Location
Greece
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
May to October
About Krios Beach
Krios is a beach on the east side of Cape Krios in Selino, south-west Crete, about 10 km west of Paleochora at the end of the paved coastal road. Roughly 1 km of coarse sand and fine pebble is divided into three consecutive bays. The first, eastern bay is rocky, exposed to south winds and little used. The central bay is the busy one, with a parking area, a small canteen and a row of umbrellas and sunbeds. The third, western cove, two minutes' walk further on, is tucked behind a large rock and hidden from view, and it is this cove that nude bathers mostly use; Cretan Beaches lists Krios among its nudism-friendly beaches. The water is deep blue and usually calm, and in the rocks around the bays there are small hollows that give free shade. The E4 long-distance footpath between Paleochora and Elafonisi passes right by, so walkers often stop for a swim, and the beach makes a good base for the coastal hike west. Despite the canteen, it remains a quiet beach compared with Paleochora's town beaches.
Getting there
From Paleochora, drive west on the paved road for about 10 km to the central bay, where there is a parking area. The nude cove is a two-minute walk west over sand and rocks from the central bay. Walkers can also arrive on the E4 footpath, which links Paleochora with Elafonisi and runs right past the beach. The cove is reached over uneven ground and is not suitable for wheelchairs; bring water and shade if you plan to stay in the western cove.
Amenities
Legal context
Officially, nudism is not permitted in Greece and there are no designated nude beaches on Crete; nude bathing on remote south-coast beaches is a long-standing, tolerated custom as long as it stays discreet. At Krios nude bathing keeps to the hidden western cove, away from the canteen; we found no signage or reported enforcement.
Naturism at Krios 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. 35.2365, 23.5938
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 Krios?
In the western cove, about two minutes' walk beyond the central bay, sheltered behind a large rock.
Are there facilities?
The central bay has parking, a small canteen and umbrellas with sunbeds. The western cove has none.
Is it sand or pebbles?
Coarse sand mixed with fine pebbles.
Can I walk there?
Yes, the E4 footpath from Paleochora towards Elafonisi passes the beach.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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