It’s true! Wearing only a smile on a Greek island is enough to make anyone happy. Especially in this day and age, when all forms of “weight” seem to be thrown at us from everywhere. What a relief it is to just throw it all off, bare down to the “bare essentials” and dive into the most alluring of waters of the dreamiest nudist beaches in Greece. The sheer freedom, the caress of the refreshing water on the skin, the sun’s soothing touch – all this and more can be found in Greece, where nudist beaches for the “au naturel” crowd are the closest thing to paradise … here on Earth. Naturists read on!
Until recently, most of the nudist beaches in Greece were secluded and hard to find. Usually locating a bare-all beach was (and still is to some respect) done by word of mouth. That way only those who really needed and wanted to know, knew where to find naturist beaches. Plus it offered some privacy as the unaccustomed villagers often looked down on the foreign to them habit.
Today, things have changed. Still, don’t expect to find massive signs showing the way. That’s where we travel bloggers come in. To tell you where you won’t get weird looks or worry about cops showing up unexpectedly.
For starters, naturism is generally accepted or tolerated in Greece with most naturists finding havens on the far ends of many beaches. If you travel in October to June, you’re bound to find a beach and enjoy skinny dipping to your heart’s content.
Greece is actually among the top destinations for naturists? What’s more, the Keenano app can now help you find the beach (or any interest-based beach) nearest you. Besides providing info and directions to over 80 official and unofficial nudist beaches in Greece, the app features user photos and reviews, and provides weather, jellyfish, and occupancy alerts. You can also check out nudistcompass.com . So yes, we’ve come a long way since the days of well-kept secrets among the “birthday-suit” crowd.
That said, let’s check out the 10 + 1 best nudist beaches in Greece!
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1. Antiparos island
What a place! Besides attracting actors, artists and the creative types, this little Cycladic island next to Paros is a favorite for returning travelers, many of whom choose the sandy-ish Camping Antiparos beach with its turquoise waters where it’s all happening, plus there’s plenty of peace and quiet, if that’s what you’re after.
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2. Crete
This island is a naturist’s haven. Why? Because there are literally so many isolated beaches on Crete, particularly on the southern side, that you’ll be spoiled for choice. Whether you have a soft spot for pebbles or fine powder-like sand, southern Crete has it all. And you won’t be disappointed. For starters, the wind-protected Kokkini Ammos (Red Sand beach) near Matala, is a good place to let loose… and one of the best nudist beaches in the world according to Sky Travel. But explore further. Did you know that the Neolithic caves above Matala beach once housed Joni Mitchell. The US folk singer, who was one of many stars who found grace in Matala, composed her “Carey” inspired by the “Matala moon”.
3. Super Paradise, Mykonos
The first beach in Greece that offered a safe haven to anyone who did not conform. Super Paradise on beautiful Mykonos was in this way the first “official” nudist (and all else, for that matter) beach in Greece, where the need to be free to be yourself was the only thing you needed (to wear). The cosmopolitan beach on Mykonos is now more about partying, seeing and being seen, but its crystal clear and cold waters are more than welcoming to the naturist seeking a “louder” experience.
☞ Reasons why you should visit Mykonos at least once in your lifetime
4. Kalotaritissa, Donousa
It’s you and the goats on this Greek beach with a ‘personality’. Pebbles and sand, energizing waters, lots of sun (bring your own shade if you’re not up to it), and perfect peace and quiet make this a favorite for naturists. This Greek island has a more laid back feel thanks to the large camping crowd. And there are plenty of beaches like the remote Livadi, where you can go bare. If only words could explain the aura. But as with all things, magic is just magic. No explanations needed.
5. Hiliadou, Evia
Another campers’ favorite, Hiliadou beach has managed through the years to remain relatively untouched mainly due to the “long and winding – but breathtaking – road” to get there. Don’t expect amenities like 5G internet and sunchairs. Again, this is a wild nudist beach for the wild at heart with trees as a backdrop, pebbles and thick grain sand. Textiles and sporties on the south, nudies on the northern side of the beach past the boulder. Best to visit off season.
6. Mikri Banana, Skiathos
This sandy Skiathos beach (next to Megali Banana) was once a famed nudist hotspot. Today it still is albeit with umbrellas, sunbeds, beach bar + music and rest rooms – run by the Nudist Club of Greece. There are quite a few swim-suit loving visitors (textiles) and overall this is golden beach is for the crowd-loving.
7. Gipsi Afiarti, Karpathos
Far off and a tad traditional, popular as of late, Karpathos has its own nudist beach since 2015 – remote, sandy and quiet with blue-green waters and privacy some 500 meters from Damatria beach via narrow stone path.
► Swimming in Greece Fall or Winter: The Tips
8. Velanio, Skopelos
A stone’s throw away from Skopelos Hora (or town), through popular (and populated) Stafilos beach and past Velanio suit-wearing beach behind the rocks you’ll discover Velanio the nudist beach.
9. Myrtiotissa, Corfu
One of the most famous well-kept secrets among naturists and “perhaps the world’s loveliest beach” according to Lawrence Durrell, who describes the sand as having the consistency of tapioca in Prospero’s Cell, Myrtiotissa was hard to get to in the ’60s. Still is a bit of a hike and by car keep in mind almost no parking space and testing roads. Today, this nudie’s haven bordering with popular Glyfada beach, appears to have been washed away due to the weather. Despite this, the beach remains a nudist travelers’ favorite – with plenty of textiles at its center (at peak summer season) leaving the left and right sides of the beach to the bare-alls.
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10. Galifos, Folegandros
All you need to do is swim or walk past popular Angali beach and you’ll come across the pebbly Galifos. Secluded and nestled in the embrace of spectacular wind-formed cliffs, this tiny cove on Folegandros is ideal for the naturist seeking tranquility.
Rocky, transparent waters and peacefulness. Many of Folegandros’ other beaches are also “open” to nudism, particularly those you have access to only on foot or by boat and off season, including the famous Katergo, Agios Giorgios, and Ligaria.
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A Nudist Beach Near Athens!
Yes, there’s a welcoming shore for those of you staying in Athens for a few days. Some 25 minutes away (by car) from the Greek capital you’ll find Limanakia beach. Take the dirt path from the main road to the cove flanked by smooth flat rocks.
I will also throw in a few more nudist beaches for the city-breakers: Mavro Lithari beach is located between the coastal towns of Saronida and Anavyssos, definitely the pebble stone beach on the left of Cape Sounio under the imposing Temple of Poseidon, and Ramounta beach, a bit over an hour’s drive from Athens towards Grammatiko, which is exclusive and very close to the far-off island experience complete with colorful pebbles and clear waters.
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Maria Answers Your Questions About Nudism in Greece
► Is naturism legal in Greece?
Like I said in the intro, while Greece has few “official” naturist beaches, there are now more beaches or parts of beaches where naturism is practiced or I would dare say tolerated. That said, I would advise you to choose secluded beaches and be mindful of locals and their ways. Again, depending on the season – usually off-season and on weekends with the exception of July and August – most remote beaches are clothing-optional. Have in mind that at very popular beaches frequented by locals and their families – usually near main towns – nudism is not usually practiced.
► What’s the vibe like on nudist beaches in Greece?
Some beaches are loud and fun like Super Paradise on Mykonos, others are super chill and there are some that are great for families. On most Greek nudist beaches however you’ll usually find quiet nature-loving sunbathers.
► What’s the etiquette on a naturist beach in Greece?
In one word? Respect. Respect people’s privacy and their choices as well as their need for relaxation. This means:
- Don’t take photos of people and if you do, ask for their consent first.
- Be respectful of personal space and by all means do not stare. If nudism is not your thing, don’t go to a nudist beach!
- Don’t forget to bring a towel or a beach mat like this one
- You can walk along the beach and enjoy your naturist vacation especially off season. In most cases, the nudist beach is at the far end of a larger more popular beach. In this case, avoid walking nude between beach areas.
► Are there family-friendly naturist beaches in Greece?
Absolutely. You will find families holidaying carefree on Myrtiotissa beach on Corfu and on the end of Plaka beach on Naxos.
► Getting to nudist beaches in Greece and accessibility?
Like I said above, most naturist beaches in Greece are off the beaten path (which is part of the charm). On the more the bigger or more popular islands like Mykonos, you’ll probably just need to rent a scooter or car. On others, like on Folegandros and Donousa, expect a 20-minute or more hike down a goat trail. Some beaches on the mainland are easier to get to but have in mind that most remote nudist beaches in Greece are not easily accessible. The beach on Antiparos is an exception.
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► Are their naturist or nudist-friendly resorts or clubs in Greece?
Well, yes, actually there are. Vritomartis Naturist Resort in Sfakia on Southern Crete is among the first of its kind in Greece. It is a licensed naturist accommodation facility based on the guidelines of the International Naturist Federation with a great pool ideal for swimsuit-free swimming!
Another naturist resort is on beautiful Kefalonia: the Vassaliki ‘Bare Brilliance’ Naturist Club, which in addition to its villas, offers nude sailing trips to remote beaches.
► Are there any facilities on nudist beaches in Greece?
Usually most naturist beaches in Greece are off the beaten track and not “organized”, so don’t expect to find rest rooms, showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes and also shade. Plus they usually need some walking to get to, so plan accordingly. Bring your own shade – this beach tent is easy to carry and pack, a beach mat, hat and sunscreen, this one does a great job, plus a towel, water, something to munch on (fruit would be ideal and locally-made rusks), and your best self… Don’t forget to turn off or lower the volume of your smart phones, that’s what naturism is all about – in harmony with nature.
► Best time to book a vacation to Greece
If you really want to get the best out of your naturist trip to Greece, then I would definitely recommend planning your trip in May and June or mid-September early October. This way you will most likely have the whole beach to yourself.
Ships to most of these islands depart daily from the port of Piraeus. After mid-September, ferry schedules change so make sure to call or check the internet for new times and days.
► Take a walk on the wild side
My last tip for this post: make sure you veer off the beaten path, take that turn off the main road down to the spectacularly blue beach you can see from above. That’s perhaps the best way to discover the perfect beach for you depending, of course, on your needs: cosmopolitan and organized or free and isolated. I would also suggest going to the harbor and asking for a professional boat owner who can take you to more secluded beaches for small price. Additionally, I would like to add that if you rent a car and go on a road trip to Mani, Pyrgos, Messinia, or Pylos in the Peloponnese in October or May, you’re bound to find dozens of small beaches where you can enjoy the sea and sun in the nude.
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♫ And off we go… a musical taste of Greek summer by Saveria Margiola singing “Se Poia Thalassa Armenizeis” (What Sea are You Sailing on).
Enjoy!
Be well, travel!
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Very interesting and informative article. Sunbathing nude is not something I have ever considered before but after reading this I have decided to add it to my list of ‘things I wish to do in Greece’ and will be hoping to experience it in the near future
It’s a wonderful and natural experience of freedom. Greece has many remote beaches where you can swim in the nude, particularly off season.
There is also a “naturalist” beach near Xylokastro, in the northern Peloponnesos.
Also, the beach resort just called “Paradise” on Mykonos, got shut down by the Greek Authorities, due to Tax evasion. However, not connected to “Super Paradise”, which is still open.
Thank you, Billy for the useful feedback. Super Paradise beach was among the first openly-accepted nudist beaches in Greece. As for Xylokastro, I didn’t know. Will do some updating!
I love this but you are braver than me! I certainly didn’t spot the nudest beach when I was in Corfu
It’s all about taking just one more extra step!
When I went to Mallorca in Spain a week ago, we ended up on the nudist side of the beach. It was very interesting. I don’t know if I would go fully-nude, but I have gone topless before. This is a great guide for anyone wanting to do this in Greece.
The idea Nina is for naturists to be aware of the unwritten rules of nudism in Greece, as well as to learn about some of the beaches where nudists can feel comfortable and enjoy the best of Greek sea and sun! Thanks so much for the feedback!
Very true! That’s what this post was all about: to introduce some unknown naturist beaches in Greece besides those on Mykonos or Crete. In the past, naturists were not warmly welcomed by local communities that were not very much used to tourism. This has changed a great deal, particularly in the last five years. There is now even an app that helps people find nudist beaches in Greece. I would like to add however, that even in the past, 15 or even 25 years ago, naturists could always find a beach to bare it all, particularly off season. There are literally so many beaches in Greece, that this was and is rarely a problem. Like I explain in the post, ‘dedicated’ and specifically identified nudist beaches are a new thing. But insiders always know where to find a Greek beach they will feel free and comfortable at. This said, it is also true that there are more nudist beaches on the islands, where tourism was much more prevalent in the past.