If you are a naturist, Crete is the perfect place to come! Note that officially naturism is not allowed, however it actually is!
It is a common secret here that naturists occupy the most beautiful beaches on the island! Most south beaches of the south coast can be visited by naturists, especially if they are secluded (except those near monasteries). However, the most popular are listed below:
The east part of Paleochora (Pahia Ammos beach), the east part of Sougia beach, the east and west ends of Agia Roumeli, Glyka Nera, the east part of Orthi Ammos, Kedrodasos, the east part of Plakias bay, Ammoudaki cove, Ligres, Akoumiani Gialia, east end of Agia Galini, Kommos, Red beach, Dyskos, the naturists' beach at Hersonissos, Chrissi island and most Gavdos beaches. Lastly, we could not forget the two coves, next to the unique all-naturists hotel in Crete, Agios Charalambos and Filaki.
The Decalogue of nudists
- Nude bathing is not associated with any type of sexual seeking.
- It is not a right of a particular sexual orientation group, but its everyone’s right.
- The nudity should not be associated with exhibitionism and voyeurism.
- The nude does entail eroticism, but it is not a sexual expression.
- The nude friends enjoy and share the experience of nudism as an expression of genuine physical and mental/emotional contact, and not as a sexual desire.
- Naturalism is an ideology in the sense that is determined by a system of concepts such as self esteem, naturalism, freedom of expression, exoneration, true contact, naturality.
- Nudism for many people is not limited to nature or water but can be a habit of daily life in their private place. The feeling of nude company in a house should neither be considered suspicious or incriminating situation, nor be accompanied by hints of sexuality.
- The nude friends can coexist regardless of sexual orientation, assumed that they are conscious naturalists.
- The nudity does not cancel our sex drives and does not prohibit expressing them. It can entail the erotic expression, but it must never be determined by this.
- Nudism is a beautiful way (certainly not the only one) to know and love ourselves, and to know and love and the other without masking, retouching and hypocritical features.
Agios Pavlos (Saint Paul) is one incredible beach at Opiso Egiali area, 3km east of Agia Roumeli and 6km west of Loutro, in the exit of the wild Eligia Gorge. The beach is totally secluded from civilization, since the only possible to come here is by boat or by long trekking. The closest harbors are Agia Roumeli and Loutro. Walking from Agia Roumeli takes 50'-60', on an easy path that runs beside the sea.
Pirgos has two adjacent emerald sandy beaches, which are absolutely unorganized and isolated. Many campers prefer Pirgos for camping, as it is very far from any tourist infrastructure. The beaches are hidden in the heart of a large bay, surrounded by dunes and junipers and protected by steep cliffs.
Pourgonero beach is located at Krassas area, just 500m east of the port of Tsoutsouras, in the area where the houses of the settlement stop. It is actually the eastern part of Tsoutsouras bay, located in front of the hill Sarakinos. According to the legend, the eternal sarcophagus of King Minos, the mythical king of Crete, is burried below this place.
Dyskos is located 75km southwest of Heraklion, just 1-2km west of Lendas. It is a small settlement, known also as Dytikos, which is separated from the village of Lendas by the famous Cape Lion. Lion is said that was one of the lions carrying the chariot of the goddess Rhea and was petrified here.
The beach Lavrakas is located about 2km west of Agiannis, near the northern edge of Gavdos. Lavrakas can be accessed by walking 20'-30' Agiannis, where you can go by bus. Lavrakas is a fantastic beach with golden sand and turquoise water. It is no organized and is one of the most secluded beaches, since it is accessed only on foot.
Psili Ammos is located near the famous palmforest of Vai, 95km east of Agios Nikolaos and 25km east of Sitia. It can be accessed via a short footpath that starts in Vai and circles the hill on the east end of Vai. Walking does not exceed 5 minutes and the beach is definitely worth visiting.
The first beach you meet is called Kalami and is named after the reeds (kalami in greek) that are next to it. It is a nice pebbly beach, perfect for seclusion with a spring with fresh water on the beach! There are no tall trees on the beach, but there is a big cave offering natural shade to its visitors, all day round.
The beach Amoudi is located about 1.5km east of Chora Sfakion and 75km south of Chania, in an area with several adjacent pebbly beaches and very close to the nudists' hotel Vritomartis. It is one of the many unknown beaches around Chora Sfakion, and one of the nicest.The area, due to conglomerate rocks, is full of small pebbly beaches, such as Agios Charalambos, Filaki and Plakakia.