Restrooms
AvailableYes
Food & Drinks
AvailableYes
Parking
Not AvailableNo. Hike or catch the boat.
Nudity Policy
NOT REQUIREDNudity 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.
Photos
Our Visit
Matt & Megan
Nude Beach Map. Visited 2023
There is no shortage of nude beaches in Crete and it is actually harder to find a beach where nudity isn't acceptable on this part of the coastline. Basically any remote beach around here is an invitation to strip off and you'll see lots of locals doing the same.
Matt & Megan
Nude Beach Map. Visited 2023
There is no shortage of nude beaches in Crete and it is actually harder to find a beach where nudity isn't acceptable on this part of the coastline. Basically any remote beach around here is an invitation to strip off and you'll see lots of locals doing the same.
With that said there are several well known nude beaches and Sweet Water Beach happens to be at the top of the list. It is a beautiful and secluded beach that has the unusual characteristic of having a cool underwater spring. You'll see bubbles and freshwater floating up from the bottom of the ocean. If you dig into the on the shore pebbles you can also reach pools of water, which are apparently safe to drink (but we didn't try).
Glyka Nera, or Sweet Water Beach, can get a little busy during peak summer periods but given the challenge to get here it never gets too busy. The ferry ride or hot 45min hike ensures that the people on the beach are here for the right reason - you won't get anyone accidentally stumbling on the nude beach. Given it is popular with the tourist crowd we were surprised to see maybe 60% of the beach swimming au naturale. The area near the ferry dock is the most crowded with textiles but the further you walk up the beach the more relaxed the vibe gets and the more nude people you'll see. Unfortunately (or fortunately) the end section of the beach is where the water is the coldest and the most cold springs are. Seriously, it was freezing in the water here but very refreshing!
There is an authentic taverna open here during summer from 10am to 5pm daily. We didn't try it but it looked very popular and not that expensive given the remoteness of the beach. Obviously you need to be clothed when dining but we saw people right next to the taverna who were naked. Bring cash because apparently their card facilities don't work very well. You can rent umbrellas and sun loungers off them for 6 euros per day if you want. The pebbles can become comfortable after awhile so it might be a worthwhile investment, otherwise bring a blanket with good padding and you should be fine.
Overall, despite the hassle getting here, Sweet Water Beach is worth the effort. Like most of Crete it would be a great spot to experience a nude beach for the first time - everyone is so relaxed and there is no pressure. Just prepare yourself for the cold water and the heat if you're hiking. The beach here offers a more exclusive alternative to nearby Filaki Beach, which is a mandatory nude beach near the Vritomartis Nudist Resort. If you're staying at the resort they sometimes visit Sweetwater Beach as part of their east coast boat tours but you will probably only stay here for an hour or so, they prefer to spend most of the time at more remote beaches up the coast.
Map
Getting There
Getting here is half the adventure and it makes sense to plan a day to spend at the beach.
By Foot:
The most common way to reach Glyka Nera is by taking a beautiful but challenging hike from the nearby town of Chora Sfakion. The trail starts from the east end of the Vrissi beach in Sfakion and follows the coastline. It's approximately a 30-minute to 1-hour walk, depending on your fitness level. You'll traverse rugged terrain and steep cliffs, so be sure to wear good hiking shoes.
By Boat:
If you prefer a less strenuous route, you can take a boat ride from Chora Sfakion. During the summer season, there's usually a taxi boat service that runs from Sfakion to Glyka Nera and Loutro. It's a quick, 10-minute ride, but remember to check the boat schedules as services may not be frequent.
By Car:
If you're coming by car, you'll have to leave your vehicle in Chora Sfakion as there's no road access to the beach. From there, you can choose between the hiking trail or the boat service.
Recommended Accommodation
Sweet Water Beach (Glyka Nera) is located close to Vritomartis Nudist Resort - so it makes sense to stay here if you're planning a trip to this region. Otherwise your only options for hotels or Airbnbs are in nearby Sfakia.
Clothing Optional:
Vritomartis Nudist Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vritomartis is a world class nudist resort in Sfakia. With stunning food, amazing facilities and a nearby designated nude beach - it has everything you could want. This resort is perfect for first timers and offers a very relaxing introduction to a nudist hotel. Highly recommended.
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