Last
updated 04 March 2007
Evia
Evia is the second largest island in Greece after Crete. It is joined to
the mainland by a bridge at Halkis. I had not thought of it as a haven
for naturists ... but:
Hiliadou beach
Early reports from Barefooters described Hiliadou beach as one of the most
well known nudist beaches in Greece. It is on the eastern (Aegean sea) side of
the island, about 1½ hours from Halkida (the capital of
Evia island). The
dream of nudists is here. The beach is perfect. The sea too.
Unfortunately, more recent reports say that the beach is now packed with
textiles, although it is still a paradise with clear waters and clean sand. But
there are far too many people there. During the weekends, if you want to camp,
it is difficult to find a place to put your tent. The non-nudes make noise, play
ball games and don't respect the beach. The beach may once have rated 100%, but
now it deserves only 50% - and that only because of its natural beauty.
However, an intrepid Barefoot reporter says that a little way north from
Hiliadou beach lies a wonderful, long sandy beach. From Halkida, following
the signs to northern Evia and driving along the sea, just at the end of the
municipality of Halkida (there is a sign), is the edge of a village called Nea
Artaki. Keep driving straight, not giving attention to this traffic-jammed
village, but keep an eye open for a sign to your right for Steni. Taking this
road, drive for 40 minutes, passing through the nice village of Steni (for all
you meatlovers out there, this place is ideal with its tavernas). Mind the road,
there are a lot of turns since you'll be going up the mountain. After Steni and
when going down the mountain, you'll see a junction where you should turn right,
to the village of Stropones). Steni to Stropones is a 30min drive. When in
Stropones, you'll be looking for a sign directing you to Glyfada. A few turns
after exiting the village you'll see another sign on your left to Glyfada. You
take the turn and you'll find yourself in a dirt road. Now, from here it gets
ugly. At the first major junction you'll see go right, downhill towards the sea.
After you'll be looking for another junction to your right, going uphill. As
strange as it sounds, you should go uphill, otherwise you'll end up at a lovely
beach, but textile. This road will end up in a wonderful long beach, which has a
cave that can hold up to three tents in it, at the beaches right side (right
after some rocks). This last part of the road is really bad, and you'll need a
4x4 vehicle. You'll also need water and food, but, says our faithful Barefooter,
its worth it.
If anyone could provide directions from Hiliadou that might also be useful. Potami beach
Take the road from Karystos to Aetos and then continue the road parallel to the shore (the road is in a bad condition, drive very carefully; the ideal would be 4x4 vehicle). There are at least 6 wonderful beaches where you will be all alone. My contributor says it's his favourite destination for a weekend escape from Athens.
Other beaches reported as being suitable for nudism:
Rovies: At the north of the camping site there is a large pebble
beach. The beach is easily acessible from the road. The first to come sets
the trend.
Istiea - Kanatadika: the east part of the beach close to the
fish farm. Large pebble beach with clear waters. However, keep sufficient
distance from other bathers.
Vasilika: The southern part of the beach where also free camping
is possible.
Agia Anna: Huge beach. The southern part close to the rocks is
used by nudists. Access of this part is also possible from Krya Vrisi beach
by climbing over the rocks.
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