Yes
Yes
No. Hike or catch the boat.
Nudity not required
The Good
- Isolation: You don't accidentally stumble on this beach. It requires advance planning by booking a ferry or hiking 45mins from the nearest village. The distance also keeps the crowds to a very respectable number.
- Camping: Overnight camping is generally allowed and adds to the sense of adventure when you arrive here.
- Plenty of shade: Rare for a beach in Crete, there is plenty of shade on the beach to enjoy when things get too hit.
- Freshwater springs: The beach gets its name from the freshwater springs that flow from beneath the pebbles. This is not just refreshing but is also a unique characteristic of this beach. Dig into the pebbles and you'll see the water bubbling up!
- Natural beauty: This place is stunning with crystal clear azure waters, a unique pebble beach and dramatic cliffs as a stunning backdrop.
The Bad
- Access: The isolation can be good for some, but you'll need to plan in advance to get here. It can be reached by boat from Chora Sfakion, a long hike from Loutro, or a challenging downhill walk from Anopolis.
- Lack of amenities: There is one seasonal taverna here but that's it. They do rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
- Cold water: The underwater springs are cool to experience but it makes the water incredibly cold. They bubble up more the further you get from the ferry dock, which is unfortunately also where most people enjoy the nude beach.
- Wind and waves: Watch for strong winds blowing towards the beach, it can make the sea extremely rough and the experience onshore uncomfortable.
The Naked Truth
Glyka Nera, or Sweet Water Beach, is an untouched paradise, offering an authentic nude beach experience in the arms of nature. The effort to reach it is undeniably substantial - be it a long hike or a boat ride - but the reward is a beautiful and secluded pebble beach where you can bare all without a worry. However, the lack of amenities might not suit everyone, and it can get rough when the winds blow. If you're after convenience and comfort, there are certainly more accessible and well-equipped beaches in Crete, but for the pure naturist experience and raw beauty, there are few that compare to Glyka Nera.
Insider Tip
The water is really cold! The freshwater springs are less intense near the ferry dock and the water a little warmer.
Who's Here
Mostly European couples on vacation and keen hikers relaxing on the beach.
Beach Surface
Fine pebbles
Access Difficulty
Easy by boat. Otherwise a moderately challenging 45min walk in the heat.
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