Location
Greece
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Pebble
Best season
June to September
About Tzanaki Beach
Tzanaki (also Tzanakia) is a set of small pebble coves on Astypalaia in the Dodecanese, just south-west of Livadi, the island's main tourist beach below Chora. Greeka and AllOverGreece describe it as the island's nudist beach. There are four consecutive coves formed between large rocks: the two main ones (Big Tzanaki is about 75 m long) are easy to reach, and the two smaller ones can be reached by swimming or scrambling over the rocks. The shore is large, colourful pebbles and the bottom drops steeply into deep, clear water. There is no shade except under the big rocks at certain hours, and no facilities. The coves are sheltered from the strong northerly winds that blow in August, which makes them a good choice when the north-facing beaches are rough. There are views back to the Venetian castle of Chora. Swimwear is fine, but most people here come for nude bathing.
Getting there
From Livadi, follow the road past the beach and past the church of Agios Vasilios on your left, then turn onto a dirt road and follow it for about 300 metres; the coves are not visible from the main road. On foot it is roughly 25 minutes from Livadi, which has a bus from Chora. No formal parking, just the roadside at the end of the track. Paths over rocks; not accessible for wheelchairs.
What visitors say
Guides describe Tzanaki as small, quiet and mostly nude, with clear deep water and good shelter from the August meltemi. Visitors note the lack of shade and facilities, so bring an umbrella, water and shoes for the pebbles and rocks. Non-nude visitors are welcome if they respect the character of the place.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Legal context
Greeka calls Tzanaki the island's 'official' nudist beach, but no official designation was found. 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.
Naturism at Tzanaki 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. 36.5354, 26.3434
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 Tzanaki a nude beach?
Yes, it is Astypalaia's established nude beach, though not formally designated; swimwear is also accepted.
How do I get there?
From Livadi follow the road past Agios Vasilios church, then a dirt road about 300 m; about 25 minutes on foot from Livadi.
Are there facilities?
No: no shade, no taverna. Livadi, nearby, has tavernas and sunbeds.
Is it good on windy days?
Yes, the coves are sheltered from the northerly meltemi.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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