Last
updated 05 April 2008
Lefkas
The Captain hears that the entire west
coast of this island offers an opportunity for the naturist to indulge.
It was very long and going as far South as possible took you away from any
crowds. However, it looked as if development was threatening it. The eastern
part of the island was rather too populous and there didn't seem to be any
traditional naturist sites. There is a lot of coastline only accessible
by boat or brave motor travellers and so there may be possibilities here.
However, our correspondents were supposed to be learning to sail so didn't
explore these possibilities!
Pefkoulia / Aghios Nikitas beach
The southern part of this beach, which
is located just below the Aghios Nikitas village, is completely textile.
The nudist part is the northern one
located about 2 km north of the village of Aghios Nikitas. If you come from
Aghios Nikitas village, turn to the left at the "Cafe" sign and park beside the taverna.
2km before reaching Ag Nikitas, just follow the route for Pefkoulia
beach. When you reach the taverna, go right and cross the small bridge.
After crossing a small path (100m) you will reach Pefkoulia beach.
It's a nice beach, with soft sand, shade under the nearby pine trees
and rates 90%.
Where you park your car, there is a beach bar with sunbeds-umbrellas
and even rooms to rent! A lot of people there too but the beach is very
long and most of them stay close to the bar and the sunbeds. As you walk
away from the beach bar, you see many free campers under the pine trees
and, according to a report from August 2006, nudism varies from 2% close
to the bar, to 100% as you walk to the north end of the beach. Long
nude walks are said to be possible at this end of the beach. In
August 2004 there were 50 or so tents on the beach.

At the very end of the beach (north), just before the rocks closing the beach, there is a wonderful area, under the pine trees (on some maps also called Pefkoulia beach), made by an Austrian couple in around 1998, and maintained every summer (the Captain's contributor carries out the maintenance). Shade, flat areas for camping or siesta, ideal place for the hot days. But we are warned there is an extremely high risk of fire, so please avoid smoking.
Of the people who use this area over 90 % are nude and the vast majority of
these are locals. The busiest time of the day is between 2-5 pm with
over 80 users in June-July 2001 and about 50-60 people largely Greek in
September and October 2001. The area traditionally used by nudists seemed to
have a pretty even split of nudists and textiles and both groups existed in
harmony, according to a report from August 2004.
If visiting in the latter two weeks of October is is advisable to take refreshments etc as the two tavernas are usually closed at this time of year.
This beach consists of course sand the great advantage is especially later in the year it is sheltered from the wind by the mountains so it really is quite warm. Of course
the same mountains provide shade in the summer should you require.
In August 2004 a large number of people had taken to using the large
rocks that separate the beach as a launch point for motorised hang
gliding.
Barefooters found this beach a naturist's paradise in August 2007.
Nice light-coloured sand, not too crowded.
Due to the large crowds I would advise anyone visiting the beach in
peak season to take along their own food and water. One pair of
Barefooters had to wait 2 hours to obtain food at the taverna. Of
course the same advice applies out of season when the taverna is closed.
Milos beach
Located just over the hill south of Aghios
Nikitas village, this beach is together with Egremni absolutely the best
nudist beach on Lefkas (though it must be said many reports say exactly this
about different Lefkas beaches). The sand is excellent although composed of fairly
sizeable grains, and there is sand also on the sea bed. The setting is beautiful
and the beach is large. My contributors estimated that about 75-80% were nude, mainly at the northern end. If you are not sure where to lay down, try one of the ends. At the southern end
it is possible to get shadow in some caves. In June 2000 the only way to
the beach from land is by way of a footpath over the hill from Aghios Nikitas.
A report from August 2001
indicated that the beach was fully textile.
It isn't clear whether this is simply the peak seasonal variation which
is to be widely found in Greece or the sign of a longer-term trend.
Other reports would be welcome.
The path begins on a stairway just
to the right of a restaurant called "Milos Restuarant" and is highly recommended
for its beautiful views, but it is only for the able-bodied because of a
deep step at one point on the path leading down to the beach on the other
side of the hill.
Nudity is very acceptable (even the Taxi boat drops you away from the
nudists to be discreet).
The beach is well known & accepted by locals and the busiest time is
from 2pm onwards, although this is an overstatement because you are at
least 50 feet from the next people.
The beach can also be reached by 2 taxi boats, the "Express Milos" taking only 3 mins from Aghios Nikitas (cost 3 Euro return). The second (slower) boat carries on to visit the north end of Kathisma Beach. There are no umbrellas and no taverna, so be sure to have enough food and water. A new road, on which work commenced in 2000, stops at the top of hill where a new cellphone antenna was erected. The Captain understands there are still no plans for a road down to the beach (April 2002).
A report from 2002 reported most of the people there were textile
(perhaps over 80%) but everybody feels free to act as he or she wants
(textile, topless or nude). Bad news however: two buildings are
under construction on the side of the hill over looking the beach, halfway
down the hill, so it is still to be feared that a road will soon reach the
beach.
A report from 2004 describes a mixture of textile and naturist sun
worshippers and Barefooters felt perfectly relaxed sunbathing naked. The
"Express Milos" boat is very efficient (no sign of the slower boat on this
occasion) but this service is very dependent on the weather and sometimes
does not run if the sea is rough.
Another June 2004 report describes Milos as a wonderful beach. The
taxi-boat was not working at time of my reporters' visit so they had to
walk, which added to the experience - but the descent to the beach needs
proper footwear (no flip flops!).
Most people nude although a few textiles around the northern end but
didn't appear to be an issue for anyone.
Building work was continuing on the cliffs above - looks like villas or a
few apartments. There is a private (& very long) set of steps down ending
in a gate halfway down the cliff. Either the residents are rock climbers
or there is more work to be done. There was no sign of any road down to
beach and the construction would be very difficult.
My contributor did not feel he could give it anything but 100%!
In August 2005 the beach was clothing optional with a very relaxed
atmosphere. Nearly 100% nudes when the Milos Express couldn't
operate because of the rough seas. About 40% on very busy days.
Textiles on the northern end, nudists on the southern. In two weeks in
peak season my contributor and his girlfriend never had to put clothes on.
Evidently they had a very nice time. They thought it a wonderful
beach.
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Kathisma
This is a very long beach with several
coves located south of Milos beach. If you want to be alone on your own
cove this might be your choice. The sand is rather coarse and there is a
lot of shingle. The beach can be reached from both ends. To reach the northern
end turn off from the way between Aghios Nikitas and Kalamitsi. The signpost
reads "Kathisma beach". The main beach is textile with a taverna at each end. Park at the southern taverna (Akroyiali), where you will be able to shower on your return, Walk past a low rocky headland and you reach the nudist part. It is best to walk along the shore line as the path at the back of the beach is crumbling away in parts and is becoming dangerous.
A report from September
2001 says that south of the sunbeds, past the first rocks, were mixed naturist
and textile. Another report from July 2002 reported 100% nudism and rated the beach 100% too!
In July 2004 it was always a good mix of textile and non - usually more
non than clothed, and described as a wonderful beach. Unfortunately
a report from August 2006 reported no nudism, and families where the
nudists ought to be. (Hopefully this is just the peak season
variation.)
Barefooters who visited in June 2004 loved it for its beauty and
convenience. Having a taverna to retreat to for lunch just a 2 minute walk
away was great.
Whilst there were some nudists just the other side of the taverna, as the
beach was quiet my reporters went beyond the rocky outcrop. First day was
lovely, even when a party of textiles turned up for a swim - they just
ignored us and carried on. They left after less than an hour - maybe they
felt uncomfortable being textiles.....
The third section of the beach is the best for swimming (more sand)
although the very far end was littered with winter storm debris and some
tar.
The road at the back of this section of beach had collapsed. Beyond this
it continues and provides access as mopeds arrived from the other
direction.
Gialos
Gialos beach is a very long beach to
the north of Egremni. You reach it from the village Athani by a winding
way down that leads to the northern end of the beach. Nudism is practised
on the southern part of the beach which is also the best. Here long nude
walks are possible although the sand tends to be coarser at the southern
end.
It's really a beach for nudists and
has very easy access by car even the road is very curvy and narrow
and quite difficult driving. Take the road down to the beach and turn
south to the dirt road until you reach the end, and park on the top of a
small hill. The road down is very steep, 300m from the top - scary for
some...
From there and to the south the beach is completely nude.
Just few nudist couples and a very long beach just for you. There is no shadow
and you can find some tar. There are 2 cantinas at the end of the asphalt
road. My July 2001 contributors think it's the best nudist beach in Lefkas. A report from September
2001 described this as a beautiful beach, with 50/50 naturists to textiles.
A report from July 2004 described Gialos as the best beach on Lefkas.
The south part was almost 100% nude, only couples.
Egremni
This is a beautiful large beach with
excellent sand under impressive (and crumbling) cliffs. From the parking area take a 50 metre path to
a cantina. From there the stair begins all the way down to the beach, at least 300 steps. It's easy to go down
(though the last part is not for anyone with vertigo), but when you want to climb back carrying
your load you will probably work up a bit of a sweat. Anyway the beach
is nice and nudism is practised at the southern part.
A report from June 2001 confirms that the beach was almost completely
nude -and quiet- after say 4 pm, as all the 'day-tourists' go on again (and
the remaining ones try for the first time how naturism feels...)
A report from June 2003 describes this as probably the best of the
beaches on the west coast, dirt road in good condition, private parking
place (possible free parking in front of gate), 430 steps down to the
beach (my contributor evidently counted them!), sand, around 50-60 people
on 1-km long beach, 80% naturist.
Some Barefoot reporters think Egremni is the very best beach on Lefkas
(there seem to be several candidates for this honour, however).
Barefooters who visited in July 2004 said the 355 stairs down to the beach
are not the problem. Going up is. It's a good idea is to stop at the
top and admire the view from the cafe. Cold drinks are served at the
bottom on the beach as well. Taking your own beverages is an good idea.
The south side is the naturist part of the beach. Sometimes there were
textile visitors, but the mixture on the south side was 97% nude and 3%
textile. A good mixture of visitors, couples, families and singles. Age
mixture also very good. Relaxed atmosphere. Not crowded. Lots of parking
places, the ones nearest to the stairs costs 3 euros/day. My contributors
warmly recommend this beach to everyone!
Earlier reports suggested that an earthquake in 2003 destroyed the
steps. Evidently they have been replaced, given the more recent
reports received by The Captain.
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Porto Katsiki
The beach is cut into two parts by
big stones that have fallen down. The northern part is now textile and although
earlier reports said that the rather small southern part behind the stones
is nude, reports from July 2001 suggest no nudism there any more.
What's more, the southern end is in shade until lunchtime in June and
September. You reach the beach by steps cut in the hillside beginning at a taverna.
A report from July 2005 confirms no nudism.
Aghiofili
This is a small beach completely consisting
of shingle. It is often approached by boats and many tourists from Vasiliki
make use of it. If you want to be close to other bathers and do not mind
the shingle this beach might be your choice. Earlier reports said nudism is practised at the
southern end by people of all ages and the atmosphere is very relaxed. A report from summer 2002 said no nudism was apparent there.
Unfortunately this seems to be confirmed by another report from May-June
2003. Quite a lot of people, beach pebbles, seabed pebbles and
shingle. Good for snorkelling.
You reach the beach by a way to the south from Vasiliki. From a parking place at the sea go by a way to the south marked "Apollo restaurant". The way
soon changes to a dirt track and in some sections you have to drive carefully.
After about 2 km you must park at the hillside where a path to the right (without
sign) leads down to the beach after about 1 km of walking. Access from Vasiliki
30-40 min on foot, 12 min by boat (3-times a day)
Kalamitsi
A Barefoot reporter who called here in 2004 beach says it might be one of
the best places he has ever visited. Its in the west side of the
island. Follow the signs to the Kalamitsi village and then follow the sign
"to the beach". After 4 kilometres of a very narrow road, park the car
just one turn before the end of this road. You will see a dirt path
on your left side. Walk down the path until you reach the beach after a 10
minutes walk. Be aware it's a difficult path especially during your
return. Don't forget to bring water, food or anything else you might need,
since there is nothing you will find on this beach except nature.
Reaching the beach will reward you . Crystal clear water, blue-green,
fantastic scenery all around. The beach is divided in 3-4 segments by
rocks, but you can reach every part of it walking. We saw more than 50
people there, all naturists and one free camper. Free camping there is not
advised because of the path I mentioned above. A superb beach.
My reporter rates it 100%. Aghios Ioannis
Barefooters who visited in June 2004 report that this beach is about 2 km from
Lefkas Town on the northern tip of the west coast. Whilst not as dramatic or
beautiful as the other west coast beaches its access is easier and quicker.
The beach is popular with windsurfers and kite surfers and the breeze does pick
up during the afternoon. This is centred on the southern part of the beach.
My reporters spent a couple of afternoons at the northern end (beyond the
windmills) on a quiet stretch. The other occupants were all nude. This was mid
week, at the weekend the beach was full of locals and 100% textile. In summary,
worth a visit for a couple of hours if you are too lazy to go further and its
midweek. The water was clean, the beach a mix of sand and shingle.
It rated 80%.
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