Naxos has the best beaches in the Cyclades, and it is not particularly close. The western coast is lined with long stretches of golden sand, most backed by dunes and cedar groves rather than hotel blocks. The water is clear and shallow, which makes the beaches especially good for families.
Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are the closest to Hora and the most developed, with sunbeds and tavernas right on the sand. Further south, Plaka stretches for kilometres with barely a building in sight. Mikri Vigla and Kastraki are popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers thanks to reliable summer winds. For something wilder, head to the east coast beaches like Moutsouna or Psili Ammos, which are harder to reach but almost deserted.