A heavily developed island but with a car (and outside the peak season) Barefooters have found plenty of attractive beaches where they were able to be naked without feeling uncomfortable. This would be impossible in the main resorts. The West coast would seem to attract the German tourists who appear to have a more positive attitude to nudism than the average British package tourist.
Development continues apace, something that unfortunately encourages the textile invasion, and the fact that beaches below are described as having been used by nudists does not mean that they necessarily still are.
I should say that although some of my contributors have been delighted by some of the nude beaches they have found, others have been less enthusiastic. A Norwegian couple who visited in June 2001 found the beaches difficult to reach with public transport and did not recommend the island for other naturists.
NORTH COAST, WEST to EAST
Acharavi
My first contributor and his wife went to Acharavi in the north-east of Corfu some years ago and found that discreet nude bathing was acceptable. The beach is approx. 3 miles long and they found that once they had moved away from the main access to the beach from the village the number of nude bodies steadily increased. They spent two weeks there and never felt threatened or "out-of-place" on the beach. More recent reports suggest that you need to walk for about 20 minutes to the east, past a surf/sail centre, before nude people come into sight.
Almyros beach
Almyros beach is 45 km north of the island capital of Kerkyra next to the tourist resort/village of Acharavi. It is the eastern end of an 8 km long sandy beach. The easternmost part is gay. The nudist beach starts to the east of George's Beach tavern. Accomodation in Acharavi, 3 km distance. In September 2000 this beach was disappointing, it is very open, there were only a few people. At the east end of the beach there is is a small bridge across a tiny river. The bridge is not suitable for cars. After the bridge there is a network of tracks and two small beaches can be found. Several times my correspondent saw only clothed people there but at other times there were naturists, possibly depending on who is there first. The first beach is quite open, the second one more secluded and has some shade. To reach the second beach first some trees have to be passed, except for those trees this area is quite open.
It is best to go there by bicycle or scooter, it would be quite a long walk especially for the second beach.
Ag Spiridon
Reports reach me of another beach nearby. If you drive to the beach at Agios Spiridon continue right to the end, there is a small bridge, cross the bridge, then after 2-300m of dirt track there is a crossroad, turn right, this wil take you right onto the beach. On the left of the beach are some trees which give wonderful shade. The beach is used by locals who were very tolerant of the naturists who tended to stay near the tree end. My contributors actually went there on a Sunday and had no problems even though there were a lot of locals. You can drive right up to this beach using the above route. There is also a good restaurant and takeaway snack place at Agios Spiridon. The secret is to get there first one to get the best spot (maybe a place under the trees) and to ward off anyone who doesn't want to share the beach with us nudists!
Archarvi, Almyros and Spiridon are in fact all parts of the same stretch of coast and all can be reached from both sides.
Avlaki near Kassiopi
A single report from a correspondent in 2003. Going east out of Kassiopi follow a single file track through the woods for about 6 minutes, his beach was normally fairly private in July & August except for occasional pleasure cruisers. A second more secluded sand beach found by walking from the far end of this beach through the woods for another couple of minutes. The beach was still in use for naturist bathing in September 2006. One 2006 report rated it a rare 100%!
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Agios Stefanos (west) north of Arilas
See on Google Maps
Now a big development which some think modern and rather bland. However, Barefooters describe a superb beach with nice clean sand and a small nudist area at a quiet end away from the organised section where the beach narrows and is backed by cliffs. My 2004 correspondent gave it a 90 rating. It can be reached by walking over cliff-tops from Arillas beach, (spectacular views). Turn right over a small stream (northwards). Walk north past the sunbeds and umbrellas and the cliffs. It is a lovely long and wide beach with plenty of room for everybody. The very far end of the beach (just past a bungalow set in a gap in the cliffs) tended to be littered with remains of bonfires and is not to be recommended. Barefooters who visited in June 2006 rated it 80%. Others who went there in May 2007 found it very clean and nice.
On arrival at the beach turn right, walk past all the sun beds laid in rows, the cliff is behind you. Here you will find the naturist area, plenty of single people, male & female all ages, families all enjoying their own space. Clean water, shallow and ideal for paddling & swimming.
A June 2007 report said that generally the beach becomes CO from where there is a little shack set back from the beach. From this point it was probably 75% naturist depending on time of day. In the afternoon the beach was practically empty. Beautiful to walk along the sand/surf for several hundred metres. Nice atmosphere with mix of couples and singles although right at the very end of the beach seemed to be only a few single men.
Various reporters thought this a lovely beach. One Barefooter (June 2007) thought it even nicer than Plakias on Crete, his previous favourite, which is certainly some rating.
Arilas / Arillas
See on Google Maps
The naturist part of Arrilas beach is found by turning right when you arrive on the beach, keep walking until there is a rocky outcrop, you must wade in about 3ft of water around the rock, then you will find the lovely naturist end of Arrillas beach.
The last 200/300 yards of beach is naturist. The beach to the left appeared to be used by a few naturists but very difficult path down cliffs, if approached by beach, tide does cover around high tide.
Early reports said the beach felt very safe and relaxing; there was a whole mixture of people around, families, singles and couples as this beach is quite long and overcrowding was not a problem. My correspondent had never heard of this beach in any other publication/web site as a naturist beach and was quite impressed with it. Unfortunately there were no beach facilities but with only a short walk back to the shops and tavernas at Arilas it was not too much of a problem. As this area is used by naturists only it was kept clean and tidy.
One early report described Arilas as probably the best beach on the island for both naturist and textiles, some facilities now becoming available.
There are now some sun beds when you first get on the beach, but just walk past them to the north to get to the naturist part. The beach going away from you on the right hand side, past the sun beds, is all naturist and even in the height of season there was plenty of room, with many naturist families and couples. This end of the beach seemed not to be pestered with gawping textiles.
The naturist section is to the north of the beach entrance. The beach was very quiet when my correspondents were there (late on a cool day). It is larger than Myrtiotissa but lacking its character.
Some contributors thought that both the beach and the resort lacked real character but they chose it for its ease of access. The beach is long and quite narrow and the naturist part is about four or five minutes walk north from the jetty. The sand is quite firm and is OK to push a buggy along it - several other families also did this. The sea is shallow for quite a long way out and the sand is excellent sandcastle material. Lots of Germans and Greeks and a few British couples - all very friendly. The beach did get a little crowded at times but not too bad. Overall - quite a good beach, most suited to families with kids and probably a good first timers' beach. Indeed, the Captain has had a very gratifying report from a couple who visited the beach in October 2000 and, as first time naturists, found this beach to be both reasonably secluded and very safe. There is still a lack of facilities, but this was not a huge problem as Arilas is very close by. They found the experience to be so relaxing and enjoyable they are now confirmed naturists.
Reports from 2002 through to 2005 speak of it as pleasant and safe nude beach. There have been some cliff slides, which have reduced the size of the beach, so beware of falling rocks after storms! A May 2007 report describes good, clean sand and shallow water and rates it 100%.
There is a similar but wider beach at the south side. That beach can be reached by following the beach to the south or via a track away from the sea and a steep path going down. This part is quieter.
Barefoot reporters visiting Arilas in June 2006 say a large rock protrudes into the sea which necessitated knee deep wading to get around it. This formed a good boundary and helped to stop the casual textiles from wandering along! They rated the beach 90%. Another report from the same month says the beach is several hundred metres of soft, clean sand with a hillside backdrop. Not quite as good as Plakias on Crete, but better than Tingaki on Kos. Good access roads to Arillas and ample Tavernas/ Restaurants 1 Km from the Naturist section.
Beware of unstable cliffs particularly at the end of the textile beach, just before the large rock. A large section crashed down onto the beach one morning. Fortunately the beach was in shadow and no one was under it.
Ag Georgios (south of Arilas)
The north end of this beach is too developed with apartments and tavernas. No chance here!
Aghios Georgios
See on Google Maps
Approximately 11km north of Paliokastritsa by road and is sometimes known as Aghios Georgios (north). Now big developments all along the beach. The resort stretches for 2 miles with a rocky foreshore, however the north beach is superb. Previous reports suggested about 5 miles of sandy beach and dunes; after the first 1/2 mile it is about 80% naked with very few people. The south beach runs for 2 miles and backed by cliffs. It is only nude to the south by rock fall, but if you clamber over the rocks you have another 3 miles of beach again backed by cliffs and mostly populated by nudists. More recent reports suggest that the development now covers most of the beach and no nudism is practised here.
Paleokastritsa
A very large family resort spread around a number of pretty bays. Many bars, restaurants etc. Spectacular views over town from Lakones - no evidence of nudism whilst my correspondents were there.
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Ermones Beach
A small beach overlooked by large hotel with an unusual funicular railway which ran down to the beach. Tavernas etc. Pretty setting but all clothed.
Mirtiotissa
See on Google Maps
Mirtiotissa beach sounds fantastic. The beach is a few miles north off Ermones Road (i.e. the road that runs from Pelekas to Glyfada). Just before the road to Glyfada beach, turn right to Ermones. Then look for the Mirtiotissa Beach June 2005 sign just before the village of Vatos.
Alternative directions from Dassia / Ipsos: Head towards Corfu town, after turning left onto the main road follow this for about a mile then take a right turn signposted Aqualand. Follow the Aqualand signs until you reach a T junction opposite the water park. This is Agios Ioannis. Turn right towards Kokini. At the yellow 'roundabout' turn left. Follow this road until you come to a left turn with a bus stop on it, it is signposted to Glyfada / Pelekas. Follow this road for a mile or so until you see the small sign nailed to a tree to the beach.
Mirtiotissa is one of the most dramatically beautiful beaches in the world. Backed by high rock cliffs, the beach can accommodate the fair number of nudists who make the climb without too much overcrowding, although in July and August it can sometimes be difficult to find enough space to lie down. The great majority of the bathers in the southern part are nudists, and there seems to be no trouble with the local authorities. There is a small waterfall of spring water (well, all right, a half inch pipe) that is convenient for washing-off in after a day's swim in the sea, and at night there is usually a party of campers or stray visitors who simply want to put off the climb until the next day.
The road down to the beach is paved for about a quarter of a mile, after which you’ll find a big car park (charged) where you can safely leave the car and walk down to the beach. From there down to the beach, the road is very steep and winding, with lots of unmade sections, and is very rough in places. You’re strongly advised not to attempt to drive down. Remember too that hire cars are not insured on unmade roads. In recent years, sudden downpours of rain have made the track impassable even for 4-wheel drives!
Barefooters who visited in September 2005 thought it to be the best beach on the island. The water is crystal clear, sand clean and litter free - and kept that way by an enthusiastic band of young-ish folk who run the small bar/cafe on the beach. Also available were jewellery (no-one hassles you, just go up if you're interested) and massages together with a German guy selling local honey.
The walk down to the beach is OK, but allow yourself time (and energy) for the walk back up, which is hard going! Take some water with you. Although the bar on the beach sells water it tends to sell out quickly. In fact, you would be better off avoiding Mirtiotissa altogether if you’re unable to handle a pretty stiff hike. The crowd is fairly young in consequence, quite cosmopolitan (lots of Scandinavians and Germans, lots of Italians, a goodly number of Americans and Brits).
There is a taverna on the track, before you get to the beach, good for stopping at on the way back. There’s also a snack bar on the beach, and the sandwiches are highly recommended by Captain Barefoot's reporters! Continuing on the track past the beach for a quarter of a mile brings you to the Bella Vista taverna, where you can enjoy lunch or a drink with a fantastic view over the sea.
The beach is as clean as a crowded beach can be and the water is as clean as anywhere in the Ionian sea. Apparently the sandwich bar owners clear up the whole beach in the evening, with the the help of like-minded naturists. Umbrellas and lounges available.
Unfortunately, the beach has been getting smaller each winter and as a result it is becoming more and more crowded. There was a significant change in winter 2004/5, and the rocky outcrop in the middle of the beach now firmly divides it into 2 sections. The Southern part tends to be 100% nude, with the Northern part mainly clothed/topless.
Many Barefooters say this was altogether one of the best beaches they had found and one rated it 98%. Others, however, thought the beach overcrowded at times and reduced the rating to 85%.
The hard climb does not seem to have deterred many, because, in the first week of September 2006, the beach was packed and predominantly but not exclusively naked. The sea is very shallow, so not great for swimming, but, as the beach is totally sandy, much easier to get into than other beaches on the island. The little shack sells delicious hand-made salads, sandwiches and snacks, as well as cold drinks. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available and the beach is kept in immaculate condition. There is something of a hippy vibe about the place (a woman selling Indian-style jewellery and cloth) which reminded my Barefoot reporter of his first visits to Greece thirty years ago.
A report from August 2007 describes Myrtiotissa as a fantastic beach! The walk up and down is hard. Bring water with you. But it is worth it. Clean beach. Clean water. Both textile and nude on the beach. Possible to buy sandwich and soda from the snack bar.
There is a wide variety of budget-priced accommodation in Vatos and the Taverna run by Alex and Despina in Vatos is said to be both excellent in quality of food and value for money.
Word reaches the Captain that a local developer has purchased a very large piece of land overlooking the beach and he is ready to build a hotel - something that could simply erase the traditional character of the beach. Some locals are getting ready to protest but if the project goes ahead it could very well be the end for Myrtiotissa as we know it. Let us hope that such developers understand that naturists are good business. There are plenty of other places they can go if they are chased away. However, there was no sign (in September 2006) of the threatened development - just the very welcome taverna offering a break and a drink to the poor souls slogging their way back to the car park.
Glyfada
A single 2005 report speaks of a small area at the southern end of the beach occupied by a small number of nudists being ignored by the passing textiles. My correspondent also enjoyed naked scrambles among the rocks without problem.
Another report submitted at the beginning of 2007 confirms that the southern end of the beach is indeed naturist. Walk beyond the rocks that are on the beach and you will find a small naturist area under the cliffs. The textile area is very busy and commercialised, though.
Pelekas
At Pelekas, the main beach in front of Pelakos Beach Hotel is too busy to strip off; however if you walk south past Maria's taverna and up the hill, take the first turning right which takes you down to the harbour, walk on another 50 m and there is the nicest little cove. My correspondent spent many hours here during summer 1999, swimming, picnicking, sunbathing, - the people that did pass didn't bother that he was in the nude. It was so secluded his wife stripped off for the first time on a beach!!! There are other little coves further on but it entails a little rock hopping.
Disappointing reports reach me about Pelekas beach. A correspondent reports that the widespread clothes optional attitude that has existed on Pelekas beach for 20 years has finally succumbed to road building. What so recently was a paradise for campers and young people is now the back yard for every family from Corfu town. Not recommended.
Aghios Gordis
See on Google Maps
Now a big development. Heading north away from the main beach at the resort, the wooded boardwalk makes the going easy whilst it lasts, pass the Pink Palace Beach Building. Continue for approx 300 yards and you will reach a very distinctive building which in 2002 was a slightly run down taverna with never a customer there and a conspicuous catwalk and ladder out into the sea. Walk through the courtyard (it is a right-of-way) and you come a bit of a scramble through a couple of rocks; this brings you to a bay approx. 400 yards long used by naturists and clothed people (but no nudists there in June 2003).
But- but - there now comes another distinctive feature which is a rock at the water's edge with an overhang and from a distance looks a bit like a dinosaur's head and could be thought to block progress but no- there is a very narrow way round the landward side (keep your shorts on or risk having your delicate areas scratched by the bushes). Sometimes it was possible to wade through the sea depending on tide and waves. This brings you to long pebble bay approx 800 yards long and would house hundreds but my contributors frequently had it to themselves and occasionally shared with another couple. Clearly there are no facilities so take everything needed, food, water and shade. It may sound a bit complicated but it really is not and took two of my older readers 25 minutes to get there and well worth the effort.
The nature of the pebble beach and an undertow in rougher seas may make this unsafe for poor swimmers or children
A correspondent visited this beach several times during May 2000. It is quite difficult to get to but is worth the walk. The back of the beach is stony and is badly littered with rubbish. As long as you face the sea you won't see it. There is one large hotel in this resort and many of the tourists come along to gawp. On a couple of occasions a couple of suspicious characters came and hung about (unfortunately this is not the only such report the Captain has received about this beach). This unnerved my correspondent's wife and forced them to pack up and leave. They saw one other lone male naturist and another couple. July 2005 saw another report of gay men, shall we say, "openly expressing their sexuality".
Barefooters found it easy to walk to the beach when following the directions above in August 2007. There was not much litter. When they arrived there were just 3 other couples there. My Barefoot reporters relaxed for 3 hours and then the gay men arrived. They had sunshade-umbrellas hidden in the bushes. The other couples left straight away. Before long my reporter and her husband also felt uncomfortable and left the beach.
The Captain asks all naturists, gay or straight, to avoid confusing the beach with their bedrooms. It is unfortunate when open sexual behaviour offends people.
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Halikounas - Lake Korission
Still a favourite for skinny dipping on the island. Hardly anyone on weekdays, not too busy on Sundays. Lots of new comers. Strip off or leave! (Unfortunately the Barefooter who contributed this report did not give any directions … but he was probably meaning here). See 2 below, which seems to be the same place.
Lake Korission
1. South side. Road from Linia is a good road to Agios Georgios (south). Walk north along wide, beautiful, quiet beach, approx. 3 km long - clear sea, nudism for last 2 km or so. Possible to walk around nude. No facilities but beautiful scenery. (This seems to be Issos beach - see below)
2. Take road left at Gardiki Castle, then left after 1.5 km or so to Lake Korission. Road continues along rear of beach for 2 km - it is possible to park anywhere along this stretch and walk 50 yards or so across dunes to beach. Beach is beautiful, sandy, clean and quiet. The beach is so large and when we visited there was enough space between groups to be able to do your own thing - a mixture of naked and clothed people but no real "rules" and a nice feel to it. We were able to enjoy long naked walks. My contributor returned in mid-April 2007. Almost nobody there on Saturday April 14, nobody (for 2km!) on Sunday April 15! The beach was cleaner than 2006.
Issos beach
See on Google Maps
The beach is beautiful golden sand with dunes running along the back which separates the Sea from the inland Lake of Korrison. This beach runs from the main beach at St George's South. From the main resort beach at St George's head round the bay to your right, pass the windsurfing station, which also has a small taverna for drinks and snacks. As you go further round the bay there are fewer and fewer people and the majority of them are naturist. You can also reach this area by car taking the turning for Korrison Lake off the main road follow this road down to the car park just passed the turning for the lake and walk to the taverna turn right and after about five to ten minute along the beach it is then naturist right up to the end of the bay. Once there it is easy to find a quiet spot where the only noise is the surf.
It is worth noting that this part of the beach is better (no rocks, gravel etc.) than the main beach on either side of Ag. Georgios. Barefoot reporters were there in mid-September 2006 but had information that the beach was used all season by naturists. The sand is fine and golden and the sea is shallow and clear it was just perfect.
The beach is super and you can walk about another five miles without clothes.
Aghios Georgios (south)
The south beach of Aghios Georgios is a 2 km long sandy family beach, without any evidence of nudity in June 2000. But to the left of the beach, there is a small secluded beach, also sandy, where naturism is possible.
Here are updated instructions on how to get there, posted in May 2007.
1. Assuming that you drive FROM the town, turn RIGHT BEFORE the village of Argirades. There's a sign "Agios Georgios", so you can't miss it. Drive all the way (I'll come back with the exact distance) till you reach the T-junction where all the restaurants and watersports are advertised.
1. Turn LEFT at the T-Junction and drive STRAIGHT for exactly 2.5km along the beach. Just follow the road. Don't turn left or right!
2. The road eventually ends. Park at the top of the hill. Walk down the path (about 40 meters) and once you're on the sandy beach, turn RIGHT and walk till you see the fresh water spring on your right. At the end of the beach there're rocks separating it from the main St. George's beach.
3. That's it! Strip off and enjoy! Here it is!
Don't forget your own food and water since you' re in the middle of nowhere. The closest taverna is about 1km on the way back from the beach! (Don't forget you've got to walk up the hill as well!)
A visitor in 2005 who liked the beach was deterred from remaining there by a number of gay men indulging in overtly sexual behaviour. The Captain encourages everyone, gay or straight, not to confuse nudist beaches with their bedrooms.
The naturist beach at the north end of the resort takes about 10-15 minutes to reach from the new Thomas Cook Palm Beach Hotel. You know you are there when you reach a very eccentric sun canopy made from, well from just about anything left on the beach. It is frequently inhabited by a very, very fully tanned Corfiot who seems to be a voluntary beach cleaner!! The beach and sea are beautiful. A report from June 2003 says it is extremely relaxed being nude there and it was easy to wander about and chat to others with like minds. As per normal there was the odd single guy who felt obliged to sit ten feet away when there was about 200 yards until the next people, but not too intrusive.
Another 2005 correspondent reports the area clean and "a nice place to strip off".
From the Palm Beach hotel, if you drive south, the road will ultimately end and turn into a sand track which you can follow for a few 100 metres. You can park your car, and then walk down towards the beach. This is the beach between Agios Georgios and Marathias. It is mixed nude-textile.
South of Marathias, but still on the same stretch of beach, you can reach the hamlet of Agia Varvara by car from the main road Corfu - Kavos (turn southwest from the crossroads about the middle of the quite-new Perivoli by-pass, then fork right). This is a delightful corner (at least out of season) and there is a large stretch of empty beach beyond the cliff to the left where nude sunbathing is common.
See it on Google Maps
Perka & Magali Lakia 'Virgin' Beaches
These sound promising. My correspondent confesses to being a little confused as to which beach he ended up on but while travelling North from Kavos on the main road he turned left towards Vitalades. Followed the signs throught the town and then picked up the signs to Perka & Magali Lakia Virgin Beaches. The beach is long, backed by cliffs, the area in front of the Tavernas is quite busy but the beach stretches for over 2 km most of which is very sparsely occupied. From about half way down the occasional naturist camp was seen. The water is the clearest he found but the beach had a fair amount of rubbish washed ashore.
There were a few clothed walkers who went the length of the beach and back but they seemed unbothered by nudity. However 2 girls did park up about 20m away and couldn't keep thir eyes off (see it works both ways!!) (Hmm. The Captain wonders why that never happens to him … then he's usually in company). My correspondent recommends going fully equipped as it's a long walk to the Tavernas.
South West Coast
Road from Paleohori to unnamed beaches (on our map anyway). Huge beaches, very quiet but rocky and large quantities of kelp.
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Agios Stefanos (east)
Small bay, upmarket villas and restaurants - mainly British. Boat hire is available here and seems a good way to see the coast (Albania is only 4 km away). Small fishing harbour - no beach.
Kaminaki
No chance of going nude … but you can hire a boat (50 euro a day in 2004) and find "any number of deserted coves"
Ipsos to Dassia area
Continuous strip of developments for 5 km or so. Usual large hotels, crowded beaches, sunbeds etc. etc. Nothing more to be said!
Benitses to Messonghi area
As above, but spreading for 10 km!
Petriti/Notos eastwards
There is a quieter area here, where the coast road finally heads inland, with some possibilities to explore discreetly.
Kavos
Unbelievable! Football hooligans, lager louts and the like - on holiday. Avoid - unless you are one.
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