Red Beach — Matala
Matala, Heraklion, Crete
A red-sand cove reached on foot over the headland from Matala. Limestone cliffs and blue-green water create one of southern Crete’s most distinctive beach settings.
Nudity policy
Established clothing-optional area
Red Beach has an established clothing-optional tradition, particularly in its northern part. It is nudism-friendly rather than an exclusively nude beach.
Naturist use applies to the described area; neighbouring public roads, car parks and other beaches follow their own rules.
Facilities
- Restaurant/Cafe: A small stone-walled beach café is described by the guide; it is seasonal and not always open.
A small stone-walled beach café is described by the guide; it is seasonal and not always open.
Access & visiting
Public beach access on foot; no membership or overnight booking is needed. Seasonal boat approaches are a separate paid service.
Age & supervision
No explicit under-18 admission policy was found in the checked sources.
When to go
Public coast accessible throughout the year; seasonal beach services and boat connections vary.
Directions & Parking
Getting there
Start in Matala and follow the signed Red Beach/Kokkini Ammos walking trail across the headland.
Parking
Use signed public parking in Matala. There is no road or car park at Red Beach itself.
Finding the naturist area
Allow around 15–25 minutes on the signed headland trail, passing through the shepherd’s gate and closing it behind you. Descend into the cove and head towards its northern part for the established naturist area.
Where naturism applies
Red Beach has an established clothing-optional tradition, particularly in its northern part. It is nudism-friendly rather than an exclusively nude beach.
Access guidance checked 2026-11-12. Follow current signs and any instructions from the venue or land manager.
Sources & last check
Location, facilities and nudity policy checked against these sources on . This is a desk check, not an on-site inspection.
Location referenceFrom other visitors
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