Some 17 kilometres away from Naxos is a beautiful sandy beach called Alyko Beach, which has stood as a witness to many historical events. The good news about this beach is that the waters are clear and turquoise while the sand is fine and soft on the feet. The clear waters also make this an ideal place for snorkelling. However, the highlight of Alyko Beach is the cedar forest that you will find in the background. Known as one of thickest cedar forests in Greece, the trees act as a support system to the sand dunes in the area, protecting them from erosion. Cedar trees are well-known for their root networks that can grow to twice the length of its height. Unfortunately, sometime in the early 1970s, Alyko was sold to a foreign developer who started building a luxurious hotel there. The construction was never completed and you will be able to see the ruins damaging the otherwise splendid scenery. But fret not for the blue waters will make up for this shortcoming.