun beds are few.
• Pack water and snacks for the quieter parts of the beach, away from the beach bar.
• Wear sandals on the dunes and the pebbly patches.
• Keep off the dunes and do not damage the cedars, which are protected and slow growing.
• Visit in September for warm water and an almost empty beach.

Frequently asked questions about Pyrgaki beach

Sources

• Greeka, Pyrgaki beach
• Naxos.net, Pyrgaki beach
• Cyclades Map, Pyrgaki beach in Naxos
• Feel Greece, Pyrgaki, Naxos

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