Location
Greece
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
May to October
About Kommos Beach
Kommos is one of the longest beaches on Crete's south coast, a sweep of sand on the Bay of Messara that runs from the village of Kalamaki south almost to Matala, about 65-70 km from Heraklion. It faces the open Libyan Sea, with the two Paximadia islets offshore and Psiloritis visible inland. The southern end sits beside the excavated Minoan harbour town of Kommos, and because the archaeological service restricts building, the beach is almost undeveloped: just a taverna and a few umbrellas at the south end. Nude bathing happens on the northern stretch, known locally as Potamos, which is close to Kalamaki and backed by tamarisks that reach almost to the water; guides describe it as used mostly by naturists, while clothed visitors stay near the site. The sand is long and soft, with some flat rock slabs at the waterline. Loggerhead turtles nest here, and nests are fenced off in summer. The beach is fully exposed to the meltemi, so waves can be big and dangerous on windy afternoons, but the length means it rarely feels crowded.
Getting there
Drive to Pitsidia (via Moires) and take the 1.5 km road through olive groves to the parking area at the end, next to the archaeological site; parking is free. From there walk north along the sand for the Potamos nude section. Alternatively walk south from Kalamaki along the beach, which brings you to the nude stretch first. Buses from Heraklion run to Pitsidia and Matala; from the Pitsidia stop it is a walk of about 2 km. Soft sand, no boardwalk, not suitable for wheelchairs.
What visitors say
Guides describe Kommos as long, wild and uncrowded, with the north end near Kalamaki long used by nude bathers and the south end by the ruins used by clothed visitors and families. Visitors praise the clear water and space, but warn about strong winds and waves in the afternoon and about rocks at the water's edge. One guide places nude use at the south end instead, so expect some mixing; walking further from the parking gives more privacy. There is little shade outside the tamarisks.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Kommos is not an officially designated nude beach. Greece has very few officially recognised nude beaches; elsewhere nudity is technically not permitted and could be charged under the Penal Code's indecency provision (Lifo, 2022, cites article 353), but on secluded beaches it is widely tolerated and police usually start with a warning. Turtle nests on the beach are protected and must not be disturbed.
Naturism at Kommos Beach sits under Greece's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Greece public nudity guide.
Researched 25 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 35.0176, 24.7601
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 section at Kommos?
On the northern stretch, called Potamos, between the archaeological site and Kalamaki. Walk north from the parking or south from Kalamaki.
Is nudity legal at Kommos?
It is not an official nude beach, but nude bathing has long been tolerated on the northern part of the beach.
Is there parking?
Yes, a free parking area at the end of the road from Pitsidia, beside the Minoan site.
Are there facilities?
Only a taverna and some umbrellas at the southern end; bring water and shade for the nude section.
When is it too windy?
The beach faces the open sea and the meltemi; afternoons in July and August can bring big waves, so mornings are calmer.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…