Location
Greece
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Kritama 1
Kritama is a string of small, secluded sandy coves at the eastern end of the Orthi Ammos and Frangokastello coastline in Sfakia, on the south coast of Chania, within the lands of Skaloti village and about 80 km south of Chania town. It lies about 1 km east of Orthi Ammos, the dune beach below the Venetian castle of Frangokastello, whose eastern end has traditionally been used by nude bathers; Cretan Beaches notes that their numbers have fallen in recent years, and includes Kritama in its list of beaches for naturism. Kritama is backed by tall, layered and coloured cliffs, and the sand runs into a shallow, warm sea with a sandy bottom free of stones. Freshwater springs seep from the cliffs, one on the small western cove giving drinkable water, and pockets of natural clay at the cliff base are used by visitors for mud baths. Because it can only be reached by boat or by wading round rocky points from Orthi Ammos, it is rarely crowded, which is what makes it suitable for nude bathing. There are no facilities and no built shade.
Getting there
Drive to Frangokastello (about 80 km south of Chania) and park above the Orthi Ammos dunes or in the village, then walk along Orthi Ammos to its eastern end (the dune sand gets very hot, so wear shoes). From there, continue east along the shoreline, wading through the water around rocky sections, which is only sensible when the sea is calm. Alternatively, arrange a boat. There are no facilities, so bring water, food and shade. Not accessible for wheelchairs.
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. Kritama has no signage or official status; we found no reports of enforcement here.
Naturism at Kritama 1 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. 35.1817, 24.2547
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 Kritama a nude beach?
Not officially, but Cretan Beaches lists it among its beaches for naturism, and the neighbouring east end of Orthi Ammos has traditionally been used by nude bathers.
How do I get there?
Walk to the eastern end of Orthi Ammos near Frangokastello and continue east along the shore, wading round rocky points, or come by boat.
Are there any facilities?
None. There is a freshwater spring on the small western cove, but bring your own food, water and shade.
Is it busy?
Rarely, because the access is awkward.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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