Alyko Beach with View across to Paros
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Alyko Cedar Forest Naxos

4.6
·3k reviews·, Greece

Discover secluded coves with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking sunsets at Alyko Cedar Forest, a tranquil beach escape on Naxos.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

For the perfect sunset glow

CrowdMedium
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Alyko Beach with View across to Paros

Alyko Cedar Forest Naxos

Best Time

Late afternoon

For the perfect sunset glow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover secluded coves with crystal-clear waters and breathtaking sunsets at Alyko Cedar Forest, a tranquil beach escape on Naxos.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"My favorite beach we visited in Naxos."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Rent a Car for Access

Essential for reaching this remote spot and exploring nearby beaches.

☀️ Pack Sun Essentials

Bring water, snacks, and sun protection as amenities are limited.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Alyko Beach Coves

Alyko Beach Coves

Southwest coast of Naxos

Discover secluded sandy coves with crystal-clear, blue-green waters. Perfect for a peaceful escape.

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Overlooking the Aegean Sea

Witness spectacular sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the tranquil sea.

Abandoned Hotel & Graffiti

Abandoned Hotel & Graffiti

Near the beach entrance

Explore the intriguing ruins of an old hotel adorned with unique graffiti art.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Seclusion

Alyko Cedar Forest is a remote gem. While it offers tranquility, plan for limited amenities. Pack essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection, as services are scarce. Consider visiting with a rental car for easier access to these quiet coves. Reddit

Sunset & Beyond

This spot is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. Combine your visit with dinner at a nearby restaurant like Faros for a complete experience. Be aware that some sections are frequented by nudists. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
For the perfect sunset glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
For ultimate tranquility
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

SKIP Santorini and instead go to these amazing islands with far fewer crowds and an even more authentic feel. Where we’ve been: - Naxos - Paros (& Antiparos) - Milos - Crete Crowdsourced recommendations: - Siros - Koufonisia - Ios - Folegandros - Sifnos - Kos - Rhodes Greece has so many amazing islands that all have something to offer. Overall, Santorini is beautiful, but it is seriously lacking i...
@nikkionherway
409.8K likes • 5M views

🚗 Rent a Car for Access

Essential for reaching this remote spot and exploring nearby beaches. Reddit

☀️ Pack Sun Essentials

Bring water, snacks, and sun protection as amenities are limited. Reddit

Greek Island summers 🇬🇷🐚🤍 #greece #naxos #Summer #travel #greekislands #fyp #foryou #keşfet
@manika.a._
116.6K likes • 2M views
📍Naxos, Alyko @kykladengriechenland #repost For us, Alyko Beach on Naxos is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Greek island. It is particularly characterized by the cedar forest that surrounds it. As it is a nature reserve, there are no buildings or facilities, except for permitted construction at the tip of the peninsula. Only a small food truck in the immediate vicinity provides meals. ...
discovernaxos
117 likes • 3.6K views

🌅 Stay for Sunset

The sunset views are truly magical and worth waiting for. Reddit

🩱 Be Aware of Nudists

Some beach sections are known for nudist sunbathing. Reddit

Alyko beach area in the southern part of Naxos is a true gem to explore ✨ What a lovely cedar forest and look at that sea view. . . . . . #naxosgreece #greecetravel #summerineurope #cyclades #greeksummer
rrrraila
22 likes • 498 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Rent a Car for Access

Essential for reaching this remote spot and exploring nearby beaches. Reddit

☀️ Pack Sun Essentials

Bring water, snacks, and sun protection as amenities are limited. Reddit

🌅 Stay for Sunset

The sunset views are truly magical and worth waiting for. Reddit

🩱 Be Aware of Nudists

Some beach sections are known for nudist sunbathing. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning, clear blue-green waters and secluded sandy coves at Alyko Cedar Forest, often calling it a favorite beach. The spectacular sunsets are a major highlight, and the intriguing graffiti on the abandoned hotel adds a unique artistic element. Some note that the 'forest' is more like bushes and that certain beach sections are frequented by nudists.

"We were here for sunset. Then we went across the street to Faros Restaurant. Faros was even more impressive than the gorgeous sunset. And the sunset was perfect."

Rob Scherer

"Amazing beaches the sea water is very blue with green spots. Lucky us not too crowded."

Mr T

"Beautiful clean little sandy beach. Crystal clear water. Rocks on the side area. Walking distance to see the ruins. Parking available close to the beach with a port a loo. There is also a food truck as you enter the car park for snacks."

Michelle Pircher

What People Like

Beautiful clear waters
Secluded sandy coves
Spectacular sunsets

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Nudist sections

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The best way to reach Alyko Cedar Forest is by renting a car. The drive from Naxos Town takes approximately 30-40 minutes. While buses serve some parts of Naxos, they don't go directly to Alyko, making a car or taxi the most convenient options for solo travelers or those seeking flexibility. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available close to the beach entrance, which is very convenient for visitors. Reddit

While it's possible to walk from some nearby areas, it's a considerable distance from Naxos Town. Renting a vehicle is highly recommended for ease of access. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to access Alyko Cedar Forest and its beaches. It's a natural area open to the public. Reddit

Alyko Cedar Forest is an open natural area and does not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are best for enjoying the beaches and scenery. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Alyko Cedar Forest features beautiful, clean, little sandy beaches with crystal-clear blue-green waters. There are also rocky areas on the sides of the coves. Reddit

You can find a port-a-loo near the car park. There's also a food truck for snacks as you enter the car park. However, other extensive facilities are limited, so it's wise to bring your own supplies. Reddit

The 'forest' consists of small cedar trees, which some visitors describe as more like gorse bushes rather than a dense woodland. It's more about the coastal landscape and the cedars that give it its name. Reddit

It can be less crowded than other popular Naxos beaches, especially if you visit during weekdays or outside peak season. However, it can get busier during sunset. Reddit

There's an old, abandoned hotel near the beach area that has become a canvas for interesting graffiti art, adding a unique, slightly edgy element to the landscape. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The stunning blue-green waters, secluded coves, and dramatic sunset views offer fantastic photography opportunities. The graffiti on the abandoned hotel also provides unique shots. Reddit

Late afternoon leading up to sunset provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photos. The golden hour light enhances the colors of the sea and landscape. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Alyko Cedar Forest offers a more tranquil beach experience that families might appreciate. The sandy coves are great for kids to play in, and the clear, shallow waters are generally safe for swimming. However, due to the remote nature, it's crucial to bring all necessary supplies, including plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection, as facilities are very limited. Reddit

While the abandoned hotel might be interesting for older children, supervise them closely. The main draw for families will be the beautiful, less crowded beaches and the opportunity for a peaceful day by the sea. Consider visiting earlier in the day before the sunset crowds arrive. Reddit

🚗 Solo Travelers & Adventurers

For solo travelers looking for a bit of adventure and stunning scenery, Alyko Cedar Forest is a fantastic choice. Renting a car is highly recommended to fully explore the area and reach the secluded coves at your own pace. Reddit The opportunity to chat with locals or other travelers can be a bonus, and the unique graffiti art at the abandoned hotel offers a cool, offbeat exploration point. Don't miss the chance to witness a memorable sunset. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Peace Seekers & Nature Lovers

If your goal is to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature, Alyko Cedar Forest is ideal. The quiet coves and picturesque waters provide a serene environment for relaxation and contemplation. Reddit The natural beauty, combined with the unique landscape featuring cedars and the intriguing abandoned hotel, offers a refreshing change of pace. Visiting on a weekday morning will ensure the most tranquil experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Beaches of Alyko

Alyko Cedar Forest is home to a series of beautiful, often secluded, sandy coves. The water here is exceptionally clear, shifting between vibrant blues and inviting greens, making it ideal for swimming and relaxation. Visitors often describe these beaches as their favorites on Naxos due to their natural beauty and relative quietness. Remember to pack your essentials, as amenities are minimal, but the pristine environment is well worth the preparation. Reddit

Beyond the main sandy stretches, you'll find rocky areas on the sides of the coves, which can be interesting for exploring or finding a more private spot. The presence of small cedar trees adds to the unique landscape, though some find them less like a traditional forest and more like coastal shrubbery. Reddit

The Allure of the Abandoned Hotel

A distinctive feature of Alyko Cedar Forest is an old, abandoned hotel. This structure has become a canvas for local artists, adorned with vibrant and thought-provoking graffiti. It adds an unexpected, urban-art element to the natural coastal scenery, creating a fascinating contrast that many visitors find intriguing for photography and exploration. Reddit

While the hotel itself is derelict, its graffiti art draws attention and offers a unique backdrop. It's a reminder of past development and a testament to ongoing creative expression. Be mindful of safety if exploring the immediate vicinity of the structure. Reddit

Sunset Spectacle and Dining

Alyko Cedar Forest is particularly famous for its spectacular sunsets. As the day winds down, the sky often erupts in a display of oranges, pinks, and purples, reflecting beautifully on the calm Aegean Sea. Many visitors choose to stay specifically for this breathtaking natural show. Reddit

For a complete evening experience, consider dining at Faros Restaurant, located just across the street. Reviews suggest that the restaurant is as impressive as the sunset itself, offering a perfect way to cap off your visit to Alyko. Reddit

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