For those who find the walk to Banana a bit too difficult, if you follow the hard surface road left, rather than going straight on towards Banana, and follow the sign to Abelakia Beach you will be very welcome. The Captain hears reports that this beach is good for naturists. There is also a nice little taverna there.

My contributors found Abelakia to be a wonderful beach and chanced upon it by accident because Banana beach had no sunbeds left.

At one end of the beach is a snack bar/taverna with WC and has shaded cover. We found this to be just right for lunch and drinks. This end of the beach is 100% clothed. At the far end (approximately 300 metres) you can go nude.

2003 June: the far end was 50% nude and it felt comfortable to be there. Sunbeds and shades can be hired for 8 Euros and the jolly Greek lady who collected the money did not bat an eyelid as she went about her business. The beach is gently sloping fine sand down to the sea, has a pine-tree back-drop and has rocky outcrops at each end which are ideal for snorkelling. As extra entertainment there is a herd of 6 or 7 goats that visit from time to time and parade along the beach providing amusement to everyone.

Having tried Banana on another occasion my contributors preferred Abelakia as it was more peaceful and is easier to access. On Banana they felt too close to the beach bars that were playing drum and bass music for much of the day.

2011: Abelakia no longer has any area where naturism can be practised. The beach now has a new trendy taverna and sunbeds everywhere. It has become the place for "The Beautiful People" (posers to the rest of us) and, if your face doesn't fit, they will tell you that the sunbeds are reserved. Don't waste your time visiting the place.