Last updated 09 March 2008

Cyprus

Cyprus is not a Greek island, it is an independent state. Part of the northern part of the island is, in effect, a Turkish enclave, which is not recognised by international law. The larger, southern part of Cyprus is ethnically Greek.

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Don't go mid-July to mid-Sept. The locals escape the summer heat in Nicosia by arriving en-mass at the beaches, some with camping gear and it is then just about impossible to skinny-dip. At other times of the year there are few, if any locals on the out-of-town beaches and no one seems to mind providing you are reasonably discreet.

The sea stays warm enough for swimming well into November and really, if you can find yourself a sheltered spot you can usually sun bathe even in the middle of winter providing it is a sunny day. There are lots of sunny days in Cyprus in winter but you can also be unlucky and have a a week or more of dull cold or rainy weather, especially December to March.

The Captain has been struck by the percentage of reports about gawkers on those few beaches in Cyprus where nudists can go. The story, below, about men in cars above the unoccupied Governor's Beach with binoculars, waiting for the nudists to arrive, is particularly extraordinary. Evidently this is the only way these poor individuals can find out what naked people look like. How sad.

The following beaches are probably worth exploring:

1. Un-named Polis beach (This is my contributors' favourite) About 500 metres on the Polis side of the Baths of Aphrodite tourist pavilion. About 4km West of Polis. Turn off the road on to a track alongside a field with a few individual trees and at the time of my reporters' visit two rather permanent looking caravans under trees. Park under trees at far end of track.

This is a pebbly beach with a little sand, about 100 metres wide sloping into deep water. Very good for snorkelling and swimming as it is sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds. Very little shade and a moderate scramble down a 20m cliff. No facilities, sun-loungers etc but the beach can be scruffy with flotsam (and the leavings from the August campers). This beach used to be 100% naturist (including occasionally some locals!) but with the increase in tourists to Cyprus, it is now often a question of who gets down there first. In May, June and October you can expect no more than two or three couples all day so it is not a problem then. The Marine Police boat goes past twice a day but has never bothered us.

A report from May 2002 confirms the above reports and recommends the beach for first-time naturists.

Barefooters who visited in October 2004 found one naturist couple on the main beach and 3 more naturists on the beach of an adjoining cove north of the main beach. This was a very pleasant beach and they felt totally relaxed. The only drawback was that the pebbles made getting in and out of the sea a rather painful experience.

2. Polis camping ground beach. (1km from Polis) Normally clothed but you can usually find a few naturist couples sunbathing under the bushes further along the beach, even in the middle of summer. (depending on the number of German campers!) The beach is about 1 km long, sandy but not so sheltered as No 1 beach. In October 2004 the beach was well-populated with textiles, and Barefoot reporters did not feel sufficiently comfortable to strip off.

3. Lara Turtle Beach - This will need a bit of an excursion as you must cross the Akamas peninsular to reach it from Polis (by about 15km of very rough road - an ordinary car will suffice but not if you are subject to car sickness!). It is easier to reach by driving West from Paphos beyond Saint George's but you still have about 4km of bad dirt road. Lara is sandy and about 400m wide. Outside the peak summer period you simply park yourself at least 30m from any clothed group and strip off. It will be unusual if other people don't start stripping off as well - always assuming the others are tourists and not locals! The beach shelves gently but the sea can be dodgy as it is exposed to the West and there are submerged rocks within 20m of the high tide line. There has been the odd fatality in rough weather so take care.

4. Un-named beach just on the Paphos side of Lara Beach - Earlier reports said the two small mini coves at the North end of the beach which are reasonably sheltered and backed by 10m cliffs. The rest of the beach is about 300m wide and rather flat with a tavern on the near headland.

There are two extensive beaches, one to the north and east of a headland and one to the south. The tavern is on another headland to the south of the second main beach. Barefooters who visited in October 2004 saw no naturists on these two main beaches but found an idyllic sandy cove to the west of the first beach mentioned above, and directly over the headland from the second and most southerly beach. There were a number of naturists in this cove. They spent a relaxing afternoon on this beach which thy thought was probably the best they visited in Cyprus.

5. Several shingle beaches on the Paphos side of Aphrodite's Birth Place.(Petra tou Romeo) We have never tried these but friends claim to have used them out of the high season.

6. Far end of Pissouri beach (Mid way between Paphos and Limassol) This beach is perhaps 1 km wide with mixed sand and shingle. There is a big hotel in the centre of this beach but at the Eastern end there are several sheltering rocks where once or twice we have seen naturists, some of them clearly gay men. There is also a remote beach over the Western headland of Pissouri beach which can only be reached from Pissouri beach by a footpath half way up the cliff. A report from June 2002 describes the far end as "usually textile-free".

When facing the sea walk to your left and park yourself by the rocks. Shingle beach but part sandy in the sea. OK in the week but weekends can get locals walking by. If you clamber over the rocks another beach can be found but it is a bit of a scramble.

Barefoot reporters who visited in October 2004 found no one else at this end of the beach but they were soon joined by a naturist family and later by five or six men. This is a very pleasant beach with excellent swimming and mainly sandy underfoot for getting in and out of the sea.

Others who visited in October 2006 found it a bit of a scramble over the rocks, but it was straight off with the clothes in the rocky enclave. A few passing naturists and a couple of locals stripped off. A few gawkers from the clifftop.

On the western end, round the headland, is a totally deserted beach. This can be reached either along a cliff path, halfway up the cliff-face or by walking along the beach below the cliff, in which case the last 100 yards or so is in the sea about knee level.

The beach is not ideal for swimming as it is very shallow with stones in the water near the shore. However, it is sandy and fine for sunbathing. Also if you like hiking in the nude, there is a dried up river gorge that leads down to the beach and you can wander up there, quite undisturbed.

7. Several mini-coves just to the West of Pissouri beach. We have been told that you can skinny dip in these small sandy coves but only out of the high season, I think. There is a beach restaurant but no development and it is possible these beaches are just within the British Akrotiri Base limit but that should be no problem. Certainly the couple of times we have been there, a lot of the people at the beach tavern were British service families.

8. Cape Gata - Agia Napa This beach was suggested by a local naturist but since Agia Napa is at the far end of the Island from Polis we have never been. We have heard the Agia Napa is the Blackpool/Ibiza of Cyprus and not to tried unless you are a clubber type in your 20's!

Cape Greko is at the east end of the island. It is near Ayia Napa. Near the end of the road out the cape there are places that Naturists can go. Go to the end of the road at the fence to the radio site. My contributor has snorkelled in the nude on the right side of the road following the fence to the water. The underwater scene is fantastic here.

Now on the left side of the road you can swim out the fence line and around the point. You will find a small cove with some good sunbathing places and privacy. You are on the radio station area but they do not mind at all. Tour boats go by but they are Europeans and don't care. Now go back down the road and the first turnoff area on the right or east is a good place with some private sunbathing areas to your left as you enter. Be sensitive to any local families there. During the week there is no problem and you can sometimes find locals there swimming nude. Good snorkelling here also. The tour boats stop here and anchor also, but the don't mind the nudity either on the shore or swimming.

Agia Napa Top free for women is standard at the beaches in town. If you go east from the town beach along the stone paved walkway there are several places to enjoy sunning and swimming naturally. At either of two small beach coves, walk to the water and you will find a rock shelf. Carefully walk along this in water shoes. You will find concealed sandy sunning areas to use with screening from the walk way. Alternately walk across the stone field from the walkway to the water and look down for the areas that I refer to. Along this area where the cliffs get tall, the local gay men congregate, sunning in the nude.

In summary, there are no naturist beaches as such in Cyprus but there are many stretches of little-used coastline where no one will get upset. Toplessness seems to be accepted everywhere, (even in full view from the road on the main Limassol beach!) although not terribly common. In general the locals don't like naturism but are unlikely to complain unless they think you are annoying other paying tourists. The police are laid back and seem to have instructions not to upset any tourists, clothed or not. But the prevailing opinion seems to be that if there are any places suitable for going nude they must be at very difficult access points and rocky areas well along the coast, and definitely no sand access to sea.

Earlier reports have made clear that there are no recognised nudist beaches on the island, and although there are quiet places where it may be possible to strip off there does seem to be a problem with "gawkers" or "lads out to see if they can find any nudists".

Melissi Beach
East of Ayia Napa - you have to leave the beach at Melissi Beach (by the Melissi Beach Restaurant) If you have a moped etc it's easier to travel as it's uphill for a while. As the road goes out of Ayia Nappa carry on along the new stretch of road that now follows the coast line, about half a mile down this road keep your eyes right for a little blue flag beach, accessed by a dirt track. Once on the beach walk right along the shelf on the rocks (footwear was needed) there are several coves and perches on the rocks. Barefooters found it very nice in the week - after about 3 pm when the passing boat trips quieten down - but were irritated by a gawper trying to look at my contributor's wife without being seen.

Governor's beach
A few miles east of Limassol there are said to be beaches used by naturists near Governor's Beach. Go beyond the tavernas and main bay at Governor's beach towards the west where there are many small sandy bays in the area known locally as White Rocks. Exit the Nicosia - Limassol highway towards "Governor's" and the follow the "Sofroniou Beach Restaurant" signs. At the end of the tarred road go onto the dirt road (by foot, by bike, 4-wheel or normal car) and continue for 400m. The beach is at your feet. From there on the dirt road is too rough and there is practically no more passing traffic.

My contributors say that visitors to the Island should not miss it. During a stay in summer 2002, the beach was almost always textiles free. It has been described as the unofficial "official" nudist beach of the island.

This area is expansive. The beach areas are a mix of pebbles and sand. A contributor whop visited in 2002 noted a good number of 4 wheel drive spectators checking out the scene when he was there in September making him less than comfortable while in site of the trail. There are expansive meadows behind the seaside and I did a fair bit of hiking here. This is a beautiful area and unique with the chalky white boulders.

A Barefoot reporter who visited in May 2004 found a small area of dark sand but like numerous other contributors to this site found local "gawkers" annoying.

Others, in October 2004, arrived to find no one on the beach but, unbelievably, two men in cars with binoculars presumably waiting for naturists to arrive! My reporters parked themselves out of sight behind some rocks but soon one of the gawkers appeared on foot above us and wandered back and forth for some time. Others in 4WD or pick-ups drove back and forth on the dirt road above. This combined with the fact that there was a lot of rubbish dumped at the back of the beach and oil/tar at the high tide mark made it sufficiently unpleasant for my contributors to pack up and leave in less than an hour.

Barefooters who visited in October 2006 were the only male/female couple on this stretch of white chalky rocks. There are a few small beach areas. They found it a very comfortable area, however there are a lot of "gawkers" mainly locals and unfortunately a "snap happy" English guy who was a pest! Apart from that it is nice. My reporters say it is generally known as a "all male" area, if that matters, however this did not alter my contributors' enjoyment. Quite a few naturists there, locals and tourists alike.

Melanda beach
Beautiful long, wide beach backed by amazing red sandstone cliffs. Mainly pebbles with some sand. Excellent swimming once past any pebbles on the edge. 100% Nudist in May/June 2007 - Some couples plus the usual single men but generally a very quiet beach with LOTS of space to spread out. No gawkers, which is unusual for Cyprus (probably difficult from this clifftop).

Directions: Turn off Coastal Highway to Avdimou (West of Limassol) - look out for the many signs to the Melanda Beach Cafe. Just before you reach the cafe, branch right and follow the (good) track right along (past a number of beautiful coves) until you come to a small parking area just before the cliff rises steeply. Easy walk over the narrow rock area at the base of this high cliff until you come across a large stretch of beach under the steep red cliffs. This beach is East of Pissouri but, I imagine, would be very difficult to reach from there.

NB - It should not be confused with the Pissouri "naturist" beach which is reached from the Eastern end of Pissouri after a short clamber over rocks. Melanda is much longer, wider and more beautiful.

My correspondent has visited most of the beaches listed in the Cyprus guide and finds Melanda to be the best in all respects, and rates it 80%. There are "NO NUDISM" signs back at the Melanda cafe but that is well away from this particular beach so I would not envisage any problems.

Avdimou

Avdimou beach The Captain had understood that this beach represented a good prospect. Unfortunately I have received reports from summer 2003 and 2004 in which naturist bathers were arrested and cautioned for naked bathing at Avdimou and told it was illegal. Large signs at both ends advise that nudists will be prosecuted and the Captain hears there have been several cases ending in substantial fines. The beach is within the British military base area and not under Cypriot jurisdiction.

The report below should be read in that context. Despite all these warnings Avdimou seems to have gained the reputation as the non-official nudist beach of Cyprus.

Take the exit off the Limassol - Paphos motorway for Avdimou village. Then follow the signs to the beach for KYRENIA TAVERN . Once there keep on following the dirt road to the left of the tavern till you reach the end of it (about 800 meters). Walk for 20 meters to the beach and follow the footpath to the left over the rocks for about 150 meters and you are there. Fantastic surroundings, clean waters , with always a welcoming breeze. Cold drinks should be taken with you as there is no facilities near by. The western part of the beach offers shaded areas of curved rock which can be useful if you don't have an umbrella . We meet many Cypriots here, couples and singles, Germans as well as English people that live here, as well as tourists.

A report from 2001 says the rocks have now collapsed so naturists just go to the far end of the beach and around the corner, where it is reasonably private, although some couples wade through the water to get further along. One report suggests that this may be the best beach in Cyprus for naturists. A report from June 2002 highly recommends the beach and says the second over the rocks is "exclusively textile-free". A report from June 2003 (a Sunday visit) says the clamber over the rocks is rewarded with solitude on a narrow sand/pebble beach. My contributors had the beach to themselves apart from the odd one or two local men sun bathing. Beware of peeping toms from the cliff top with cameras and binoculars. May be better midweek.

Barefooters enjoying the beach in June 2004 were unnerved by a rock collapse. That said, it was a nice beach, but the sun goes behind the cliff at 4.30.

Agios Georgios Coves

The coves and beaches south of Agios Georgios (north of Coral Bay, north of Paphos) are said to be frequented by naturists. Take the road down to Agios Georgios harbour and turn left along the dirt track at the sharp right hand bend at the bottom. Drive along the coastal track where there are several coves. For the best beach, drive beyond the small wood, about half of mile along the track towards a small harbour. Take the track left, just before you reach the harbour, to a beautiful small beach at the far side of the harbour. A few naturist couples are often found in this idyllic setting with wonderfully clear water. There is also a quiet bay, comprising three linked coves, a couple of hundred metres further towards Agios Georgios, where my contributors have have met several other naturist couples.

A report from 2002 says that Agios Georgios is even more spectacular than previous correspondents have suggested. The directions to the beach are easy to follow, but development is proceeding rapidly in the Paphos area, and new vacation villas are springing up along the cliffs. Driving past the small harbour is now only possible in a 4x4 type vehicle as the road was cut for laying service lines, although it may be repaired by now. Also, my contributor was surprised to keep seeing people suddenly appear near the place that he had selected for his visit. Investigation revealed a road the ends in a parking area. It would appear that the road will remain public. I did not investigate to see where the road came out at the main highway. Future correspondents might wish to furnish that information.

As for enjoying the beach itself, certainly if you wish to be alone, this is the place for you. It is virtually unoccupied. Such couples or groups that I did see appeared to be locals. Women were topless only and the men were textiles. Total nudity seems to be frowned upon by these types. The Captain always recommends readers to avoid giving offence, but there is enough space here for that not to be a problem.

For the first-time or beginning naturist, or even for someone who wants to enjoy the spectacular scenery entirely alone, Agios Georgios certainly foots the bill. As for the sandy beaches, they are few but unfortunately people do leave their garbage. For my money, the rocks and cliffs are the unique feature. Don't go expecting crowds of like-minded people, but do enjoy the solitude.

Barefooters who visited in October 2004 went to the idyllic beach opposite the small harbour. A textile couple were there when they arrived and, not wishing to offend, my contributors wore swimsuits to go in the sea. They then stripped off on the beach partly hidden by some rocks, but soon 3 more couples arrived, all textiles. They remained the only naturists on this small beach but no one complained. They felt obliged, however, to put on swimsuits each time we wanted to cool off with a swim. This is a lovely beach but this visit was on a Sunday and on a weekday we might well have had it to ourselves.

The three linked coves a couple of hundred metres towards Agios Georgios were occupied by one textile couple when my contributors passed on their return.

Kato Pyrgos

North coast, near border with occupied territory. Needs exploring, no names but my reporters found some excellent, clean locations. Great harbour with new and working amphitheatre. Normal car OK. Hotel Pyrgiana Beach, inexpensive, modern, air-con, clean and simple, excellent food, seafood in particular. A family owned and friendly place to put your head down.

Latsi
North coast, west of Polis Chrysocou. Numerous beaches where female topless is OK, 100% only at extreme ends on most but much "pedestrian traffic". Gets easier closer to Baths of Aphrodite and (4WD essential here on) to Fontana Amorosa.

Barefoot reporters found an oasis of excellence at the family run Souli Hotel on road/beach west of Latsi.

BEACH 1. From the Souli hotel take the road west and shortly turn right/north in the direction of the Baths of Aphrodite. The road veers north west and about 2.4km west from the Souli car park exit, after the Ttakkas Bay Restaurant which is also on the right of the road, turn right into a field. This is on a left hand bend at the top of a small rise by a white, hand painted sign and an arrow pointing to the sea. (The sign may not be there any longer...). Follow the track towards the sea, 150m, turn right at the end and stop at the third olive tree along where there is a path down the shallow cliff leading to the beach. This is a 250m pebble crescent partially covered with soft, dry seaweed to lie on; there is some flotsam and jetsam. We had one, naked, "wanker" but when my reporter pointed his camera at him, he ran-off, never to return.

BEACH 2/. This is beyond the Baths of Aphrodite and very definitely 4WD territory. A conventional "No Entry" road sign designates the beginning of the track/nature trail to the Akamas Peninsula, Fontana Amorosa and beyond. The track runs along the cliff face, steep drops down and not for the faint-hearted. Your travails are rewarded when the track finally opens onto a rocky plateau with numerous clean coves, some sandy, along the north east coast. The only drawback is that the area is part of a nature trail and some coves are a destination for pleasure boats from Polis so 100% seclusion is not guaranteed. Having said that, the only problems we had with "pervs" were not from the visitors but the locals.

If you are feeling brave, you can drive over the mountains, through the forest and along the west coast of the Akamas to Paphos; allow 2hrs.

Paphos
West coast resort with all the poured concrete attractions of "Las Vegas", "Blackpool" - not! Also a high density of Russians who appear to have invested heavily in property, clubs, etc.......
Excellent local fare but you have to work at it and ask around, "Apomero", "Kingfisher", "Agios Georgios", "Tyrimos" and a taverna next door, also the Mania Kiosk at 48 St Paul's Avenue. All worth a visit or two.

BEACHES - Ag. Georgios, Lara, Geranisos & beyond.
Ag. Georgios is probably still the best bet. Thereon is the Akamas Nature Reserve and 4WD country with sadly, only one nameless, clean beach. Lara and the rest are dirty, covered to a lesser or greater extent in tourists' rubbish, extensive oil tar deposits, builders' rubble, wrecked cars, rusty fridges and washing machines, broken plastic garden furniture as well as syringes!!! The flotsam and jetsam pails into insignificance by comparison.

Lara beach

A report from May 2004 describes Lara as a very long sandy beach for Cyprus Standards. It is best to park at the cafe and walk the length of the beach to your chosen spot rather than risk getting your car stuck on the very rough track to the beach. a very quiet beach for the size and the nudist mostly locals stay at the far end near the white cliffs. Lara beach is an excellent place for all nudists in Cyprus; it is very natural and clean for everyone who likes to swim nude.

THE CLEAN BEACH - obviously not its name. This pebbly cove lies beyond Pt. Geranisos, about 0.5km north along the road, not the beach road, a track leads off to the left/west. It is difficult to locate as there are no landmarks on the road but once you arrive on the shore, it is quite distinctive with two reefs running parallel to the shore. The smaller reef lies about 20m off shore at the northern end of the cove, the larger runs in deep water from the south of the cove and covers about 2/3rds of the entrance. The pebbles are graded and the smaller ones are comfortable to lie on with a mat/towel beneath you; there is some oil. The best end is the north with many inlets running west and out to sea, full of interesting marine life. Sunny until 17:30hrs. That said, it is a long way to go for a skinny dip!

Tjioni Cove Driving further north along the coast track is this bay with the sunken Roman town below the water. It is clean but overlooked by an English army encampment and full of squaddies at the time of my reporters' visit.

Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus is Turkish controlled and can only be reached from Turkey. It seems more and more tourists are visiting this part of the island where there are said to be many deserted beaches ideal for nude sunning.

Salamis Beach is located at the northern side of the island. From Famagusta, it takes 15 mins to get there. Well, Salamis Beach combines the natural beauty with the historical background. On Karpaz beach The ruins of old Salamis city are next to the beach. On the beach, you are not disturbed by locals and other people. For more detailed information, you can visit http://www.geocities.com/turkish_nudist_club

Reports reach the Captain of golden sand in the Karpaz area of Turkish Cyprus. My contributors met a middle-aged English couple who were enjoying the sun in the buff at the end of this wonderful beach. They told my reporters that the main reason they choose to come to North Cyprus is this fantastic beach with clear waters, which is miles long. Another report from spring 2007 describes a similar experience.

Nude Sunbathers sign on Karpaz Beach A May 2007 report confirms that the local authorities have put up signs saying that nude sunbathers could be encountered, though its unlikely that the local authorities will make this an official nudist beach.

Follow the road to golden sands beach and take the right turn to Golden Beach Bar rest this road should lead you to the middle of golden sands beach.. There you find Nikos's place which serves bed and breakfast. Follow the footpath to the beach and turn right and walk till you reach the end of the beach for about 400-500 metres. There you will see the nude sunbathers sign. If you keep on walking up the hill for about 40 more metres you will find a long secluded beach area which is sheltered by huge sand dunes. There you can shed your clothes comfortably as none of the locals or families bother to walk there and you hardly encounter other people.

Karpaz Beach, Northern Cyprus