If you’re looking for a trip that’s as light on your wallet as it is on your suitcase, cheap holidays in Greece are the perfect answer for those wanting to enjoy the stunning surroundings of this country au naturel.
World renowned as a premier destination for naturism, Greece and its many islands offer the ideal getaway for visitors who prefer going nude, and the attitude to naturism in this Mediterranean country is second to none.
Nudism can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks, when athletes would compete in the nude and men were depicted naked in the many sculptures that have reached us today. And although the locals can be conservative, this open-minded approach to the body is still clear, making Greece one of the best places in the world to enjoy naturism, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned nudist.
Boasting secluded coves, long stretches of sand or more popular nude-friendly beaches; it’s no wonder that many people are often tempted to try nude bathing for the first time during their holidays in Greece. There are many places to choose from where clothing is optional, and each one is suited to any traveller, from family and couples’ beaches to gay or mixed beaches. Although the list of known nude beaches is almost endless, some can be textile (clothes-wearing) during the high season especially weekends when the locals flock to the seaside, and others can be nude one year and clothed the next. Best check before leaving the bathing suit at home.
There are quite literally dozens of beaches which encourage nude bathing in Greece, but two of the most famous nude-friendly beaches are in Mykonos: Paradise and Super Paradise. Now better known for its ‘party beach’ reputation, if you’re looking for seclusion, this isn’t the place. Try the island of Crete, where its remote coastline is better suited to naturism away from any gawkers.
Although there are numerous nude beaches throughout Crete, most of them can be found in the south-west of the island. The Red Beach (not to be confused with the textile beaches of the same name) remains popular as a nudist destination, particularly at the north end of the beach, whilst Filaki Beach is the only official nude beach in Greece and home to an official naturist resort.
It may be relatively conservative, but the island of Skiathos (featured in the film Mamma Mia!) has a well-known nude quarter, with names like Big Banana, Little Banana and Nameless Banana making the island’s three nudist beaches all that more memorable. But with so many of the country’s islands boasting remote shorelines and carefully hidden coves, nudists will be in their element wherever they go.
If you are tempted to bare all for the first time on your Greece holiday, do remember the sunscreen. Swimming sandals are also optional, at the risk of encountering a sea anemone, but forget the camera it can be intrusive.
