Last updated 16 March 2008

This tiny island, just off the coast of the Peloponnese, gets a 5 out of 10 rating for nudism in Frewin Poffley's guide. Reports from anyone who has been there recently would be most welcome.

Simos

A correspondent reports that Simos is a masterpiece, one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Actually Simos consists of two beaches which are formed by a strip of yellow-ochra sand entering the sea. The smaller beach is preferred by families and a lot of people but the other one the longer is much less crowed and preferred by nudists. Camping is common on these two beaches.

Another contributor describes this as the most beautiful beach in Greece but suggests a visit before 15 July or after 15 August, the peak holiday periods. Free camping and nudism are to be found especially in the bigger of the two beaches.

A regular correspondent loved this island. Beautiful sandy beaches and landscape (1 bay, the "Simos beach", and the main one (Megali paralia), shallow crystal water, shade under the trees for free-camping, not overcrowded. Another contributor (2001) spoke of wonderful clear waters, uncrowded, and join with the sea turtles. Sounds wonderful!

Nude people are found on the main beach beach, especially the Southern part of it, and it's about 60% nude . It is also the place where most of the people camp. The place is reached by a 5 km dusty track from the village, or by boat also from the port. The cantina between the 2 beaches has very good music (at least to my contributor's own personal tastes) and friendly people. The Simos taverna, behind the dune, is quite expensive for what it is, but offers fresh fish, and avoid to have to go back to the village which is 5 km from there.

The village has very good fish tavernas, and it's a good place to go out in the evening, provided you have your own car, or bike. Recommended places: the 2 last tavernas on the port facing the church: "Paris", and "Oi Menthi" , and also the nice ouzeria in the narrow street leading to the supermarket.

Only bad points that my contributor could see: lots of dogs on the beach, and from time to time 4WD cars on the beach (which get stuck in the sand, it can be windy too).

One of my many Greek contributors visited during August 2007: he loved the beach but did not find it suitable for nudism.  There were one or two nude people, all men, but my reporter felt it would be uncomfortable to go naked because of the number of children and families.  The beach bar was no longer there.  The road from the village had recently been tarmaced, so access to the beach is now very easy - a mixed blessing, of course.

On the west side of the beach there is a new camping site, and another camping on the east side of the small beach seemed to be under construction .... so my reporter thinks it is all over for this little beautiful peace of Greece.  These reports were from the peak season, when many otherwise suitable beaches throughout Greece tend to lose their naturist character, but what a shame if this disappointing report is true. 

Panagitsa