Location
Greece
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Pebble
Best season
June to September
About Eftalou Beach
Eftalou is a stretch of coast on the north shore of Lesvos, a few kilometres east of Molyvos (Mithymna), best known for its hot springs. Beside the old domed bathhouse, mineral water at around 44-46°C seeps into pools at the edge of a small, very rocky beach, and the shared and private baths can be used before a sea swim. East of the springs the shore continues as a string of pebble beaches: Anargyri, then the larger and less rocky Golden Beach with a taverna, and beyond that a series of smaller coves. The nude section is past Golden Beach: the long-running lesvos.com travel guide describes a 'bathing suit optional' stretch further along the beach as what draws most people, and other guides list the small coves beyond Anargyri as nudist beaches. The water is clear and deep, the views reach across to the Turkish coast, and the setting is undeveloped hillside with olive groves. It is a long-standing nude spot popular with independent travellers.
Getting there
From Molyvos follow the coast road east, signposted Eftalou, for about 4-5 km to the hot-spring bathhouse; the road continues east to Golden Beach. Parking is on the roadside near the springs and the taverna. Walk east along the shore past Golden Beach to the clothing-optional coves; the footing is pebbles and rocks. There is no regular bus beyond Molyvos, so a car, scooter or taxi is needed. The hot springs charge for the baths.
What visitors say
Visitors combine a soak in the Eftalou hot springs with a swim, and describe the coves beyond Golden Beach as relaxed and clothing-optional with plenty of room. The beach by the springs is rocky and unremarkable; the better swimming is further east. Some recent reviews mention that the area and the old bathhouse look neglected and could be cleaner. Water shoes are recommended for the pebbles.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
There is no official naturist designation; nude bathing on the coves beyond Golden Beach is long-standing and tolerated, but Greek law formally permits nudity only at licensed sites (2026). Stay clothed around the hot-spring bathhouse.
Naturism at Eftalou Beach sits under Greece's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Greece public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 39.3807, 26.2200
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Greece
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nude area at Eftalou?
East of the hot springs, past Golden Beach, in the smaller coves along the shore.
Can I use the hot springs?
Yes, there are communal and private baths at the bathhouse for a fee; hot water also seeps into pools on the beach.
How far is it from Molyvos?
A few kilometres east along the coast road signposted Eftalou.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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