Crete's south coast is the most reliably naturist part of Greece, with gorge-backed coves reached on foot or by boat. Read on for the seasons, the spots and the unwritten rules.
What sets it apart is red beach and filaki — alongside red beach and filaki, gorge hikes down to the sea, warm water into october and cheap tavernas and rooms. Filaki Beach and Red Beach, Matala are where to look first.
Most people fold Crete into a wider Greece route rather than visiting on its own.
Why naturists choose Crete
- Red Beach and Filaki
- Gorge hikes down to the sea
- Warm water into October
- Cheap tavernas and rooms
Beaches, resorts and saunas in Crete
Beach
Filaki Beach
A long-standing naturist beach near Plakias with a taverna.
Beach
Red Beach, Matala
Reached over a headland path; naturist by tradition.
When to go and what the rules are
Timing and manners matter more here than anything else. May to October. The south coast stays swimmable well into October, which is when the gorge walks down to the beaches are at their best. Shade is scarce on southern coves. Bring water and an umbrella, and take rubbish out with you.
- Best time to visit
- May to October. The south coast stays swimmable well into October, which is when the gorge walks down to the beaches are at their best.
- Etiquette & law
- Shade is scarce on southern coves. Bring water and an umbrella, and take rubbish out with you.
Naturist Crete FAQ
Is Crete good for a naturist holiday?
Crete's south coast is the most reliably naturist part of Greece, with gorge-backed coves reached on foot or by boat. Start with Filaki Beach, Red Beach, Matala.
When is the best time for a naturist trip to Crete?
May to October. The south coast stays swimmable well into October, which is when the gorge walks down to the beaches are at their best.
What are the nudity rules in Crete?
Shade is scarce on southern coves. Bring water and an umbrella, and take rubbish out with you.
Where can you go naked in Crete?
Filaki Beach (beach) is the obvious starting point — a long-standing naturist beach near Plakias with a taverna.