Santa Maria is the best all-round beach near Naoussa — a broad arc of pale sand at the northeast tip of the island, with clear turquoise water that stays shallow for a long way out. It is sheltered enough to swim comfortably even in a moderate wind, which makes it a good alternative when Golden Beach is too breezy for non-windsurfers.
The beach has sun beds, a beach bar, and a small taverna. A windsurfing school operates here in summer. The drive from Naoussa takes about five minutes; there is a car park above the beach. In high summer it fills up by midday, but the long shoreline means there is usually space if you walk a bit further from the facilities.