Kommos (Κομμος) aka Komos / Como / Comos
Details
My correspondents are ecstatic about a beach called Komos about 5 km to the north of Matala near Pitsidia. On the strength of these recommendations the Captain himself paid a short visit there in late September 1998. I can only agree with those who enthused about this beach. It is a very lengthy stretch of golden sand. Both ends are developed to some extent (a taverna at the Kommos beach southern end, a short walk from the archaeological site, and a visiting cantina - a refreshment van to the English - stops next to the site) and a small block of flats plus tavernas at the northern end, so naturism is mostly practised in the centre. But do not imagine this means the naked ones are crammed into a small space surrounded by the less-enlightened folk.
19°C
- Temperature
- Precipitation
- Rain Chance
- Wind
- Humidity
- Pressure
The naturist section of this beach must be a good half kilometre long. I walked naked from our position towards the southern end to the rocks that appeared to mark the northern extent of the naturist section, and back. It took nearly half an hour. There is plenty of space for everyone, plus landscape that looked very promising for nude walks behind it. There is some shade under trees at the back of the beach. For part of the length of the beach the sea bed is rock shelf, but towards the southern end of the naturist section it is sandy.
One contributor says Kommos is the best nudist beach in Crete after Lentas, (Diskos?) in terms of freedom. He never had the impression of being tolerated by textiles: it was the opposite…!
A common reservation is that the sea is sometimes not calm because of the wind. The beach is certainly prone to the Meltemi, which sometimes blows straight along the beach from north to south. This can cause flying sand. And when the sea isn't calm it can be quite difficult to get into the water on the slippery rocks. But others have said that this is the best nudist beach they found on Crete. If flying sand is a problem, since the wind comes off the sea simply move nearer the sea. Local information is that if it is windy at Kommos it will not be at Kalimaki, and vice-versa. Kalamaki, however, is definitely NOT nudist (2003).
The Captain thought it was wonderful and would give it a rating of 96%.
2003 July: A correspondent enjoyed the long sandy beach very much. The sea was very calm, and provided excellent snorkelling: they saw a lot of fish. The Captain has received many reports over the years, and the most recent suggest that little has changed. The beach is not crowded despite the ease of access. Around Kommos free camping is tolerated and one of the few official camping sites in Crete is nearby, near Pitsidia on the road to Matala (it's just 10 minute walk from Kommos).
It is reported that a German (nudist) calling himself “The Cakeman” is now selling delicious homemade cakes and coffee on the beach.
2008 / 2009: Like on most nude beaches, the nude proportion has declined on Kommos. There were frequently as much as 90% textiles on the weekends. In May-June 2010 the situation was better, with around 50-60 % nudists and lots of people taking nude walks.
2010 September: On three visits, the naturist stretch was near 100% nude and seemed busier than the sections of 'clothed' beaches to the north and south. The reporter and his wife enjoyed a long nude beach walk south to the rocks near Kalamaki, slipped some clothes on and had lunch at a taverna. Then walked back.
2011 August: an enthusiastic contributor came 5 times. He thinks this is one of the most beautiful naturist beaches in the world. The naturist part goes from the end of the rocks at the south (after them lies the Kalamaki beach, absolutely not naturist) up to the end of the northern rocks at the start of the very crowded beach of the archeological site. You can stay and walk nude for more than a kilometre. On the weekend, there were about 50% of people nude, the clothed ones being concentrated near the parking in the centre of the beach. During the week, the nudity rate was about 90%. Many campers stay near the parking; there are naturists and non-naturists, some progressively changing side (this is free camping and it must be beautiful: you are under the trees on the beach and only 1 km by road from a village for necessities). The beach offers a real mix of families, couples, young and aged people in an atmosphere of harmony with nature (especially during weekdays) that provides a special spirit to this place.
2014 June: A contributor and his wife reported that the naturist stretch is alive and well. On a visit late Sunday afternoon, the beach as a whole was about 50% textiles, with almost all of them at the "clothed" end near the parking lot. In the middle nude portion of the beach it was about 90% nude, with a few families, groups, singles (about 2:1 male to female but fewer than a dozen total), and the vast majority couples of young, middle-aged, and aged. There were a few textiles in the mix but they were mostly topless couples. Plenty of nudists took long walks along the beach and spent time in the water to cool off. Overall, it's a very diverse mix of nudists which makes this one of the best naturist beaches.
2015 July: During several visits the middle part of the beach was on average 80% naturist although the balance changed to nearer 50/50 over the weekend. Arriving around 10 a.m. there was always plenty of parking spaces available at the middle part of the beach. The mix was very pleasant with couples and families of all ages. The Meltemi was quite strong along the beach for a few days and took quite a few parasols with it. One solution is to use the natural shade available under the trees on the edge of the beach, but bear in mind the best locations are quickly taken each morning. Overall an exceptionally good naturist beach and well worth a visit.
2016 May: My wife and I visited this beach about 10 times in late May and found that a walk of about 200 metres to the right from the car park at the archaeology site took us to a stretch where naturists ruled. We frequently walked the 500 metre length of this section naked and rarely saw a textile other than the odd one walking along the shore. Some of these were naturists on their way to or from a suitable spot. Even 100 metres from the car park a few people stripped off and we walked down there a couple of times to find good access to the water. You need to be careful when the sea is a bit rough as it's hard to step onto the sometimes slippery slabs of rock under the water and keep your balance when being hit by a big wave. Most days were calm and fine. We think this is a wonderful place and had no problems with weird types. Many were couples of all ages but single women seemed quite relaxed about being here.
Also in late May, on a warm, calm Sunday, the beach had at least 100 people spread out along its length. At least an 80:20 ratio of nude to textile and a pleasantly mixed group.
June: By mid June both temperatures and numbers of nudists were rising. Natural shade of trees and rock overhangs was all taken by around 9.30. The Kalamaki end of the nudist section appears to be encroaching on the rocky area close to the town beach. On two mornings some idiots were flying drones over nudists. Hopefully that will be dealt with.
September: My wife and I visited this beach in early Sept. As previously reported the sea was fairly rough making getting into it tricky. Not a suitable location for families with small children. People using the beach need to provide their own shade. The naturist area still extends from the northern side of the archaeological site to the rocks at the south end of Kalamaki beach. Most people, on the day we visited, were naturist with a mix of couples & singles.
2018 October: This is a fantastic, very long sandy beach, providing a lot of space (at least in October) for each groups. Mixed attendance. The beach may be very windy, and the sea is not very interesting if you like snorkelling. However, this is a fantastic place if you come for the sunset.
2019 July: Very beautiful and long sandy beach. Naturists usually place at the middle part, having a lot of space at their disposal. In this middle portion, 80% of people were nude, including families. Occasionally it can get windy, then be careful when you go into water, since the sea bottom is a slippery rock at the beginning. Nice for nude walking, and great sunset.
2020 August: Young Greek people camp nude in the dunes, like on Gavdos. End of August few people, enough shade from the trees.
There is a nice Ibiza-like tavern (clothed)
2022 May: My wife and I visited this beach in early May both during the week and on a Saturday. Lots of nudists, some textiles, but we felt very comfortable stripping off. beach is wonderful with lovely sand and easy entry into the sea. Nearby village of Kalamaki has great restaurants.
One other point about Kommos Beach. It has been noted by the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece as a nesting site. This requires of those who visit the beach a considerable degree of responsibility. In particular, any nests should not be disturbed, any turtles should not be "assisted" to the sea (it is essential to their development that they find their own way) and the beach should not be visited at night. And as with all beaches, litter should not be left. True naturists leave only footprints in the sand. The Captain exhorts all those who visit Kommos to follow these guidelines.
Location
At this point you can either follow the tarmac road to a large car park near the archaeological site. From here it is a short walk north along the beach to the naturist section. The (textile) beach is near the car park and the archaeological site, whereas the central, clothing optional part is here. Interesting to know that there is a shower near the car park.
Alternatively turn right on a dirt road. After 500m you come to a place where you can park in shade under trees very close to the centre of the beach; however parking space here may be limited.
An alternative access, when going from Matala to Pitsidia: take the road to the left, opposite the white-washed wall of the Speed Cafe, which starts on the corner with a youth camping at N35 00' 33.2" E24 46' 10.0". There is now a sign to Kommos beach and the road is metalled. At the first crossroad, turn right downhill, which brings you to the crossroads as mentioned above.
Another very easy access is the following one. Go to Kalamaki. 25 metres after the entrance sign "Kalamaki" you can see on the right a car hire name Loggetta. Turn left and follow the asphalted road to the northern end of beach. You can park at the side of a tavern with accommodation which is on the beach. Go on towards the rocks that are 20 metres away. The naturist area starts there. 100 metres more and you arrive on the large sand naturist beach, on the part having trees for shade.
Review
Login to Write Your ReviewThere are no reviews yet.
Leave a Review
