Pori beach (Koufonissi) vs Plaka beach (Naxos)

Steve, it is not quite clear. Are you planning to STAY on Koufonissi?? Most people go there on day-excursions ... check this website: http://visit-cyclades.com/day-cruises/naxos-cruises ... there are 3 day cruises available, 2 on sailboat (w motor assist) and one on a larger vessel. Those little islands have lovely beaches, that that's mainly wht they are.. plus a couple of tavernas, couple of accommodations. Plaka beach is wonderful, especially on the far end, and when you stay there, you have bus access to nightlife in the port town. The dates you are going also makes a difference, and you did not share that, maybe that's why you got no response.

Yes, I have been to both beaches many times, over 30 years.
I don't have a preference for the simple reason that they are on different islands.

Plaka beach is very much longer and varies a lot along the length in terms of width, type of sand, it tends to shelve quite steeply. Behind is a developing stretch of tavernas, hotels, rooms for rent, holiday homes. Behind that a sizable agricultural plain.

Pori beach is much shorter, narrower, finer sand, gentle slope. Behind there is now two tavernas and a small holiday home estate development.
The northern headland has some eroded cliffs battered by waves and the meltemi winds.

travelerjan, do the day cruises you reference go only to "port" beaches? And do they have snorkeling? There is not much detail on the itinerary on the website, although they do look like a good deal! Our plan at present is to base on Naxos for five nights and do day excursions to lesser cyclades etc.

The link travelerjan gave says it rather clearly:
"Departures from Naxos with a short stop in Piso Livadi. ports. Operated by MV Cat Alexander and Naxos Star boats. One can use this boat transfer also for a day trip to Paros.
The Small Cyclades excursion includes a visit to St. George, the port of Iraklia. For about one hour, you will walk in the traditional lanes, you will dive in the crystal clear waters, and then you will continue the day in Koufonissi. For about 4 hours, you will walk around the beaches. Optional you can also take a boat to visit the remote beach Pori. Swim and taste fresh fish or other appetizers at a tavern by the sea.
Cost of the cruise: 40 EUR per adult & 20 EUR per child (5-11 years old)."
From the port of Koufonissi you may walk to Pori beach, about 30 mins if I remember right. In four hours you may walk around the whole island. Look at greeka.com
The ships do not go to any other ports than mentioned in the link. No swimming or snorkeling from the ship.
Pori beach was rather boring, I did not like it at all. A lot of fine sand and it was windy, eyes and ears full of sand... Naked people doing what they wanted behind the bushes. :-(
Spent two days in the island between Amorgos and Naxos. Taht was enough for me.
Many Swedish families spent two or even three week holidays in Koufonissi at least some years ago, so not only day trippers there.
And by the way, those excursion ships are rather small and not at all convenient if the sea is rough.
Anyway, have a nice holiday!

Akana that was not the tour I was looking at - the one you quote is only one of a number of different trips with different itineraries. Dont appreciate the snark.

It's an hour walk from Koufonisi port to the north end of Pori beach, where the cliffs are, either taking the inland route/road which is now tarmaced, or the coastal route which is a bit longer as you go around a number of headlands, beaches and small coves. I always do this as a round trip walk and swimming off the various beaches.
There is in season a boat that goes from the port to the north side of Pori beach, also one to Kato Koufonisi the island opposite, details at the ferry ticket agency Main St, Chora. As you can see there are advantages to staying on the island.

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