Hi Folks,
We're visiting Makrigialos in August 2010 and are hoping to find a naturist beach nearby. Some websites I found mentioned Diakari and Lagada beaches as possibilities, but this was based upon reports from six or seven years ago.
Any advice would be gratefully received!
Thanks
Max
Naturism Near Makrigialos
Started by Spinalongamax, May 22 2010 04:26 PM
21 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 22 May 2010 - 06:10 PM
Max,
In September 2006 I posted the following which is still valid:
"By the way, I have never been on a "public" nude beach in Crete. I prefer a small cove or beach to ourselves, which is not hard to find. Choose any coast road (south coast is best as the beach will not be in the shade at any time) and drive along it. You will notice that there are dirt tracks leading towards the sea. Chose a few at random. It is best to do this in a hire car, remember hire cars can go anywhere, and you don't want to damage your own do you? At the end of the track you will find one of five things: a 100ft sheer drop to the sea; a house (turn round as near to their front door as possible - we once got invited in for a meal!); a dead end; a small holding; the beach of your dreams. The law of averages says that you will find what you are looking for if you go down five tracks. If you see a track going down the side of a rubbish dump or similar the chances of finding a deserted beach are more than doubled! My favourite beach is a bay about a mile long, fine shingle, perfect for swimming and is always deserted. The only access to it is through a municiple (?) rubbish dump! Drive through the gates, smile and wave to the bulldozer drivers, the beach is about a mile further on down the track, well its a sort of track anyway! You will notice that I am "big" on smiling and waving. It works wonders, try it - you could be surprised at the result. There is a sign at the entrance to the tip - I think it says No admittance (it is in Greek). Another clue (you don't expect me to tell you where it is do you?) There is a bus stop opposite the gates. Get off the road, explore the tracks, you never know what you will find and it is great fun!"
I will give you another clue. It is west of where you are staying and east of Irepetra.
John
In September 2006 I posted the following which is still valid:
"By the way, I have never been on a "public" nude beach in Crete. I prefer a small cove or beach to ourselves, which is not hard to find. Choose any coast road (south coast is best as the beach will not be in the shade at any time) and drive along it. You will notice that there are dirt tracks leading towards the sea. Chose a few at random. It is best to do this in a hire car, remember hire cars can go anywhere, and you don't want to damage your own do you? At the end of the track you will find one of five things: a 100ft sheer drop to the sea; a house (turn round as near to their front door as possible - we once got invited in for a meal!); a dead end; a small holding; the beach of your dreams. The law of averages says that you will find what you are looking for if you go down five tracks. If you see a track going down the side of a rubbish dump or similar the chances of finding a deserted beach are more than doubled! My favourite beach is a bay about a mile long, fine shingle, perfect for swimming and is always deserted. The only access to it is through a municiple (?) rubbish dump! Drive through the gates, smile and wave to the bulldozer drivers, the beach is about a mile further on down the track, well its a sort of track anyway! You will notice that I am "big" on smiling and waving. It works wonders, try it - you could be surprised at the result. There is a sign at the entrance to the tip - I think it says No admittance (it is in Greek). Another clue (you don't expect me to tell you where it is do you?) There is a bus stop opposite the gates. Get off the road, explore the tracks, you never know what you will find and it is great fun!"
I will give you another clue. It is west of where you are staying and east of Irepetra.
John
Cornwall - Great at any time of the year.
#3
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Posted 23 May 2010 - 09:09 AM
Thanks John,
I love a mystery tour! Will give it a try. If I don't find it I'll be down in the dumps - literally!
Max
I love a mystery tour! Will give it a try. If I don't find it I'll be down in the dumps - literally!
Max
#4
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Posted 24 May 2010 - 12:57 PM
Is anyone aware of possibilities within walking distance of Makrigialos?
#5
Graeme
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Posted 24 May 2010 - 02:44 PM
This may help, copied from another site, i believe we're not allowed to post the link. I realise its a few years back but some of the info might still apply.
quote: South-Eastern Crete
Our correspondents stayed at Myrtos (19 km west of Ierapetra), which they found a pretty miserable place to stay, there are no facilities to keep you amused, and the beach was definitely no-go for nudity.
Around the corner was hopeless, the road ran alongside, and carried the usual lookers etc.
They had to travel for about 50 minutes east bound, along the coast road until we passed through Makri Gialos, then after about another one or two minutes from the Makrigialos-crossed-out sign, there is a turning on the right hand side, immediately before you follow the road down to the left.
The sign is marked for DIASKARI Apartments. The turn for them is about two hundred metres beyond the end of Analipsi, which is the eastern extension of Makrigialos (not western as appears on some maps). No need to park at the holiday cottages - just drive right to the end. When you can apparently go no further, skirt the rocky outcrop and there is a small cove, nicely secluded, and a haven for nudists. The nudist part is still at the far end but can sometimes stretch a quarter of the way down. A new small snack bar was being built in April 2001. The cove had all but disappeared last September and was not accessable in April 2001. It does however come and go as it pleases!
My correspondents spent many days there, and every one who joined us was completely nude. The rest of the beach was also partly nudist, but not as much fun as the little cove!
A less favourable report from May 2000, however; my correspondents were the only nudists on the beach and were pestered by a local gawper. A correspondent who visited in June 2001 found no nudists at all. The cove is very small, only room for about 6 towels edge to edge. But another correspondent from 2001 reported no problems for a fortnight, and even the local gawper, who arrives by moped, can be disuaded by showing him that he is being looked at too.
A taverna opened at the end of May 2001. My correspondents say it is very good, and that parking by the taverna is easy.
Less promising reports from October 2001. My correspondents, decided to take the opportunity to visit the beach at Diaskari on two occasions. On each occasion they found that all the beach occupants were clothed, this was also the case in the small cove there. Consequently they also kept our swimming costumes on and after a short stay left in disappointment. They later speculated that maybe all the occupants (specially those at the far end) were not willing to take the lead in baring all and were waiting for others to get the ball rolling.
However a contributor from May 2002 said that the cove was fully accessible first week of May and excellent on 5 visits. The rest of the beach at the far end was also OK. This is a well known 'nude' beach in the village of Makrigialos so is usually very good. The new taverna (opened early 2001)at textile end becoming popular and deservedly so. My contributor has been visiting this beach since 1997 and says it rarely disappoints - and gave it a rare 100% rating.
Eftyhia Beach
There is another beach there about 1 kilometre long and can be accessed by walking over the rocky outcrop and is usually 100% nude. It is more easily reached (if you are driving) by taking the Moni Kapsa turn from the Makrigialos/Sitia road (mentioned under Goudhouras): after a couple of hundred metres the road flattens out, with greenhouses visible: there are several dirt-tracks down to the sea, the best being marked by an advance advertisement for Taverna Lair of the Dragon.
When my contributor visited in mid-June 2001, on each of two days, the western three quarters of the beach was occupied by three or four naturists, with three or four textiles in the eastern quarter. The beach is pebbly but very pleasant. My contributor suggested naming this beach Eftyhia Beach after the Eftyhia Taverna (closed) which is the only named object on the road behind; however it is an unofficial name for the beach.
Plenty of scope to walk the entire beach naked as you are in the middle of nowhere. The sea is fantastic but the beach is a bit pebbly and not much in the way of shade. On either of these beaches you will occasionally meet clothed people but nobody takes any notice as it's a well known nudist area in the Village of Makriagialos.
Barefooters who visited Eftyhia in June and September 2005 found it a great beach with lots of space, with everyone nude (they noted some shy ones hiding between the trees).
Another beach area which was also noted for nudists was Agia Fotia, again on the coast road, this time between Ierapetra and Koutsouras. Take a sharp turn off the main road, and follow on down until you reach the car park. Nudism is practised (with some hesitance) east of the taverna and the car park. Among the many rocky outcrops you can easily find a sandy hiding place for yourself if you want. We liked the setting and there were some nudists there but the beach cannot be compared to Lendas or Komos. There is a good taverna, serving cold beers, large greek salads and pizzas etc. A correspondent who visited during May 2000 said it was 50/50 nudist and rated it 90. My correspondent recommends the taverna - excellent value.
Unquote
I strongly disagree with the comments above about Myrtos, its full of character, has some excellant tavernas, and its protected from the winds, we've stayed twice in a local apartment block with superb staff , spotlessly clean pool, and stunning surrounding gardens.
As for the comments about the road leaving Myrtos next to beach heading west, obviously they did'nt travel far enough west
quote: South-Eastern Crete
Our correspondents stayed at Myrtos (19 km west of Ierapetra), which they found a pretty miserable place to stay, there are no facilities to keep you amused, and the beach was definitely no-go for nudity.
Around the corner was hopeless, the road ran alongside, and carried the usual lookers etc.
They had to travel for about 50 minutes east bound, along the coast road until we passed through Makri Gialos, then after about another one or two minutes from the Makrigialos-crossed-out sign, there is a turning on the right hand side, immediately before you follow the road down to the left.
The sign is marked for DIASKARI Apartments. The turn for them is about two hundred metres beyond the end of Analipsi, which is the eastern extension of Makrigialos (not western as appears on some maps). No need to park at the holiday cottages - just drive right to the end. When you can apparently go no further, skirt the rocky outcrop and there is a small cove, nicely secluded, and a haven for nudists. The nudist part is still at the far end but can sometimes stretch a quarter of the way down. A new small snack bar was being built in April 2001. The cove had all but disappeared last September and was not accessable in April 2001. It does however come and go as it pleases!
My correspondents spent many days there, and every one who joined us was completely nude. The rest of the beach was also partly nudist, but not as much fun as the little cove!
A less favourable report from May 2000, however; my correspondents were the only nudists on the beach and were pestered by a local gawper. A correspondent who visited in June 2001 found no nudists at all. The cove is very small, only room for about 6 towels edge to edge. But another correspondent from 2001 reported no problems for a fortnight, and even the local gawper, who arrives by moped, can be disuaded by showing him that he is being looked at too.
A taverna opened at the end of May 2001. My correspondents say it is very good, and that parking by the taverna is easy.
Less promising reports from October 2001. My correspondents, decided to take the opportunity to visit the beach at Diaskari on two occasions. On each occasion they found that all the beach occupants were clothed, this was also the case in the small cove there. Consequently they also kept our swimming costumes on and after a short stay left in disappointment. They later speculated that maybe all the occupants (specially those at the far end) were not willing to take the lead in baring all and were waiting for others to get the ball rolling.
However a contributor from May 2002 said that the cove was fully accessible first week of May and excellent on 5 visits. The rest of the beach at the far end was also OK. This is a well known 'nude' beach in the village of Makrigialos so is usually very good. The new taverna (opened early 2001)at textile end becoming popular and deservedly so. My contributor has been visiting this beach since 1997 and says it rarely disappoints - and gave it a rare 100% rating.
Eftyhia Beach
There is another beach there about 1 kilometre long and can be accessed by walking over the rocky outcrop and is usually 100% nude. It is more easily reached (if you are driving) by taking the Moni Kapsa turn from the Makrigialos/Sitia road (mentioned under Goudhouras): after a couple of hundred metres the road flattens out, with greenhouses visible: there are several dirt-tracks down to the sea, the best being marked by an advance advertisement for Taverna Lair of the Dragon.
When my contributor visited in mid-June 2001, on each of two days, the western three quarters of the beach was occupied by three or four naturists, with three or four textiles in the eastern quarter. The beach is pebbly but very pleasant. My contributor suggested naming this beach Eftyhia Beach after the Eftyhia Taverna (closed) which is the only named object on the road behind; however it is an unofficial name for the beach.
Plenty of scope to walk the entire beach naked as you are in the middle of nowhere. The sea is fantastic but the beach is a bit pebbly and not much in the way of shade. On either of these beaches you will occasionally meet clothed people but nobody takes any notice as it's a well known nudist area in the Village of Makriagialos.
Barefooters who visited Eftyhia in June and September 2005 found it a great beach with lots of space, with everyone nude (they noted some shy ones hiding between the trees).
Another beach area which was also noted for nudists was Agia Fotia, again on the coast road, this time between Ierapetra and Koutsouras. Take a sharp turn off the main road, and follow on down until you reach the car park. Nudism is practised (with some hesitance) east of the taverna and the car park. Among the many rocky outcrops you can easily find a sandy hiding place for yourself if you want. We liked the setting and there were some nudists there but the beach cannot be compared to Lendas or Komos. There is a good taverna, serving cold beers, large greek salads and pizzas etc. A correspondent who visited during May 2000 said it was 50/50 nudist and rated it 90. My correspondent recommends the taverna - excellent value.
Unquote
I strongly disagree with the comments above about Myrtos, its full of character, has some excellant tavernas, and its protected from the winds, we've stayed twice in a local apartment block with superb staff , spotlessly clean pool, and stunning surrounding gardens.
As for the comments about the road leaving Myrtos next to beach heading west, obviously they did'nt travel far enough west
#6
Spinalongamax
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Posted 25 May 2010 - 08:55 PM
Thanks Graeme
it will be really good if Diaskari and Lagada beaches are still at least partly naturist as we're staying in a new complex 300m from those beaches. We prefer to play it safe by going to known naturist spots rather than stripping off on a quiet beach only to offend someone.
it will be really good if Diaskari and Lagada beaches are still at least partly naturist as we're staying in a new complex 300m from those beaches. We prefer to play it safe by going to known naturist spots rather than stripping off on a quiet beach only to offend someone.
#7
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Posted 25 May 2010 - 10:48 PM
Hi, my girlfriend and I stayed in Makrigialos in 2001 & 2002 and visited the Diaskari & Laganda beaches a couple of times. There was a nice taverna at the carpark next to Diaskari run by a young couple, and they also rented some hammocks under straw covered shelters on the beach. The Diaskari beach was never too busy but I don't recall seeing any nudists, but over the headland on to Laganda beach it was pretty much deserted - there may be 10 - 15 people along a 1km beach. This was where we first tried out nude sunbathing and we haen't looked back since. It's unlikely that you will offend anyone on this beach - from what we;ve seen in June, it's pretty isolated. There are further opportunities for nude sunbathing to the east of Makrigialos - you'll need a car however, but it's well worth exploring. Xerokampos is an exilerating drive, and there are a few beaches there where you can get naked. Again, you are not likely to see too many people on these beaches, but if privacy is your thing, you're going to the right place!
#8
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Posted 26 May 2010 - 09:49 AM
I agree with gordy, do try and hire a car if only for a few days and then explore the east coast. The drive to Xerokambos via the Chandras Plateau has stunning views and once your over the mountain tops and start heading downhill they get even more spectacular, and the road itself is good quality ! There are many small coves at and around Xerokambos and the beaches are mostly fine sand and shallow watered. Try Google earth to get some ideas
Have fun
Have fun
#9
Spinalongamax
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Posted 26 May 2010 - 11:36 AM
Thanks everyone,
We will be hiring a car but car trips are likely to involve the whole family. I don't think our teenage girls would understand if we suddenly started getting naked and they wouldn't appreciate being left at the apartment all day lol!!!
Lagada it is!!!
Max
We will be hiring a car but car trips are likely to involve the whole family. I don't think our teenage girls would understand if we suddenly started getting naked and they wouldn't appreciate being left at the apartment all day lol!!!
Lagada it is!!!
Max
#10
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Posted 26 May 2010 - 12:02 PM
Teenage girls eh.....well i know all about those probs This year will be our first holiday as a couple without teenage strop in tow 
Since you will have a car try Vai beach further up the east coast, bit busy and too commercial for my liking but the teenagers will probaly love it. They can even get banana boat rides
Near to Vai you'll probaly spot the banana man at the roadside, they dont come much fresher
This year will be our first holiday as a couple without teenage strop in tow Since you will have a car try Vai beach further up the east coast, bit busy and too commercial for my liking but the teenagers will probaly love it. They can even get banana boat rides
Near to Vai you'll probaly spot the banana man at the roadside, they dont come much fresher
#12
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Posted 26 May 2010 - 01:38 PM
May need to give Koufonissi island a try too!
#13
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Posted 26 May 2010 - 07:08 PM
Let me know what you think of Koufonissi island when you get back please.
We went to Chrissi island 2 years ago, loved the island but boat trip was overloaded and expensive !
We went to Chrissi island 2 years ago, loved the island but boat trip was overloaded and expensive !
#14
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Posted 26 May 2010 - 10:52 PM
#15
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Posted 24 June 2010 - 09:07 AM
According to the local weather station at Makrigialos the temp topped 41c on Thursday of last week 
#16
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Posted 19 July 2010 - 06:57 PM
Just re-read the Barefoot reports. From the description of the so-called Eftyhia beach, it seems that it's actually Lagada. Recent online pics of Lagada show it to be deserted at peak times!
#17
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Posted 20 July 2010 - 01:36 PM
Not mentioned so far, Yannis has already put together a guide
to some of the nudist beaches, and 'textile' beaches. It can be found at http://www.explorecr...com/nudism.html
It isn't an exhaustive list some seem to come into the category and others leave- usually when a beach business appears.
to some of the nudist beaches, and 'textile' beaches. It can be found at http://www.explorecr...com/nudism.html
It isn't an exhaustive list some seem to come into the category and others leave- usually when a beach business appears.
#18
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Posted 21 July 2010 - 04:35 PM
Hi Spinalongamax,
I notice that you mentioned Koufonisi island as a possible day trip; I had hoped to do this in October but have found out recently that the powers that be have
banned excursions to the island for the moment, obviously while decide how best to protect the the Roman amphitheater and ruins. While it does not appear to be a priority but thought you should know.
Bobo
I notice that you mentioned Koufonisi island as a possible day trip; I had hoped to do this in October but have found out recently that the powers that be have
banned excursions to the island for the moment, obviously while decide how best to protect the the Roman amphitheater and ruins. While it does not appear to be a priority but thought you should know.Bobo
"no man goes further than he who knows not where he is going"
#19
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Posted 21 July 2010 - 08:34 PM
Hi Bobo
Thanks for the warning. What a pity. I doubt the boat operators are pleased either!!!
Max
Thanks for the warning. What a pity. I doubt the boat operators are pleased either!!!
Max
#20
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Posted 23 July 2010 - 11:21 AM
Hi Max,
As I said the officially organised tours are banned however a resident there did tell me that a friend of his organised a trip recently where they 'accidentally' bumped into the island, and as they had already caught a few fish and had refreshments aboard they decided to have a barbecue while there.
So when you get to the village it would be no harm to ask around; he did say that if there were enough bodies to be got to make it feasible another 'island bumping trip' may be in the offing.
Bobo
As I said the officially organised tours are banned however a resident there did tell me that a friend of his organised a trip recently where they 'accidentally' bumped into the island, and as they had already caught a few fish and had refreshments aboard they decided to have a barbecue while there.
So when you get to the village it would be no harm to ask around; he did say that if there were enough bodies to be got to make it feasible another 'island bumping trip' may be in the offing.
Bobo
"no man goes further than he who knows not where he is going"
