Location
Greece
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Pebble
Best season
May to October
About Karoumes Beach
Karoumes is a remote cove on the east coast of Crete, about 29 km south-east of Sitia and north of Zakros bay, where the Chochlakies gorge meets the sea. With no road to the shore and no services, it attracts walkers, snorkellers and people looking for seclusion, and guides describe it as a long-standing spot for nude bathing and unofficial camping. The beach is made of small, fine pebbles mixed with some sand, enclosed by limestone headlands, and faces east onto usually calm, clear water of moderate depth that is good for snorkelling. A few tamarisks and rocks at the north end give some shade. Two tiny coves, each only a few metres wide, lie a few hundred metres to the south. The approach through the Chochlakies gorge, about 3.5 km long and part of the E4 long-distance path, has high cliffs and seasonal pools in spring but is dry in summer. The gorge becomes impassable after heavy rain. Crowds stay light because of the walk.
Getting there
There is no road to the beach. The classic route walks the roughly 3.5 km Chochlakies gorge (E4 trail) from just east of Chochlakies village, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours at an easy pace. A shorter approach starts at the Karoumes settlement, where you can leave the car by the small church and walk about 1 km to the gorge mouth and beach. Wear proper shoes, carry plenty of water for the return, and do not attempt the gorge after rain. Access by boat is also possible. Not accessible for wheelchairs.
What visitors say
Guides and walkers describe Karoumes as quiet and secluded thanks to the hike, with clear calm water that suits snorkelling and a pleasant gorge walk on the way in. The usual advice is to bring all food and water, including for the uphill return, and to start early in summer heat. Nude bathing and occasional campers are mentioned as part of the scene. We found few detailed visitor reviews, so crowd and cleanliness reports are limited.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Nude bathing in Greece is tolerated rather than authorised; Cretan Beaches notes that naturism is officially not allowed but is practised on secluded south and east coast beaches such as this. We found no signage, ordinance or enforcement reports for Karoumes (checked 2026). Camping outside campsites is not permitted in Greece, even though guides mention campers here.
Naturism at Karoumes 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. 35.1466, 26.2763
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
How long is the walk to Karoumes?
About 1 to 1.5 hours through the Chochlakies gorge, or a shorter walk of about 1 km from the church at the Karoumes settlement.
Is nude bathing accepted?
Guides list Karoumes as nudism-friendly; it is informal tolerance on a remote beach, not an official designation.
Are there any facilities?
None. Bring water, food and something for shade, although a few tamarisks at the north end help.
When should I avoid the gorge?
After heavy rain, when the gorge can become impassable. In midsummer go early to avoid the heat.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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