Kleisidi Beach

Klisidi (Kleisidi) is a tiny, well-hidden sandy cove on the south coast of Rethymno, in the cluster of beaches between Damnoni and Ammoudi, about 4 km east of Plakias. It sits between two small oblong rocks, with a distinctive rock standing in the turquoise water in front, and holds room for only a handful of people. Next door to the east is Ammoudaki (Small Ammoudi), a slightly larger cove of coarse white sand that Cretan Beaches describes as a nudist beach; the two are linked underwater by a hole in the rock, so getting from one to the other directly means diving through. Beach Atlas describes both Klisidi and Ammoudaki as almost exclusively nude, part of the wider Plakias area that is well known for nude bathing (the east end of Plakias beach is the other main spot). Klisidi itself has no services; Ammoudaki has a small canteen renting umbrellas and sunbeds, and the main Ammoudi beach, with tavernas, rooms, a dive centre and tamarisk shade, is a few minutes away. Peak-season days are busy, and the cove is at its best early or late when it may be empty. Snorkelling around the rocks and a sea cave on the Ammoudaki side are highlights.