Location
Greece
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Kolitsani
Kolitsani is a small, sheltered sandy bay on the west coast of Ios, just south of Chora, between the village and the long resort beach of Mylopotas. Enclosed by rocky slopes and reached only on foot, it is the easiest of Ios's nude beaches to get to and the quiet alternative to busy Mylopotas, with views across the sea towards Santorini. The whole beach is used by nude bathers, though not exclusively: on any given day the number of nude visitors varies, and they share the sand with clothed swimmers. The crowd is mixed, couples and single visitors of all ages, rather than the party crowd Ios is known for. The water is calm and clear, and the bay stays sheltered on windy days. There is almost no natural shade, so an umbrella or an early start is advisable, and there is nothing to buy: bring water and snacks. Greeka notes that, like Koumbara, Kolitsani is not an official nude beach, but its use by nude bathers is well known to tourists and locals.
Getting there
From Chora, walk about 30 minutes downhill on the path towards the coast south of the village, or drive to the small car park above the bay, from where a short, rocky, unpaved path (about 10 minutes) leads down to the sand. Wear proper shoes rather than flip-flops. Island buses serve Chora, from where you walk down. There is no wheelchair access.
What visitors say
Guides and visitors describe Kolitsani as a quiet, uncrowded bay with lovely calm water, a welcome contrast to Mylopotas. Reports agree that the number of nude bathers changes from day to day and that clothed and nude visitors mix without problems. Common tips are to wear sturdy shoes for the rocky path, bring plenty of water and sun protection because there is little shade, and come early in the day. Some listings claim facilities such as showers, but the description sources say there are none.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Greece has no officially designated nude beaches and public nudity is formally not permitted, but nude bathing on secluded beaches is widely tolerated when it stays discreet. Greeka states that Kolitsani is not officially a nude beach but that nude use there is known and accepted by locals; we found no reports of enforcement.
Naturism at Kolitsani 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. 36.7162, 25.2792
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
Is Kolitsani an official nude beach?
No. It is not designated, but nude bathing there is well known and tolerated by locals.
How do I get there?
Walk about 30 minutes from Chora, or park at the small car park above the bay and take the short rocky path down.
Are there facilities?
No. There are no bars or sunbeds, and very little shade, so bring water, food and an umbrella.
Is it busy?
Usually not. It stays quiet even in summer and is sheltered on windy days.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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