NUDIST BEACHES IN CRETE
Beaches

Nudist Beaches in Crete That You Will Love!

Crete is a perfect island for those who love to enjoy the beach without any clothes onโ€ฆitโ€™s a well-known secret! Even though nudism is not officially allowed, the most beautiful hidden coves on Crete are the ones that fans of naturism have been visiting for years. If you are one of the many naturists who visit Crete every year, check out this list, which includes the best nudist beaches in Crete.

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Want to Sunbathe Naked in Crete? Nudism on the Island

Officially, there are no nudist beaches in Greece โ€“ yet sunbathing without clothes is not forbidden. Iโ€™ve often been asked whether this is a practice frowned upon by locals, and my answer is no, or not always! Letโ€™s make things clear: Greece is a deeply religious country, and most locals would never dream of sunbathing naked on a popular or familiar beach. 

Going topless is a bit more common in well-known places such as ElafonisiBalos, or Falassarna, but not every woman you see will be wearing just the bottom of her swimming suit. 

Itโ€™s not that common, just a bit more common than naturism. Crete still has a long way to go before turning into a place where topless is an everyday sight.

However, discrete naturism is common in many areas. And you can do it knowing that nobody will bother you or stare. Let’s start now! Let me help you find that perfect hidden cove that every nudist on Crete knows about!

Red Beach (Matala)

📍 34.986075 N, 24.749488 E
⛱️ Sandy beach, limited organization.

Red Beach has often been named one of the best naturist beaches in the world. Since itโ€™s fairly hard to access (only by hiking or by boat from the popular Matala Beach), it still preserves a relatively isolated spirit.

This secluded beach has stunning fine red sand, and itโ€™s completely protected by impressive tall rocks that surround the beach and create a magnificent underwater scenario ideal for snorkeling and exploring with a canoe.

Red Beach.

RELATED ARTICLE:
How to Hike to the Red Beach in Matala

ACCOMMODATION NEAR THE RED BEACH IN MATALA

There is plenty of accommodation available both in the village of Matala as well as in the small villages in the area. Some of the top-rated places include the following:

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Sarandaris Coves (Hersonissos)

📍 35.333430 N, 25.384750 E
⛱️ Sand with small pebbles, rocky coves, organized facilities.

Sarandaris (or Sarantaris) is a series of small coves and hidden beaches about 27 km from the capital of Crete, Heraklion. They enjoy a somewhat protected position from the winds thanks to the cape of Sarandaris. Itโ€™s quite close to the cape that you will find one of the few nudist beaches on Crete located on the north coast.

This sandy beach is located in an area protected by fairly tall stones that offer discretion from prying eyes as well as protection from the winds. The clear waters and interesting rocky formations under the sea make it a great place for snorkeling. For those interested in some nightlife fun, the main seaside resort of Hersonissos is just minutes away from Sarandaris Coves.

Sarandari.

ACCOMMODATION NEAR SARANDARI:

The range of accommodation in the area of Hersonissos is fairly wide. It goes from all-inclusive hotels to private villas, budget studio apartments, and mid-range hotels. Here is an article that covers the subject.

In the area, it’s also possible to choose a city hotel in Heraklion or the close-by coast of Malia. There’s a lot to explore, as well as hotels for every pocket. If you plan to stay in the area, check the following reviews.

  • Close to Hersonissos, the traditional village of Koutouloufari is a great place to get a bit of relaxation. Koutouloufari Village Holiday Club was built respecting the stone architecture of Crete, located above the port of Hersonissos with stunning views of the sea.
  • For an adult-only option, check the reviews, pictures, and prices of Infinity Blue Boutique Hotel & Spa, with a wonderful swimming pool and a beautiful rooftop bar.

Kommos Beach

📍 35.018167 N, 24.759946 E
⛱️ Sandy beach.

Kommos Beach is on the southern coast of Heraklion, about  70 km from the capital and not far from Matala Beach. It has often been placed on different lists of top nudist beaches on Crete since itโ€™s so isolated and quiet, and few people are aware that naturism has spread on this coast of the island.

This is a golden sand beach, although there are some slippery rocks on the sea bottom and close to the shore in some areas. Thereโ€™s very little organization here but there is a taverna at one end. Naturism and nature enthusiasts adore this beach because of the green landscape. And since itโ€™s really wide, thereโ€™s never the feeling of being in a crowded place.

Be aware that the bay is quite open, so itโ€™s not always protected from the winds. The sea can be a bit rough at times. Also noteworthy โ€“ the sunsets in Kommos are incredibly beautiful.

Kommos Beach.

Lentas Beach

📍 34.930666 N, 24.924529 E
⛱️ Sand with small pebbles, organized facilities

The beach of Lentas, also on the southern coast of Crete, is located not far from the beautiful Agiofarago Beach, about 75 km from the capital city of Heraklion. Those interested in exploring should be aware that there are other nudist beaches in the area also, such as Kali Limenes and the western bay of Diskos, one of Creteโ€™s most traditional places for naturists.

None of the beaches in the area are very well organized, but you can find all the supplies you need in the small village of Lentas. If youโ€™re also interested in history, there are a few excavations that are possible to visit close by.

Lentas Beach.

ACCOMMODATION NEAR LENTAS:

Although the village and the area are quite isolated due to the difficult access it’s still possible to rent a room in Lentas. Here are some of the most popular and best-rated ones.

  • A comfortable option is Lendas Paradise Studios, two steps from the sand! It’s ideal for couples and has high ratings.

Kedrodasos Beach

📍 35.268643 N, 23.563073 E
⛱️ Sandy beach, not organized.

Kedrodasos is a wonderful beach located about a kilometer east of the more famous Elafonisi Beach. Itโ€™s one of West Creteโ€™s most beautiful sandy beaches, with juniper trees and hidden rocky coves, perfect for sunbathing naked. The only way to get there is hiking from Elafonisi or by car (you can compare car rental prices here).

The sand is soft and white, while the sea is a vivid turquoise shade. The beach completely lacks organization, and it has lately turned into a trendy place. This new popularity has largely discouraged naturism enthusiasts who have found a more secluded area about one km further east. This area is known as Agios Ioannis, and there are three different shores that are completely naturism-friendly.

Kedrodasos.

ACCOMMODATION NEAR KEDRODASOS:

Most of the people that usually visit Kedrodasos choose to camp in the area. Even when camping on a beach is not allowed in Greece, well… neither is nudism, and yet here’s a list of nudist beaches. So, as long as you take care of the environment, don’t light fires, and remember that the juniper forest is protected, there’s no major risk in camping.

  • If you want to spend the night in a regular bed instead, check the following nearby places to stay: Xasteria is located near Chrisoskalitissa Monastery, it’s a wonderful villa with garden views, and the reviews are excellent.
  • Very close to Elafonisi, you can check Musagores Rooms with stunning mountain views.

RELATED ARTICLE:
How to visit Kedrodasos, Elafonisi and Aspri Limni in a day

Gialiskari and Krios (Paleochora)

📍 Gialiskari 35.238772 N, 23.721812 E ~ 📍 Krios 35.237059 N, 23.593622 E
⛱️ Both beaches have coarse sand and pebbles and are partially organized.

Paleochora is one of the seaside villages in Crete that both tourists and locals adore. In fact, itโ€™s very hard to find someone who doesnโ€™t love the relaxed scene of Paleochora, the little village, as well as its lively nights and magnificent beaches spread throughout the area.

GIALISKARI BEACH

Although there are several other nudist beaches in Paleochora, Gialiskari has rightfully won a place on this list. The main area of the beach is not the place to sunbathe naked, but if you head towards the end of the beach, there is a secluded place, a favorite of naturists.

Gialiskari combines the organization (sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bar) of the central portion of the beach with the stunning mountain landscape, the cold waters of the south, and its own discrete place to take off your clothes! Gialiskari features coarse sand mixed with pebbles and can be accessed by the dirt road along the coast, towards the east of Paleochora.

Gialiskari Beach.

KRIOS BEACH

ALso in Paleochora, Krios is less than 10 km from Paleochoraโ€™s main beach, Pachia Ammos, and it can be reached by car, driving west on an asphalt road. The beach has small pebbles and, as with most south coast beaches, the sea is perfectly clean.

The beach is divided into two different parts by rocks, with the smaller being the nudist one, located towards the west. More organized facilities can be found on the eastern side of the beach, including a taverna and a parking lot.

Krios Beach.

ACCOMMODATION IN PALEOCHORA:

  • Manto Studios is a top-rated place to stay in the center of the village. Every studio has a small kitchen, but my suggestion is to try their breakfast as well.
  • Another great place is Art Apartment. Itโ€™s hard to find availability because of its privileged location and the high-quality services provided.

RELATED ARTICLE:
sBest Things to Do in Paleochora

Glyka Nera Beach

📍35.201916 N, 24.107383 E
⛱️ Sand with pebbles, very limited organization

One thing that should be said before I start writing about Glyka Nera is that this beach should be at the top of the list of the best nudist beaches in Crete. Glyka Nera or Sweetwater Beach is on the southern coast of Crete, a few kilometers away from the famous village of Loutro.

The best way to access the beach is by boat from Loutro, or by hiking (either from Loutro or Chora Sfakion). Whenever visiting Glyka Nera, our base would be Loutro. From here we normally take the morning boat and go back to the village around 4 pm, after a whole day at the beach.

Many people staying in Loutro hike the coastal path to Glyka Nera as well. However, I prefer to sit back and enjoy the boat ride and the coastal landscape on the way to the beach. I prefer to visit Glyka Nera early in May or late in October when the massive hordes of tourists have left.

During this period, the only canteen is also closed, and you wonโ€™t find the dozens of sunbeds and umbrellas that cover the beach in summer. In the less busy months, this pebbled beach tends to be deserted and you can find shade under the tamarisks. Like most south coast beaches, the water tends to be cold, but itโ€™s clearer than on the north coast and ideal for snorkeling.

Glyka Nera.

ACCOMMODATION NEAR GLYKA NERA:

When planning a visit to Glyka Nera, a stay in the south is the best way to do it. You can check accommodation in Loutro or you can find a place to stay in Chora Sfakion.

  • If you prefer to stay in Chora Sfakion, Lefka Ori 2 Luxury Suites is a beachfront place to stay, with a restaurant, a bar, and a seaside terrace.
  • If you want to experience the tranquil fishing village of Loutro, Taverna Akrogiali has a fantastic location on the seafront area of Loutro.

Selino Beach (Sougia)

📍 35.248702 N, 23.812040 E
⛱️ Coarse sand and pebbles, organized facilities.

Sougia is a tranquil seaside village and beach on the south coast of Crete, located at the exit of Agia Irini Gorge. It’s about 75 km from Chania and, just like Matala, it used to be another hippie-friendly beach during the ’70s.

There is a long beach, about 1.5 km, made of coarse sand mixed with pebbles and pristine blue waters, rather deep and cold all year round. There is a portion of the beach lacking organization and is well hidden by stones, a favorite among naturists. However, there are umbrellas, a beach bar, showers, and other services on the part of the beach right in front of the village.

These two features combined make it an ideal spot to sunbathe without clothes in the south of Crete.

Sougia.

ACCOMMODATION IN SOUGIA:

Ilingas Beach

📍 35.202550 N, 24.124415 E
⛱️ Mostly sandy with some pebbles, partially organized beach.

Unlike Loutro, Marmara, or Glyka Nera, Ilingas is the only beach in the region that you can access by car, along the road that takes you to the village of Anopoli from Chora Sfakion.

Even though itโ€™s possible to access the area by car, this beach is still considered off the beaten path and is largely preferred by naturists. It has a beautiful blue sea with very deep waters and fine pebbles. There are also some characteristic caves that you can explore while swimming. There is a small taverna as well as a hotel close to the beach where itโ€™s possible to find cold drinks and simple dishes.

Illingas.

ACCOMMODATION NEAR ILLINGAS BEACH:

Menies Beach (Diktina Beach
Rodopou Peninsula

📍 35.665335 N, 23.767660 E
⛱️ Sandy beach lacking organization and difficult to access.

The stunning Menies is another of my favorite naturist beaches in Crete and one more of the naturist beaches located on the northern coast of the island. The isolated beach is quite difficult to access as it is located in one of the most unexplored areas of the island, the Rodopou peninsula. The only two ways to access Menies are via a dirt road or by boat (which is my favorite way to visit Menies).

The beach lacks organization, so itโ€™s a good idea to bring all the things you know you will need for your day, including fruit, plenty of cold drinks, and some other basics for the beach. Its crystal turquoise waters make it an ideal place for snorkeling and swimming. There are a few trees providing shade and nudism is a common practice.

Menies Beach.

Its crystal turquoise waters make it an ideal place for snorkeling and swimming. There are a few trees providing shade and nudism is a common practice.

ACCOMMODATION NEAR MENIES:

  • There’s no accommodation in the area. The best place to stay is the village of Kolymbari, check it out here.

Maxairida Beach
(Akrotiri Peninsula)

📍 35.574457 N, 24.076538 E
⛱️ Sandy beach and rocky coves, not organized.

Maxairida is another of my favorite nudist beaches, and again, itโ€™s one of the few on the northern coast of Crete. Itโ€™s a quiet, hidden little bay, virtually unknown until recent years, and you need to arrive early to find a place on the limited strip of sand.

Maxairida is a golden sand cove with beautiful rocks that provide the perfect amount of privacy. There is a complete lack of organization, so you will need to bring your lunch and cold drinks to spend the day at the beach.

Maxairida Beach.

RELATED ARTICLE:
Best beaches in the Akrotiri Peninsula, Chania.

Plakias

📍 35.185421 N, 24.399872 E
⛱️ Sandy beaches with small pebbles. Some organized facilities are available in the beaches around Plakias.

Most beaches in the area of Plakias, on the southern coast of Rethymnon, can be considered naturist-friendly. People easily get rid of their clothes for a swim, usually at the extreme ends of each of these beaches.

Plakias is also well-known for the stunning seabed in the area, making it one of the most popular destinations in Crete for snorkeling and scuba diving. The village has several PADI schools with courses and special activities.

Plakias Beach, Rethymnon.

ACCOMMODATION IN PLAKIAS:

There’s a good choice of accommodation near the nudist beaches on Plakias, these are the ones you should check before booking a room in the area.

Ammoudi Beach (Near Damnoni)

📍 35.170999 N, 24.420085 E
⛱️ Sandy beaches with small pebbles. No organized facilities in Mikro Ammoudi (organization, bars, and umbrellas can be found in nearby Damnoni Beach, and Ammoudi ).

Most beaches in the area of Plakias, on the southern coast of Rethymnon, can be considered naturist-friendly. People easily get rid of their clothes for a swim, usually at the extreme ends of each of these beaches. There are two small coves close to Damnoni, with fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters: Ammoudi and Mikro Ammoudi (or Ammoudaki)

Both have traditionally been placed on the list of the best nudist beaches on the southern coast of Crete. However, things have started changing, especially since Mikro Ammoudi has become more popular and crowded, and not much naturism happens there during July and August.

Ammoudi Beach, Rethymnon.

Ligres Beach

📍 35.134654 N, 24.532518 E
⛱️ Sand and small pebbles. The beach is not organized, but there is a good taverna overlooking the sea.

Ligres Beach, on the southern coast of Rethymnon, is another stunning beach of Crete where nudism is widely accepted. This is a wide sand beach, with some rocky coves on its western side.

The sea is deep and rather cold (as in most beaches in the south), and the fine sand mixes with pebbles. If you’re interested in finding out more about Ligres, check out this article. Naturist enthusiasts will find a great place to take off their clothes on the nearby Katsouni Beach, between Agia Fotini and Ligres. The area is surrounded by high stone walls that offer privacy and discretion.

As often mentioned, the best time to visit these beaches and enjoy a more isolated atmosphere is off-season, mainly in May, late September, and October.

Ligres Beach.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION NEAR LIGRES:

  • There’s not a great range of accommodation in the area. Many people choose to visit these beaches on a day trip from Rethymno. Others stay in Kerames village and here you can check reviews.

Agios Pavlos Beach

📍 35.103374 N, 24.563635 E
⛱️ Sandy beach with imposing dunes and rocky coves, partially organized.

First of all, you should be aware that there are several Agios Pavlos in the south of Crete, some of them are beaches. This particular Agios Pavlos Beach is on the southern coast of Rethymnon. Agios Pavlos is a rather tiny seaside village not far from Triopetra Beach and the bigger village of Agia Galini.

The village itself is home to a very nice beach, but we will focus on the two beaches located a bit away from the village. There is a very long strip of sand divided by a huge rock protruding into the sea.

The only way to get there is by climbing down the stunningly beautiful and quite steep sand dunes, a trademark of Agios Pavlos. Although the descent might look dangerous, it isnโ€™t really that hard. Going back up the dunes might require more effort, but the beaches below are worth the experience.

Itโ€™s precisely these sand dunes that prevent the beaches from being overcrowded, and they are usually empty. The sea is crystal clear and thereโ€™s very limited organization.

Agios Pavlos.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION NEAR AGIOS PAVLOS, RETHYMNON:

Vai Beach

📍 35.255036 N, 26.264930 E
⛱️ Organized sandy beach. Difficult to access without a car.

Probably one of Creteโ€™s most famous beaches, Vai Beach is best known for the natural palm tree forest that surrounds the shore. Itโ€™s the biggest natural palm forest in Europe (though not the only one in Crete), as well as a Natura 2000 protected area.

Vai is located about 95 km away from Agios Nikolaos by car. Creteโ€™s easternmost city of Sitia is only 25 km away. However, not every visitor is aware that itโ€™s possible both to swim and sunbathe in the buff at the extreme ends of Vai Beach. Here, there are a few hidden coves, which you can reach by walking from the main beach of Vai.

They have an isolated character, but although you might find yourself all alone on this tiny shore, you can still take advantage of the organization found on the main beach of Vai, such as tavernas, showers, and toilets. Very close to Vai Beach โ€” less than a 10-minute walk away โ€” the small cove of Psili Ammos is another nusdist spot that you can check in the area.

This beach has crystal clear waters, and itโ€™s fairly unknown to the general public visiting Vai, which makes it quite isolated and a paradisiac refuge for naturists.

Vai Beach.

ACCOMMODATION NEAR VAI BEACH:

Just visiting for the day? Check accommodation in the bigger cities of erapetra, or Sitia.

  • If you just want a relaxing holiday by the beach, check out these places to stay in Palekastro, close to Vai Beach. Hiona Holiday Hotel is great if you’re visiting the nudist beach of Chiona, Vai, and Palekastro. If you book a stay here, remember to try their delicious breakfast.
  • Another great place to stay in Palekastro is Sirines Apartments, an enchanting house for a family holiday since it accommodates up to 4 people.

Tholos Beach

📍 35.152345, 25.861402 E
⛱️ Sand and pebbles, not organized but it’s easy to find a few tavernas nearby.

The magnificent beach of Tholos is located in the Lasithi region, close to the village of Kavousi, and is about 40 minutes from the main city of Agios Nikolaos. Tholos is a sandy and pebbled beach in a protected location within a deep bay. Its position offers shelter from winds, which makes the sea especially calm and waveless.

Thereโ€™s not much organization, but several tamarisk trees provide shade. Due to its isolated nature, its spectacular turquoise waters, and its unique secluded location, this is another beach on the northern coast of Crete thatโ€™s a favorite among naturists. The beach is on the road to Sitia, on the Mirabello Gulf.

If you want to read more about this beach and the things you can see and do in the area, head to the guide of things to do in Agios Nikolaos, which includes the best beaches to visit in the area.

Tholos Beach.

Itanos Beach

📍 35.263815 N, 26.263739 E
⛱️ Sandy beach, isolated and not organized.

The beautiful beach of Itanos is about 2.5 km from the more popular palm beach of Vai and is usually not as crowded. Nudism is common on one end of the beach, near the rocky coves. Lately, though, more and more families with children have taken over and it is not as popular among naturists as it used to be. However, if you visit this beach off-season, especially in October, swimming and sunbathing without any clothes are still popular activities. For those interested in exploring the history of the island, very close to the beach, itโ€™s possible to visit the archaeological site of Itanos.

Itanos Beach.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION NEAR ITANOS BEACH:

  • The area is rather isolated and there’re virtually no places to stay in the surrounding area.
  • You can stay in Sitia. Those staying in Ierapetra can also visit on a day trip.

Chiona Beach (Kouremenos, Lasithi)

📍 35.198093 N, 26.277012 E
⛱️ Sandy beach with pebbles, partially organized with trees for shade.

Chiona Beach (often also spelled Hiona and even Xiona) is about 90 km east of Agios Nikolaos, close to the city of Sitia (about 23 km away). Chiona is another isolated beach on the eastern coast of Crete, with very shallow waters and fine sand mixed with pebbles.

The beach is rather small and has some organization. There are two good tavernas serving fresh fish, as well as some umbrellas. Those who prefer a more natural environment can seek refuge from the Cretan sun under the tamarisks trees as well. The part of the beach facing the eastern side is home to a few isolated coves, popular among nudists.

In general, the area is quite isolated and secluded, which makes it another favorite place to take off your clothes. The stunning landscape includes a few small islands just off the coast.

Chiona Beach.

A Naturist Holiday Resort in Crete

On the southern coast of Chania, close to the village of Frangokastello and the coastal town of Chora Sfakion, there’s Crete’s only nudist resort Vitromartis.

The complex makes use of both the nudist Filaki Beach as well as the beautiful Agios Charalambos Beach. Filaki is a beautiful small beach used almost exclusively by the hotel, which organizes the canteen services as well as the umbrellas and sunbeds.

Agios Charalambos is a bit closer to Chora Sfakion, and it got its name from the small chapel in the area on the edge of the rocks and facing the sea. Itโ€™s a small pebbled beach surrounded by high stone walls, making it quite discrete and protected. Itโ€™s organized, so you can rent an umbrella and sunbeds as well as buy cold drinks from the beach bar.

Iโ€™ve often stated in this article that naturism is not officially allowed in Greece; however, these two beaches, thanks to the naturist resort, can be considered the most official you can get as far as nudist beaches are concerned on the island.

You can find all the information you need about the resort and the area by visiting this link.

Photo by Vitromartis.

Remember that the state of the beaches changes from year to year, and what might be the perfect paradise for nudists in one season can be completely different the following year.
If you don’t feel comfortable on the above main nudist beaches, you can always walk five minutes to the East or the West, and there will always be a smaller, hidden shore, which you can pretty much enjoy all by yourself… with or without clothes!

Nudist Beaches on the Islands Near Crete

These are some great naturist beaches for those visiting the islands off the coast of Crete…

Beaches on Gavdos Island (Chania Region)

📍 Gavdos: 34.846474 N, 24.082470 E
⛱️ Beaches can be sandy or pebbled – Some beaches are organized, but remote locations aren’t.

The small island of Gavdos is off the southern coast of Crete, opposite the city of Chora Sfakion. Virtually every beach on this tiny island is naturist-friendly, especially the isolated Lavrakas Beach and the stunningly gorgeous Agios Ioannis Beach.

Thereโ€™s virtually no barrier to naturism in this paradise corner of Crete. The beaches of Potamos and central Sarakiniko have areas reserved for both naked swimmers and people wearing clothes.

Topless is another common practice on every Gavdos beach.

To visit the island of Gavdos you need to board a ferry either in Chora Sfakion, Paleochora, Sougia, Plakias, or Loutro.

Gavdos.

FERRIES:
ANENDYK has a bigger fleet, and on some boats, itโ€™s possible to board with your car.
GAVDOS CRUISES has smaller boats but is faster.
Be aware that due to winds and high seas, both ferries can be easily affected, even by mild winds, and thus suspended by adverse weather conditions.

If you plan to visit in July or August, itโ€™s better to book in advance since itโ€™s a very popular destination.

ACCOMMODATION:
You can find accommodation in Gavdos here.

Beaches on Chrissi Island
Lasithi Region

📍Chrissi: 34.873157 N, 25.718306 E
⛱️ Sand, small pebbles, and rocky coves – Partially organized – Natura 2000 protected.

It’s fairly easy to find an isolated spot on the magnificent Chrissi Island if you want to swim or sunbathe without any clothes on. Keep in mind that the main beach is usually crowded with day visitors arriving from Ierapetra, and naturism is not common there.

You just need to reach any of the several other beaches around this tiny island to find one of the many hidden spots for nudism.

Chrissi Island.
  • The best place to stay when visiting Chrissi is Ierapetra.
  • Instead, head here to get ready for a day trip to Chrissi Island.

Beaches on Koufonisi Island
Lasithi Region

📍Koufonisi: 34.942250 N, 26.136765 E
⛱️ Sand, small pebbles, and rocky coves – Uninhabited – Natura 2000 protected.

The tiny islets that make Koufonisi are about 3 nautical miles south of the Lasithi coast. The bigges island is a small uninhabited place about five square kilometers in size. To visit Koufonisi, you need to take a boat from the nearby seaside village of Makrigialos. 

>> Here you can find prices and boat schedules.

There are several heavenly sandy beaches as well as rocky caves surrounded by the spectacular blue of the Libyan sea. Since there’s no organization and very low vegetation, shade is hard to find so it’s a good idea to pack a hat as well as plenty of cold drinks and lunch if you want to spend a day on the island. Due to its extremely isolated nature, Koufonisi is another popular place for naturism in Crete.

Koufonisi Crete.

Beaches on Dia Island
Heraklion Region

📍 Dia: 35.445038 N, 25.219362 E
⛱️ Sandy beaches, unihnabited, no organized facilities

Dia is a small island located about 7 nautical miles off the northern coast of Heraklion. It covers an area of about 12 square kilometers, and itโ€™s completely uninhabited. To reach the island, you will depart from either the Venetian port of Heraklion or the port of Hersonissos.

Due to its biodiversity, the little island of Dia is a protected environment belonging to the Natura 2000 program. Nudism is quite popular on the islands off the coast of Crete since itโ€™s relatively easy to find isolated beaches, hidden coves, and areas protected by rocks, offering the right level of privacy and discretion.

Dia Island.

Which of these amazing nudist beaches in Crete will you be visiting this summer?

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Don’t Leave Before You Pin
Local’s Guide to the Best Nudist Beaches on Crete


Gabi, the Crete Insider

Hi, Iโ€™m Gabi โ€” your go-to local expert in Crete! Iโ€™ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and Iโ€™ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion โ€” guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.

I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.

👉 Read more about Crete Insider.