Report and photos by Angelita
Crete is a delightful island but sadly most of the northern coast has been taken over by package tourism, large lots of German tourists and British lager louts. Some small bit of the long beach may be found where nudism may be practised, but don't rely on it. If you want to find beautiful nudist beaches, the southern part of the island is what you should be heading for.
The very best free beach of the whole island is found two or three miles north-west of Matala on the central southern coast. Matala was famous in the sixties as a hippy hangout. The beach was full of nude people, the hippies sat smoking in the caves of the red mountain. But all that is gone, though you may still find some pathetic hippies emeriti who try to sell handiwork and artefacts in Matala. But the town is very nice, there are good pensions and restaurants and it is an excellent place to stay at. You can go by car and even bus from Herakleion or Rethymnon.
The beach is called Kommos (Comos). It is very large and can be approached from both ends. You could walk to it from Matala, but it is better to rent a bike or a car. At both ends you will find textile bathers, but the centre of the beach is nudist. Be careful about the places where the big turtles hatch, they are indicated. there is plenty of room to sun and to walk, and the swimming is fine. You may bring your own food and drink, but there is a tavern at least at the south end.
