Last updated 05 April 2008

Rhodes is a large and well visited island with some spectacular scenery and undoubtedly beautiful beaches. But development seems to have taken its toll on facilities for the naturist. As will be clear from what follows, naturism is certainly possible. Whether it can be practised comfortably is another matter, and some certainly take the view that other islands offer much better possibilities if naturism is one of your holiday priorities.

Faliraki

A very popular and busy tourist resort on the north-east coast of Rhodes, which, unfortunately, has in the past gained a questionable  reputation recently following well-publicised rapes and other offences.  A police clampdown on organised pub-crawls for British tourists and arrests following drunken incidents has gained headline news status in August 2003.  The characterisation of Faliraki by one pundit as "the armpit of the world" seems understandable in the circumstances.  However more recent reports suggest that efforts to restore order and discourage drunkenness are starting to pay off.

The nudist beach is at the southern end of the town, 3km from the centre of Faliraki.  Access by road is achieved by turning left (from the north) or right (from the south).   After taking the left of two forks at the traffic light (where there is a coarse, handwritten sign indicating "FKK Strand - Nudist Beach"), follow the road to its end, then make a right, then on to the Muses Hotel, etc. A gravel road now leads all the way down to beach, with some limited parking at beach level, and more heading up the hill.

The Captain receives more correspondence about this beach than any other in Greece and could not remotely publish it all. 

In the past there have been conflicting views about this beach.  However it must be said that the most recent reports suggest that previous accounts of inappropriate behaviour are now out of date.  The beach seems to be well supervised and, by most accounts clean and cared-for.

Nonetheless, by way of a cautionary note, here are two examples of the sort of reports received in the past.

First the official version:

"The only official naturist beach on Rhodes ... There are three sections to the beach - one north of the taverna and a further two to the south. The sea around the beach is buoyed off to afford safe swimming and keep the banana boat folk at a safe distance. The two sections at either side of the taverna are of pebble and shingle with about 40-50 parasols in each section. There is easier access to the sea from the northern section despite a rocky outcrop. The furthest southerly section is rocky near the sea edge but further back boasts more sand and tree cover. There are no facilities in this third section.

"The beach is almost 100% nude, made up of single men and women, couples and families with young children. The majority of the visitors are Greek, German, Austrian and East European but there are a few British. The furthest, most southerly section largely attracts men who keep themselves to themselves. Previous reports have indicated problems with photographers and gawpers from the cliffs above and occasionally on the beach. The beach crew are aware of this and, the Captain is assured, deal most effectively with any complaints or suspicions of misdemeanour of any kind. Nikos (aka Rambo), a diminutive, friendly but highly vociferous member of the beach crew has informed my contributor that for the 2001 season the whole beach is to be improved with barriers around the cliff edge to prevent viewing access to loiterers. There will also be only one entry point via the beach's northern edge. This can be accessed from Faliraki beach or from the down slope from the cliff which will be re-surfaced. The beach crew will more easily be able to control those using the beach with this limited access. The authorities also intend to give considerable attention to the flora and shrubbery in the area.

"Facilities on the beach are already good. A pair of sunbeds with parasol can be hired... Either side of the taverna there are 'al fresco' showers and toilet blocks with separate male and female units. In 2001 both toilets blocks will be of stone construction and security boxes for valuables will be provided. The family-owned Cristos Taverna is open from 9am - 8pm and offers a good selection of alcoholic and soft drinks as well as hot and cold food at competitive prices.

Now the bad news. The lack of unanimity about this beach is illustrated by the following two reports, received within a week of each other in May/June 1999:

"My wife and I visited Rhodes the last two weeks. We did find the southern part of the Faliraki beach, but we would like to extend a serious warning to all visitors: This place is filthy in many respects. It is true that some 90% of the visitors are nude (there were some 200 people when we were there), but more than 50% of the men are gay, some very flashing. Besides there is a lot of lonely men of indefinite sexual persuasion, peeping behind the bushes and masturbating more or less in public. Sadly they are Greeks of different ages, most of them. The beach is extremely dirty, cigarette butts, waste paper, bottles and used condoms everywhere. There were practically no children around, very understandably. Women or children cannot feel safe, for some of the lonely men are rather aggressive. So a serious warning should be extended: DON'T GO THERE, if you are a normal nudist or naturist."

And the second one:

"Faliraki resort is indeed awful. But the beach itself is wonderful. Sun umbrellas and beds for two cost 2000, not 1500. The taverna is excellent, with good food and friendly staff. Yes, there are gawkers from the cliffs. We even encountered a persistent pervert [the Captain is happy to have been spared the details]. There are also gawkers from the sea, including a tiresome twice daily sightseeing visit from a boat called "Sofia" and several of those inflatable sausage things towed by speedboats driven by a bloke who insists on pointing out to his perplexed riders that this is indeed a nudist beach. Sad."

And here is an edited extract from a report received in 2001:

"Initially the beach appears to be relaxing, easy going and full of like minded couples and families, but after a while and a few late stays during our visit, this illusion was sadly shattered. There is a persistent abundance of 'perverts' (for the want of a better word) who insist on making life a misery for genuine naturists. They are to be found in the cliffs with binoculars, in the bushes openly masturbating, at the top of the cliffs shouting abuse at the bathers and actually taking up position on the beach amongst the families and couples and targeting a particular female, then sit there and proceed to masturbate!! On one occasion this was reported to 'Nikos', the council beach worker....who promptly swung into action with an iron fist!! This man takes his job very seriously and I would strongly advise anyone with a problem to inform him and be sure of immediate action! The offender was practically escorted from the beach by the scruff of his neck ! with 'Nikos' screaming and shouting at him in Greek!! Even his shirt came off during the confrontation...don't mess with this otherwise very friendly, conscientious and helpful man!

The Southerly section of the beach is a definite no-go zone unless you enjoy watching gay men performing oral sex on one another in the bushes and dunes to the rear of the beach, and to constantly have men wandering past you with their penises in their hands masturbating in your face !!!! The Northern most section should also be avoided, mainly because of its secluded feel, but also because of the rocks opposite the sand.....plenty of cover for the 'perverts' to sit and masturbate at you!!

We will NOT be visiting again, and wouldn't recommend to any serious naturists."

Unsurprisingly, these reports give rise to considerable anxiety among not only potential users of the beach, but also the local community.  Some are highly defensive, considering the suggestion that those openly masturbating are local, or even Greek, untrue and offensive - but it hardly matters what nationality they are or where they come from; the concern is that whoever they are they seem to be attracted to Faliraki nudist beach.

Yet I have also received lots of reports from of naturists who had a fantastic time, witnessing no examples of inappropriate behaviour - and rating the beach up to 95%.  What is more, the balance of correspondence now suggests that misbehaviour is dealt with promptly by beach attendants. The beach is said to be clean and tidy, with even the WCs getting good ratings for cleanliness.

Typical of these reports is one from September 2005.  The beach was clean with a large amount of sun beds and parasols, the toilets were of a good standard and were checked during the day and stocked with paper etc. If the beds run out Nikos (Beach Crew) will endeavour to bring more beds in from near by beaches. There is a good mix of people from around Europe from the young to the very old and it seems to attract a lot of repeat visitors - many of whom say they would not hesitate to go back again.

Since the reported problems in the town its self there has been a huge drop in the amount of British visitors, so you no longer get the groups of youths walking down the beach for a look. Nikos has sorted the problem with men standing on the hill side and in the bushes and any problems he will assist with and normally chase the people away.
There is a ban on taking photos on the beach and expect to have him come running over if you start.

The cafe on the beach serves a good selection of food hot and cold also drinks and snacks but at lunch time expect to share your table with others as it does get very busy.

One contributor says he and his wife holidayed there in September 2002 and the beach in question has been the best naturist beach they have visited...taverna ... toilets... showers... Nikos the beach attendant....fellow naturists, couples ,families, gay men who stayed at the north end and did their own thing.  Everybody met at the taverna whoever they were.

A correspondent from June 2000 says that the first section of the beach was used by couples of all ages, but the furthest part of the beach near the bushes should be avoided as there was some suspect activities by the male visitors. Otherwise my contributor described this as a lovely beach and recommended it, rating in 90%. He also commented that this beach has one of the cleanest tavernas he had seen on a beach, the toilet block appeared to be new and was spotless. The Captain is only to well aware of how important such a recommendation is!

A report from September 2000 agrees. The first 2/3 of the beach was all couples, a mix of English and German. All very friendly, particularly the Taverna staff. The Council worker (Nicos) who collected the money for the sunloungers, was friendly and very conscientious, constantly tidying up after people. A report from May 2001 from a couple enjoying naturism for the first time saw no textiles, and there were no peepers or perverts. It was very clean and nice and they had a great time tanning and relaxing on the rocks. There were at least 70 beach chairs and it was very comfortable and friendly. We were very comfortable there, even thought it was our first time in the nude, and we (me and my husband) would recommend it to anyone. It also happens to be a beautiful beach with lots of rocks that you can walk out onto and lie down on. They can't wait to come back!

The Captain himself visited this beach in June 2000. Given the mixed reports submitted by other contributors the Captain arrived with considerable misgivings. Fortunately I did not witness any of the worst kinds of behaviour, although the water-banana and sightseeing boats did indeed come by (several times in the course of the morning); what's more there really were people on the cliff tops and also local "lads" with motorbikes who stood in the car park overlooking the beach presumably to look at the nudists (presumably this is the only way they know of finding out what girls look like when they're naked). The flat rocks make entry to the sea difficult in except in a couple of places.

The Captain has been to much nicer nude beaches on other islands and takes the view that the main thing this beach has going for it is that it is the only recognised nudist beach on Rhodes. The Captain's rating, albeit from a visit as long ago as 2000, is no higher than 60%.  But, as I say, opinions are sharply divided.

TZAMBIKA:

Approx. 30mins by car from Pefkos, easy drive and easy to find. Sign posted for beach on main road, approx. 2km to beach then 0.5km along well compacted sand/gravel track to right ( south ) end of beach, then walk short distance. 

Wide sandy beach with closed rocks at each end. Central part of beach occupied with umbrella, sun-bed, "Cantina" (Caravan type vehicle employed as early stage taverna). My correspondent visited the northern (Left) end on three occasions. Early in the morning (8.30 am) quite deserted it was possible to sit, swim or stroll nude, very few arrivals before 10.00am. Few other naturists and later tendency for walkers to visit beach end. At southern end, one visit, rather more open but higher proportion of nudes. Rather longer to walk from car parking position.

A correspondent who visited in 1999 reports on the nudist section is at the southern end of the long beach at Tsambika. The beach and are swimming are outstanding, soft sand and shallow save waters to swim in. Rocks provide some shade in the heat of the day. My correspondent thought it the best beach on Rhodes, his wide and he spent more than half their holiday sunbathing and swimming in the nude on this beautiful beach. The beach was never crowded, never more than 30 nudists there at any time. Some textiles walk along the shoreline from the main section of the beach. The atmosphere is very relaxed, most nudists were middle aged couples like ourselves. The beach is about 2 km from the main road, although there is a bus service to the beach. Bars etc are found on the main beach about 500m away. Clothes must be worn on the main beach. They were there in late September, the beach presumably would be busier in the main season. Usually we were the only English people on the beach, other nudists were usually German, Dutch or Scandinavian. The beach is highly recommended, they would happily visit it again.

When the Captain visited on two days in June 2000, on one occasion there were a handful of nudists at the very end of the south of the beach; however a textile family them moved in and began to play ball games in the sea, making us feel uncomfortable about swimming in the nude. On the second occasion the south of the beach was entirely textile.

A report from June 2003 from a couple trying naturism for the first time said the nudist area is well away from the rest of the beach so they didn't feel self-conscious. The atmosphere was hard to define but very lovely - although none of the couples spoke to each other, we felt as though there was a sense of companionability and connection between all of us there. It was a great experience and something we'd like to try again sometime.

The Captain has received a number of promising reports from early summer 2002. In May 2002 the nude section still could be found at the southern end of the beach. On the last 30 meters before the rocks every day 10-15 nudists were present, main nationality German and Dutch. The textiles did not mix, but stopped when they noticed the nude people. However, if no nudists are present early in the morning, as happened once when they were late, textiles will occupy the nude section as well and it becomes a mixed beach. So we came early (before 9:30 hrs) and it remained a nude beach (90% nude) and we felt very comfortable. This beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear water allowed my contributors to sunbathe and swim nude without any hassle at all. So my contributors say Tsambika beach can still be highly recommended as a nude beach (rating 95%). This is clearly one of those places that it is important to keep as a nudist enclave. So let's keep going there!

A contributor visited several times in October 2003 and reports that there were always nude couples using area. It was a pleasant area with access into sea via a sandy beach.

However, contributors to the Barefoot Forum report that, after many happy years enjoying Tzambika, in 2006 they were seriously disappointed.  The sea sports had encroached further up the beach to within an uncomfortable distance. So instead of the occasional textile "exploring" this section, it was frequented by a steady stream of curious people obviously fascinated by the naked body.  Obviously the only way they can find out what naked people look like, poor pathetic souls.

Slightly better news from August 2007: the southern part of Tzambika was still OK for nudity - there were between 10-20 people there and although the textiles were inching closer it all seemed friendly enough.

AFANDOU:

Long open shingle beach. Nudity may be possible on Afandou beach off season but use your own judgement. In August 2000 no-one was nude.

KOLIMBIA:

Sand shingle cove. Fully textile on this visit (confirmed August 2000).

AGATHI:

Small sandy cove. Nudity possible close to rocks at southern end early in morning.

HARAKI:

A huge beach south of Haraki village. You will encounter an army camp but just keep walking! It is pebbly but the only sound you will hear is the sea. No facilities so bring your own refreshments.

In 1998, the Captain is told, there were nude couples on the rocks out on the headland; this seemed to be quite happily tolerated by the tourists, and there did not seem to be any hassle, although it is a bit of a scramble to get out there.

A report from 2000 describes this as a great beach (rating 100). After leaving Haraki you have the beach for your own. Follow the beach to the old ship and you will see no one. Access by car possible by passing the military-shooting-place. A May 2001 reports says that although this is an essentially pebble beach it runs for over 3 miles towards Kalathos. After walking past the army camp, solitude is guaranteed for miles. When my contributors were there, naturists were to be found scattered all along this beach. Well recommended.

KALATHOS:

Kalathos is a continuation of the long shingle beach from Haraki. Large hotel has recently opened. My correspondents stayed in Haraki, however during the second week of their holiday they went every day to Kalathos and encountered no problems at all. Every day at the end of the beach there were at least four nude couples a respectable distance apart. The access is excellent. You just turn off the main road through Kalathos at the sign for the Ostria Taverna and then turn left at the roundabout and right down to the beach. On the beach turn left and walk as far as you like towards the water ship.

The Captain and partner visited in June 2000 and had two happy days of nude sunning and swimming with minimal disturbance after walking a suitable distance north from the sun umbrellas. The water was beautifully clear and gorgeous for skinny-dipping. The beach appears to be backed by an army shooting range and gunfire could occasionally be heard. The taverna is very modern and is recommended.

A correspondent from October 2003 agreed that the beach was easy to find from the main road, and that the Taverna is to be recommended, but commented that the shingle beach was not for those with feet and bodies of a tender nature.

LINDOS

A major package tour destination with densely packed sun umbrellas on the main beach (which, in any event, was the subject of a pollution scandal a few years ago). South of the acropolis is St Paul's Bay, one of the most photographed beaches in the Aegean and once idyllic, but wholly ruined as a beach by sun umbrellas so close together as to leave hardly any room for those who prefer just to use beach mats or towels. Naturism out of the question in both locations.

However the Captain is very pleased to receive reports of a beach suitable for going naked within easy walking distance of Lindos town. To reach this beach walk northwards along the road that goes down the side of Mavrikos Restaurant from Lindos square. The road runs parallel to the main beach at a higher level and is signed "PARKING". After 250 m you come to a footpath signed "KLEOBOULUS TOMB". Take this path and walk for about 10 minutes until you reach a headland and see a small beach below. As soon as you see the beach begin your descent as the cliffs get steeper further on. There is no path you have to pick your own way down but the descent is not as difficult as it looks from the top and it is not crumbly and unsafe under foot. You should reach the shoreline in advance of the beach and work your way along the rocks onto it.

The beach is divided into two by some big boulders and my contributors found the end farthest from Lindos to be the best for naturism because you get the occasional pedalo landing briefly at the Lindos end. The beach is mostly pebble but some kindly previous visitors have cleared sandy patches which are soft to lie on. There is quite a lot of driftwood and some flotsam and jetsam around the edges of the beach. The best aspect of the beach is the view across the bay to Lindos town and Acropolis.

There may be some men fishing with rod and line on the rocks beyond the Lindos end of the beach but they are quite a distance away. You do get the occasional passing pedalo but if you remain sitting or lying you are sufficiently well hidden for them not to see your "naked bits". There are plenty of gaps between pedalos for naked swimming. There is sand on the sea bed once the first 10 m of stones have been negotiated.

My reporters went there on four days. They had the beach to themselves on the first and last days. On the second day there was a textile lady there when they arrived so they took up a concealed position away from her and stripped off fully. Later we were joined by two German naturist women and an English textile couple. On the third day the English couple returned only on this day they joined us in the nude. I got the impression this was their first time and that they enjoyed it. They rated this beach 70%.

PEFKOS:

Main sandy beach is now heavily developed, Pefkos has expanded rapidly over the last few years and few parts are now isolated. Once well used by nudists it is now not very promising. A report from 1998 is typical:

"I was staying here, and saw no-one nude. There is a short stretch if you head left along Pefkos beach (away from the umbrellas) that looks like it might have potential: not overlooked, with clear view of people approaching from either direction, but it's quite a narrow ribbon of sand. To the right there are rocks beyond which is the beginning of Lardos bay, and the whole Pefkos/Lardos section looks to be pretty continuously developed, with further building in progress. "

An equally depressing report from summer 2002 reports that there was so much builders rubble on the beach that it was effectively divided in two.  There were certainly no naturists. 

LARDOS bay: Not visited.

GLYSTRA beach

A relatively small sandy cove visible from the road, unsuitable for naturism.

GENNADION:

Has miles of beach, but all appeared to be pebble rather than sand (although the pebbles are said to be "nice ones"). The beaches are of varying quality. Many of them are close to houses and are therefore unsuitable for naturism.

Previous reports suggested that the beach populations consisted of widely spaced, but all textile groups, and on that basis the Captain did not feel able to recommend this beach.

However, a more encouraging report reaches me from August 1998 (in high season), when my correspondents visited this beach every day and it was inhabited by mostly nude couples (including my contributors). It is idyllic if you enjoy tranquillity, as you are left well and truly to yourself. They arrived fairly early and as each couple arrived they moved past us a respectful distance before shedding (all) their clothes.

This long stretch of several kilometres of beach has regular access points. A report from 1998 says that for the most part there were so few people that discreet nudity is no problem. Many spots along this coastline look isolated from the beach, but actually have private houses just behind the shore from which local residents may emerge and take offence. The best spot my contributor found along here is to be found by following the sign to "Dennis's Beach", which leads down a track to a very small development. Walking right from there was a nice stretch of pebbly beach he came across one nude couple who looked warily as he passed, giving me the impression they weren't sure if they should be there or not. They took up position 50 yards beyond them, and once they saw me strip off to swim they seemed to relax again. This doesn't sound too relaxing if, like many of us, you prefer safety in numbers when going nude.

A correspondent who, in June 2000, having parked by a beach front hotel a little north of the main beach entrance and headed south towards it, found 3 elderly local ladies bathing nude and another family. It seemed very safe here so long as you were discreet.

PLIMIRI:

Earlier reports described this beach as excellent with a good taverna next to harbour area. Should be no problem of access by motorbike as road surfaces are all good.

Easy access to beach away from taverna by taking track to left approximately 300m back along the road from the taverna.  Driving south approx. 5km after sign to Plimiri beach look for the church on the right hand side with a Grain Silo built very close by.  These are the only buildings in the immediate vicinity but the left hand track with cypress trees is opposite. Track runs for 5km.   Be careful on the gravel road.

My correspondent reported sand - shingle mix for as far as he wished to walk (nude). Small number of other visitors, a few nude.

A 1998 report says it is certainly a nice beach, but much building going on, mainly of private homes, behind the dunes. My correspondent walked the full length of the beach (about 2 km), and thought it was deserted - however, a local family suddenly appeared from one of these houses almost exactly where he'd taken up position, and he discreetly dressed and moved on. It's a beautiful spot, though, with an excellent fresh fish taverna. As I walked back, he saw one other nude couple, looking slightly wary. A similar report comes in from 2002: no difficulty in finding a quiet spot.

A report from October 2003 says the beach is very worthwhile. 

However a report from May 2001 says the best beach on the island is close by. There is a wide sandy beach immediately south of Cape Viglos which stretches for approx 2 miles. It is virtually deserted with only a few naturists and has yet to be discovered by the general tourist crowd. The beach is best reached by a good gravel track starting about 1km before reaching Agios Pavlos. The turn off is first left after the new church outside the village, down an initially straight track lined with cypress trees. This will take you down to a monastery and on to the coast where you can park. One contributor's comment: Very Highly Recommended! However a more recent report says that the beach itself is not clean, with evidence of recent oil contamination. There was a lot of broken glass, and a very smelly pool of stagnant water (possibly the outfall from the monastery). There are no facilities, and the small area where most people park their cars / bikes is littered with rubbish, some of it very unsavoury (nappies and the like!). At the weekend a Greek couple managed to get an old caravan onto the beach and were operating a very noisy generator - all of the time. And there was toilet paper floating in the water nearby.

AGIOS GEORGIOS

Somewhere between Plimiri and Prassonissi a couple who vsisted in September 2000 found a "paradise".  At the church Agios Pavlos they took a dirt road  and followed the road to  the Agios Georgios. They took the road on the right side of  the riverbed  an there we found this beach. The sea was calm and they could walk for miles.

PRASSONISSI:

From Kattavia there is a 7 Km gravel track to a double beach where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas nearly meet. They are separated, under good conditions by a wide sand "causeway". Did not cross the sand to the true Cape. There are now two tavernas at the end of the main track and evidence of further development to come. But recent reports suggest little opportunity here. This is no longer at the end of a gravel track: a good asphalt road has been built, and major development is taking place. My correspondent didn't walk beyond the obvious limits of the very large expanse of sand, so there may be possibilities there. Following an exceptional storm in 1998, the causeway is fully submerged, to the delight of the windsurfers there, so the true cape is at present an island, and possibly destined to remain so for a while. Would be interesting to "occupy" that island! The Captain hears that the sandbank has now re-emerged, so access to the island will be easier (but not to be tried in a car unless it is a four-wheel drive).

KIOTARI

My correspondents describe this as an isolated cove between Lardos and Ginnadia on the east coast with a natural spring coming (not for drinking, only for cooling oneself down) cascading down the mountain. The beach has little pebbles with a few large boulders (excellent for lying on). It is located by a developing resort area but it is isolated from all.

Unfortunately, the main beach is now said to be unsuitable for nudism due to development.  However the beach has many coves and and some of these may be suitable - but always best to exercise judgement.

The resort hotels are an "A" class named Rhodos maris, Rhodos village, and Rhodos princess; however, other rooms, restaurants, and night life are situated near. Directions from the kantina at main area: it is left of (towards the harbour) go past it your see a restaurant named Paraktio. Keep going the to the left is an empty cleared out land - stop there. Towards the sea on right there is a dirt road (not big enough for a car) that leads to the beach. to the left is the spring.

When coming from the north of the island instead of turning right to Asklipeio (where there is a church and castle) turn left sign-posted to the beach. On reaching the beach turn right and drive for a few hundred metres where there is plenty of room to park.

My correspondents were there late afternoon and there were two other naturists in a very long stretch of beach plus others (textiles) some distance away. They felt quite comfortable sunbathing and swimming but walking would not have been comfortable.
 

WEST COAST OF RHODES

Not explored thoroughly but on the way south from SORONI there was plenty of empty beach, mostly visible from the road, but there could be possibilities. KAMIROS SKALA is unsuitable.

From Monolithos castle there is a 4 Km descent, mostly unpaved. Part way down a sign post offers Fourni left and St George right.

We went down to Fourni and found short shingle beach (Left after steep access path) with good sheltering sandstone coves. A few textiles and one other nude couple, could swim nude but beach too short and shingly for walking. Further along the road to a more accessible cove was not worthwhile. No through road to Fourni and you must go back to Monolithos.

Travelling from the north of the island take the turning right to Monolithos castle. Follow the road from the castle, sign-posted Fourni and beach. The road is very winding but is easy to drive along. After about 2 kilometres there is a small car park. There is a short walk to the beach. At the beach turn left and walk to the end of the beach where naturism is possible. When my contributors were there, there was one other naturist couple. They were ignored by the rest of the people (textiles) on the beach and again felt quite comfortable swimming and sunbathing but walking was out.

A couple who visited in August 2002 found a beach by following the road past the castle and continuing a steep, winding descent for several kms to the coast.  Fortunately the road is good with few potholes if a bit narrow.  The road arrives at the coast where you have a choice of two shingle beaches, the southern most one being the largest.  They found the smaller one to our liking and virtually deserted.  They spent the afternoon relaxing at the far end of the beach and whilst we were the first naturists to be there several more joined us later on.  The beach is generally clean but totally lacking in any facilities.

Overall we encountered no hostility where we were nearer to textile occupants but we were surprised how few naturists we encountered. Our transport was a Group B SEAT Ibiza and we are pretty cautious about rough roads. We had the Clyde map of Rhodes and other islands but made most use of the Hertz map that came with the car. The weather was excellent with temperatures in upper 20's, low 30's, one day with some hazy cloud otherwise sun all the way. Winds were mostly very light with none of the blasting effects that can happen in the Mediterranean.

On the west coast, there are ample isolated beaches. Heading west from Katavia, just after the road reaches the coast, park at the first track and walk left (south). There is about 1 km that has no buildings, is not overlooked, and has no other easy access. Absolutely no facilities, and the sea is quite rough on the west coast, but it was the only stretch where my correspondent felt completely comfortable to swim, walk and doze in the nude. There are several other access points north of there for the next few km where the beach is just as nice, but often overlooked from the road (there is hardly any traffic, but you just need to offend one person..)

APOLAKKIA AREA

Miles of deserted, predominately sandy beaches are to be found here. My contributors tended to head for the beaches to the north of Apolakkia. It is possible to walk for miles nude on this stretch of coastline - solitude is virtually guaranteed although they did come across other naturists here. However this side of the island can be windy which tends to make the sea rough on these days making swimming difficult. Recommended.