If you are a naturist, Crete is the perfect place to come! Note that officially naturism is not allowed, however it actually is!
It is a common secret here that naturists occupy the most beautiful beaches on the island! Most south beaches of the south coast can be visited by naturists, especially if they are secluded (except those near monasteries). However, the most popular are listed below:
The east part of Paleochora (Pahia Ammos beach), the east part of Sougia beach, the east and west ends of Agia Roumeli, Glyka Nera, the east part of Orthi Ammos, Kedrodasos, the east part of Plakias bay, Ammoudaki cove, Ligres, Akoumiani Gialia, east end of Agia Galini, Kommos, Red beach, Dyskos, the naturists' beach at Hersonissos, Chrissi island and most Gavdos beaches. Lastly, we could not forget the two coves, next to the unique all-naturists hotel in Crete, Agios Charalambos and Filaki.
The Decalogue of nudists
- Nude bathing is not associated with any type of sexual seeking.
- It is not a right of a particular sexual orientation group, but its everyone’s right.
- The nudity should not be associated with exhibitionism and voyeurism.
- The nude does entail eroticism, but it is not a sexual expression.
- The nude friends enjoy and share the experience of nudism as an expression of genuine physical and mental/emotional contact, and not as a sexual desire.
- Naturalism is an ideology in the sense that is determined by a system of concepts such as self esteem, naturalism, freedom of expression, exoneration, true contact, naturality.
- Nudism for many people is not limited to nature or water but can be a habit of daily life in their private place. The feeling of nude company in a house should neither be considered suspicious or incriminating situation, nor be accompanied by hints of sexuality.
- The nude friends can coexist regardless of sexual orientation, assumed that they are conscious naturalists.
- The nudity does not cancel our sex drives and does not prohibit expressing them. It can entail the erotic expression, but it must never be determined by this.
- Nudism is a beautiful way (certainly not the only one) to know and love ourselves, and to know and love and the other without masking, retouching and hypocritical features.
Maherida Beach 
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.
Golden beach (Belegrina) at Chrissi 
The thousands of visitors arriving daily by boat from Ierapetra to Chrissi island mainly swim on the beach of Belegrina or Golden Beach. Bright blue waters, white sand with pink shades from the thousands of broken shells, and the junipers that hold the sand with their huge roots are the backdrop that makes anyone fall in love with this place.
Agios Pavlos Sandhills (Cape Melissa) 
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.
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.
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.
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.
Itanos beaches (Erimoupolis) 
The name is taken after the ancient city Itanos, sited in the area. Next to the archaeological site of Itanos there are the three consecutive bays of Erimoupolis (a second name of the region). Thus, you can combine your visit to the archaeological site with a dip in the cool waters. It is noteworthy to tell that part of the ancient Itanos is under water. Thus, a unique experience is to snorkel above the ruins, which now house only fish!
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.
