Best nude-friendly beaches in the Greek islands

Summer in the Greek islands means recharging your batteries and feeling the sea, the sun, the sand, and the light breeze. And one of the best ways to enjoy the islands’ stunning nature is to be free of clothes!

Greece has over 50 clothing-optional beaches, with a good part of them located in the islands. On Ferryhopper, we have made a list of our favorite 8+1 beaches for naturist holidays in the Greek islands, where you can just put on the… bare minimum without thinking twice! Choose your favorite and book ferry tickets online.

1. Chalikiada in Agistri
2. Skala Eressos in Lesbos
3. Agios Ioannis in Gavdos
4. Elia in Mykonos
5. Camping beach in Antiparos
6. Mirtiotissa in Corfu
7. Plaka in Naxos
8. Tzanaki in Astypalea
9. Red Sand in Crete

The exquisite Chalikiada beach in the island of Agistri

1. Chalikiada beach in Agistri

Chalikiada is one of the most impressive beaches in Agistri, an island with wonderful nature. The stunning beach is located in a natural cove. It has white pebbles and emerald green waters, and is surrounded by a pinewood forest. As it is secluded, in the summer the beach is a popular naturism and camping spot. So, no need to carry a swimsuit in your backpack!

Agistri is located in the Saronic gulf and is very close to Athens by ferry. Chalikiada beach is accessible from the settlement of Skala, and is located after Skliri beach. To reach it, you need to climb down a steep cliff, so make sure you wear the right shoes!

Important: as access to the beach is hard, it is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

2. Skala Eressos beach in Lesbos

Many consider it the best on the island of Lesbos, which is generally a nude-frienly destination in the North Aegean. The beach in the village of Skala Eressos stretches for more than 2 km, and is wide and sandy. There are some facilities available, such as sunbeds and umbrellas, showers, and water sports.

Apart from a legendary meeting place for the lesbian community, this magical beach has a general hippy vibe. Naturally, clothes-free bathing is commonplace across the beach and part of its coolness. However, you will find its real “naturist country” around the dried-up riverbed (there are many turtles there). To get there, you can either walk along the beach or follow the road parallel to it.

+ Eftalou beach

In northern Lesbos, close to Molyvos village, Eftalou is another naturism mecca! Pebbly, pristine and with natural hot springs with healing powers, you can’t miss a day in full contact with its exceptional scenery.

Idyllic sunset is at the Skala Eressos tranquil shore

3. Agios Ioannis (Ai Giannis) beach in Gavdos

Agios Ioannis (or Ai Giannis) is one of the 2 major beaches in Gavdos, along with Sarakiniko. Unlike the latter, Agios Ioannis is more isolated and has a more relaxed attitude towards naturism.

This clothing-optional beach has thick sand and is backed by extensive dunes creating an otherworldly scenery. Some even consider it one of the best beaches in the world. You can find ancient ruins and a juniper forest (Kedrodasos) surrounding the beach that has shallow and incredibly clear waters. There are no amenities, but there’s a small mini market nearby.

You can reach it either by bus starting from Karave (the harbor of Gavdos), or on foot in about 1 hour starting from Sarakiniko.

4. Elia beach in Mykonos

Mykonos might be a bit posh, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good clothes-free day at the beach. Elia is really one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and one of those where you can feel even more comfortable even without a bathing suit.

Elia is the longest sandy beach in Mykonos, with many taverns, bars and water sports facilities. Naturism is common at its nude-friendly part. This clothing-optional section of the beach has no facilities.

The long sandy coast of Elia in Mykonos on a sunny day

5. Camping beach in Antiparos

Those who have visited Antiparos always have stories to tell from the island's legendary camping site, whether they stayed or took a dip there. The camping beach is actually famous not so much for its beauty –it does have nice sand and shallow crystal-clear waters with pebbles on the bottom– but for the great fun it offers!

In fact, at the Antiparos camping beach, naturism is not just allowed, but preferred. The beach has a clothing-optional part, which is a bit isolated, but you can spot many visitors swimming without a swimsuit even at its central part.

As for its location, the camping beach is only a 15-minute walk from the town and port of Antiparos.

Tip: planning your camping packing checklist? Check out 9+1 essentials for your camping trip.

6. Mirtiotissa beach in Corfu

On the west coast of Corfu, in the Ionian Islands, Mirtiotissa beach is located between the villages of Pelekas and Vatos. It is a pretty secluded cove, close to the busier and cosmopolitan Glyfada. With clear turquoise waters, soft fine sand and dramatic cliffs, this unique tiny beach has been a nude-friendly paradise since the 60s and remains unspoiled by tourism facilities to this day.

You can access Mirtiotissa from the beach of Glyfada by car or bicycle via a dirt road. Getting to the beach is a bit tricky because of the steep slope, but the adventure is worth it, as you can appreciate the wild beauty of the landscape from above.

The fairytale-lake bay of Mirtiotissa in Corfu

7. Plaka beach in Naxos

Just 10 km from Naxos town (Chora) and next to Maragas beach and camping site, stretches the long coast of Plaka beach. It is probably one of the most beautiful beaches on the large island: it is quiet, sandy, with deep turquoise waters, and a place where you can let your swimsuit be gone with the wind and feel totally free!

The beach is organized in some parts. To sunbathe and swim with your clothes off, head to the left part of the beach. Access to the beach is easy: follow the asphalt road that leads to Agia Anna beach and then the dirt road that leads to Plaka (in very good condition).

8. Tzanaki beach in Astypalea

Tzanaki is a “secret” beach right next to Livadi, the main tourist beach of Astypalea. This cute little bay is the island's top naturist beach. Its pebbled shore and azure waters are a true wonder and welcome visitors who wish to enjoy peaceful moments in full contact with nature.

To reach Tzanaki, you can take the public bus or drive to Livadi. From there, it’s about a 25-minute hike on a trail that offers great views!

9. Red Sand beach in Crete

Red Sand (Kokkini Ammos in Greek) is located less than 70 km from the capital of Heraklion, and less than 1 km from the beach of Matala, famous for its caves and hippy history. This beach has a special natural beauty that you can observe better from above. The combination of crimson sand from the area’s rocks, and blue-green waters is truly unique! And as the day goes by, new colors and shades arise, captivating the visitors.

The Red Sand beach has built a reputation for its enchanting beauty long time now. And when you complete the 30-minute hike from Matala, a sign informing you that this is a clothing-optional beach, the sparkling sea, and a canteen to satisfy your thirst (or hunger), will be there to welcome you.

The breathtaking Red Sand coast near Matala from above

Picked the nude-friendly beach in the Greek islands you want to visit next? Don’t hesitate! Pack your bags and clothes (or not!), and prepare to liberate your body and enjoy the sun and the salt with all your senses.