Agios Prokopios - the best organised beach
5 km south of Chora on the main coast road - a 10-minute drive, never more. Fine white sand, calm translucent water, and a full line of sunbed operators and beachfront tavernas. Buses reach Agios Prokopios frequently in summer so the beach gets busy by 11 am; drive here, park (free and plentiful at the south end), and claim your spot early. The water is shallow for 50 metres - ideal for children and weak swimmers. Voted consistently among the top ten beaches in Greece by TripAdvisor users; the accolade is deserved.
Agia Anna - compact, charming, with tavernas
7 km south and practically a continuation of Prokopios, separated by a small headland and the village of Agia Anna itself. Narrower strip of beach, denser concentration of fish tavernas and small hotels directly on the sand, and a tiny fishing harbour at the north end that you can walk to. The village road has several parking spots; arrive before 10 am in August or expect a walk. Good base if you're renting accommodation in the area - everything is within a five-minute stroll.
Plaka - long, uncrowded, beautiful
8 km south of Chora, Plaka is simply a longer, quieter, less-developed version of Prokopios - and better for it. The beach stretches for almost 4 km without interruption: broad enough to absorb a full August crowd and still feel uncrowded in the middle. The southern half is naturist-friendly by local convention. Bus frequency varies by season, so check the current timetable before travelling; a car is the practical option for a flexible visit. Parking is available along the access road. Several low-key beach bars and a campsite sit at the north end. If you have children and want to split the day between swimming and exploring, Plaka and Prokopios are an easy back-to-back.
Mikri Vigla - windsurf and kitesurf capital
17 km south of Chora, Mikri Vigla is two beaches in one: the north face of the headland is a calm, crystal-clear cove for swimming; the south face catches the Aegean meltemi and is a well-known kitesurfing location. The access road is paved to the signed car park; standard rental cars should stop there and visitors should continue on foot rather than use the track farther south. Check local wind and access conditions before setting out.
Alyko and Pyrgaki - the wild south
23 km south of Chora, Alyko is Naxos at its most raw. A protected cedar forest (the cedars are actually junipers, but Naxians call them cedar) runs down to three wild beaches with no facilities, no sunbeds, and sometimes no other visitors at all. The famous painted abandoned hotel sits in the middle of the forest - a grid of derelict rooms covered floor to ceiling in street art, one of the most photographed locations on the island. The access tracks here are unpaved soft sand and are excluded from standard rental agreements, including for 4x4 cars. Park at the signed area and continue on foot. Pyrgaki, 3 km further, is a smaller wild beach facing due west - the ideal last stop for a south-coast sunset.