Apollonas Beach Naxos
Discover Apollonas Beach, a charming northern Naxos village with a sandy beach, seaside tavernas, and an ancient Kouros statue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy calm waters
Apollonas Beach Naxos
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy calm waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Apollonas Beach, a charming northern Naxos village with a sandy beach, seaside tavernas, and an ancient Kouros statue.
"The drive here is worth it for the charming village, beachside dining, and ancient Kouros."
🚗 Rent a Car for the Drive
Essential for reaching Apollonas and enjoying the scenic route.
⏰ Avoid Afternoon Crowds
Tour buses arrive around 3-4 PM; visit earlier or later for tranquility.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Apollonas Beach Charm
Apollonas Village
A picturesque sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Lined with tavernas offering delicious food and drinks right by the sea.
+1The Ancient Kouros Statue
Near Apollonas Village
Discover the colossal, unfinished statue of a young man carved from marble, a testament to ancient Naxian artistry.
Seaside Dining Experience
Along Apollonas Beach
Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine with your toes in the sand, savoring fresh seafood and local specialties as the sun sets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Drive to Apollonas
Timing is Key for Beach Bliss
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for the Drive
Essential for reaching Apollonas and enjoying the scenic route.
⏰ Avoid Afternoon Crowds
Tour buses arrive around 3-4 PM; visit earlier or later for tranquility.
🏖️ Choose Your Beach Spot
West side is sandy with tavernas; East side is pebbly and quieter.
🌅 Sunset Dinner Magic
Dine by the sea as the sun dips below the horizon for an unforgettable experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for the Drive
Essential for reaching Apollonas and enjoying the scenic route.
⏰ Avoid Afternoon Crowds
Tour buses arrive around 3-4 PM; visit earlier or later for tranquility.
🏖️ Choose Your Beach Spot
West side is sandy with tavernas; East side is pebbly and quieter.
🌅 Sunset Dinner Magic
Dine by the sea as the sun dips below the horizon for an unforgettable experience.
🐢 Turtle Hatching Spot
Witness a unique natural event if you're lucky during nesting season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Apollonas Beach is praised for its charming village atmosphere, beautiful sandy beach on the west side, and the unique experience of dining right by the sea. Visitors highly recommend the scenic drive to reach this northern Naxos gem. However, the beach can become crowded in the afternoon due to tour buses, and the east side is pebbly with rougher waters.
"There are two sides to this beach. If you drive to the East portion it is all stones/pebbles and rough waters with one taverna. Positive is though it’s quiet. On the West portion there is a small, sandy beach surrounded by several great tavernas offering selection of drinks, ice cream and authentic Greek food…for takeout to the beach or eat-in. When we visited the beach was quite busy but there was still plenty of room. Around 3-4pm several tour buses came in for about an hour and it got very busy, but then got quiet again. The beach is not as rough here, nice and sandy, but there was some floating seaweed…not enough to ruin the enjoyment of the water. Overall, we highly recommend the drive here, and if we back in Naxos we will visit again."
D & S
"Beautiful little bay with crystal clear water and places to eat and drink sitting right next to it."
Elle Haring
"Very nice and charming town. The beach can easily be full since is very small. However, the ambience is quite unique surrounded with cafes, local restaurants and free showers."
Armando Izquierdo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best way to reach Apollonas Beach is by renting a car. The drive is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Naxos Town, offering beautiful coastal scenery. Public transport options are limited for this remote location.
Absolutely! The drive to Apollonas village and its beach is renowned for its stunning coastal views and winding roads, making it a highlight of the journey.
Public transport to Apollonas is very limited. Renting a car or scooter is highly recommended for flexibility and to fully enjoy the journey and surrounding areas.
Renting a car or ATV is ideal for exploring the northern tip of Naxos, including Apollonas village and its beach, allowing you to stop at various viewpoints and discover hidden coves.
The roads can be narrow and winding, especially as you approach Apollonas. Drive cautiously, be mindful of oncoming traffic, and enjoy the breathtaking views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Apollonas Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand and sea freely.
The Kouros statue near Apollonas is an open-air archaeological site and is generally accessible without an entrance fee, though it's always good to check for any local advisories.
Tavernas typically open for lunch and stay open through dinner, often until late evening, especially during the summer season. It's best to check individual taverna hours if you have specific plans.
Apollonas village is a charming settlement that you can wander through freely. There are no admission fees to explore its streets and enjoy its atmosphere.
While walk-ins are often possible, especially during off-peak hours, booking a table in advance is recommended for popular tavernas, particularly for sunset dinner reservations.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Apollonas Beach has two sides: the west side is a small, sandy beach with calm waters and several tavernas, while the east side is pebbly with rougher waters.
The sandy west side of Apollonas Beach is generally good for swimming, with clear waters. The east side can have rougher seas.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy delicious meals at the beachside tavernas, explore the nearby Kouros statue, and soak in the charming village atmosphere.
The beach can get quite busy in the afternoon, especially when tour buses arrive. Visiting in the morning or late afternoon can offer a more peaceful experience.
Some sources mention free showers being available at Apollonas Beach, adding to the convenience for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can expect authentic Greek cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood, local specialties, and traditional dishes. Many tavernas offer tables right on the sand.
Traditional Greek tavernas usually offer a variety of vegetable-based dishes, salads, and mezes that can cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. It's always best to ask your server.
Yes, many of the tavernas offer takeout options, allowing you to enjoy their delicious food on the beach or at your accommodation.
While specific recommendations vary, look for fresh fish, local cheeses, and traditional Naxian dishes. Some TikToks mention unique desserts like lemon sorbet.
Prices are generally reasonable, offering good value for the quality and the unique beachfront dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charming village, the sandy beach with its clear waters, the sunset over the sea, and the impressive Kouros statue.
The golden hour before sunset offers magical light for photography, illuminating the beach and village beautifully. Mornings are also great for capturing the tranquility.
Don't miss the chance to photograph the colossal Kouros statue, a truly unique ancient artifact. The drive itself offers many scenic viewpoints.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and village scenes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the Kouros statue.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and respect privacy before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the drive can be long, the destination offers a relaxed atmosphere. Consider packing beach toys and ensuring you have plenty of sun protection. The village itself is small and walkable, making it easy to manage with younger children. The novelty of dining right by the sea can also be a big hit with kids.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Apollonas itself is a reward for the drive, offering a charming village and a beautiful beach. Combine your visit with stops at other points of interest in the northern part of the island. The experience is about the journey as much as the destination, providing a sense of exploration and discovery.
🏛️ History & Archaeology Buffs
Beyond the Kouros, the village itself retains a traditional charm, offering a glimpse into a more tranquil side of Greek island life. Exploring the area allows for reflection on the ancient civilizations that once thrived here, making it a rewarding stop for those interested in historical sites.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Apollonas: A Scenic Adventure
Many travelers describe the drive as a highlight, with the anticipation building as you approach the charming village. The remoteness of Apollonas contributes to its serene atmosphere, making the effort to get there feel incredibly rewarding. It's a chance to escape the busier tourist hubs and immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of Naxos.
Consider packing some snacks and water for the drive, as amenities can be sparse between villages. The drive also offers opportunities to discover other small hamlets and hidden coves along the northern coast, making it a perfect day trip for exploration enthusiasts.
Apollonas Beach: Two Sides to Paradise
In contrast, the eastern portion of the beach is characterized by pebbles and can experience rougher waters, making it less ideal for swimming but perhaps more appealing to those seeking solitude. While the sandy side can become quite busy, especially in the afternoon when tour buses arrive, it generally remains spacious enough. The presence of floating seaweed is sometimes noted but rarely detracts significantly from the overall enjoyment of the water.
Regardless of which side you choose, the ambiance of Apollonas Beach is undeniably special. The combination of the beautiful seaside setting, the welcoming tavernas, and the laid-back village vibe creates a memorable experience for all visitors. Free showers are also available, adding to the convenience for beachgoers.
The Enigmatic Kouros of Apollonas
Visitors are often awestruck by the sheer scale of the Kouros and the details that remain visible, despite its incomplete state. It's a place that sparks imagination, prompting questions about why it was never finished or moved. The statue is situated in a natural setting, adding to its mystique and making the visit feel like a discovery.
While the statue itself is the main attraction, the journey to reach it also contributes to the experience. It's a site that appeals to history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the ancient world. The opportunity to see such a monumental piece of history in situ is a unique aspect of visiting Apollonas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit