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Mikri Vigla, a small seaside village famous for its beaches, is one of the most popular destinations on the island of Naxos. Built on a rocky cape, it offers great snorkeling, particularly along its southern coast. Seabream, damselfish, wrasse, rabbitfish and dozens of other Mediterranean fish live in its translucent waters.

Sargo in Mikri Vigla
A pair of sargo near the shore.

How to get to Mikri Vigla snorkeling spot?

Mikri Vigla is a small village on a rocky point on the west coast of the island of Naxos. It is located just 20km south of Chóra, the island’s main town.

The spot is located in Mikri Vigla southern bay, at the north end of Kastraki Beach (Paralia Kastraki). It is easily reached by car, either from the south at the end of a paved road, or from the north on a sandy and stony track after Plaka. Park near the beachside tavern (Mikri Vigla Restaurant). Once on the beach, walk to the first rocks.

Mikri Vigla snorkeling map, Naxos

Water entrance for snorkeling Mikri Vigla

Water entrance is easy, either from the gently sloping beach or from the first rocks.

Mikri Vigla snorkeling exploration tips

Once in the water, we advise you to snorkel along the rocks, following the coast. This is where most of the marine life shelters. The rocks create a varied underwater landscape, including small drop-offs, rock scree, and tiny coves with translucent water.

About 200m from the beach, you will reach a rocky islet whose surroundings you can explore. Snorkeling away from the shore, the seabed is mostly sandy, with rare posidonia patches. In the area, depths vary from 1 to 10ft/40cm to 3m.

Saddled seabream in Naxos
Saddled seabream is one of the most common fish in the area.

Many fish species can be seen on this spot. You’ll probably note first the abundant sargo and saddled bream, as well as the colorful ornate wrasse. In the sand, red mullets and sea cucumber are pretty common. You will also encounter at Mikri Vigla two species of exotic rabbitfish, mullets, and, in deeper areas, hundreds of damselfish.

Mirki Vigla beach, Naxos
Mikri Vigla beach. The best snorkeling is found along the rocks.

This spot is rather sheltered from the meltem, the north wind which blows in the Cyclades mainly during summer. However, if the wind is turning and the sea is rough, go to a north-facing spot instead.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

A tavern, Mikri Vigla Restaurant, is located on the beach, facing the spot.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth10ft/3m
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersMedium
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.