Beaches for Naturism in Crete
Naturism in Crete is most often practised in small coves and at the quieter ends of larger beaches. Many of the best-known spots are on the south coast, from Sougia and Sfakia to Plakias, Matala and Lentas. The part of a beach closest to a village can be busy, while a stretch further along the shore may be quiet, especially outside the peak summer season.
In Sfakia, Filaki is one of Crete’s best-known beaches among naturists. It lies east of Chora Sfakion, beside the small coves of Agios Charalambos. Other well-known spots in western Crete include the eastern end of Sougia, Glyka Nera, the eastern stretch of Orthi Ammos and Kedrodasos.
On the south coast of the Rethymno region, naturism is practised at Ammoudaki near Plakias, at Ligres and at the Agios Pavlos sand dunes. Further east, around Matala and Lentas, well-known spots include parts of Komos, Red Beach and Dyskos. On the north coast, naturism is also practised in one of the small Sarandaris coves near Hersonissos.
Greece has specific regulations for licensed naturist resorts. On other shores, the presence of naturists alone does not give a beach official naturist status. On public beaches, local signage and the privacy of other beachgoers matter, especially when taking photographs.


Skinaria Beach (or Shinaria) is located 33km south of Rethymno, 3km south of the village Lefkogia, in the east part of the wider Plakias area. The beach is relatively unknown to most locals, but for its few visitors it remains a heaven and some of them regard it as one of the best beaches of Crete.
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Kommos (or Komos) is located 66km southwest of Heraklion, just 2km north of Matala and close the seaside settlement of Kalamaki. It is actually the southernmost and the most isolated part of the huge beachfront of Mesara Bay. Kommos was once the port of Phaestus, so you can still see the ruins of the town, near the beach. You can access Kommos by driving in the road heading to Matala, till you see a sign to Kommos.
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The tiny beach of Macherida is located 14km northeast of Chania and 1km west of the village Chorafakia, hidden in a rocky bay. The beach is named after the rocky cape in its north end that reminds of a knife (“machairi” means “knife” in Greek). According to another version, it is named after the flower Gladiolis italicus that is called “machairida” in Greek.
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One of the best-kept secrets in Rethymno aside from Akoumiani Gialia or more popularly known as Triopetra beach to tourists and locals alike, is the breathtaking Melissa Cape Sandhills, by Agios Pavlos, which is considered among the best beaches in Crete.
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Orthi Ammos is one spectacular sandy and shallow beach, next to Frangokastelo, located 80km south of Chania, at the edge of a big valley with very warm climate. The area is not overdeveloped, in contrary to the touristic area of Frangokastelo.
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Sougia is a small village located 75km west of Chania, at the exit of the beautiful Gorge of Agia Irini. A favorite destination for hippies in the 70s', today it is a perfect choice for peaceful holidays in a beautiful landscape with all the basic amenities provided.
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Ligres is located 51km south of Rethymno and 7km south of the village Kerames, at the foot of the imposing mount of Siderotas. It is actually the northbound part of the beachfront called Akoumiani Gialia.
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Beach Filaki (meaning "Prison") is located 3km east of Chora Sfakia and 75km south of Chania. Located close to the only hotel exclusively for nudists in Crete, called "Vritomartis, Filaki and the adjacent beaches of Ammoudi are mainly occupied by nudists.
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