Red Beach

Red beach, so named because of the pinkish hue of the sand, is located just south of the better known beach of Matala. Both were firm favourites on the 1960s and 70s hippy trail and whilst Matala may have gone mainstream, Red beach still retains some of its laid back credentials.
It’s a lovely little beach set at the base of arid hillsides and limestone cliffs. The red sand is beautifully complemented by the crystal clear, aqua-marine waters of the Aegean Sea.

The beach has a remote, secluded feel largely on account of it being a 20 minute walk from anywhere. It is this seclusion (and probably its hippy past) that have made Red beach one of the most famous nudist beaches in Greece. One of the pioneering naturists of Red beach was a Belgian chap by the name of Gerard. He spent several years living in a cave on the beach and not wearing a lot. He was also responsible for the fantastic array of rock carvings in the limestone that can be found at the northern end of the beach. These sculptures, some reminiscent of ancient Minoan mythical creatures along with a bunch of random animals, contribute to the overall atmosphere of Red beach.

You won’t find much in the way of facilities here, just a ramshackle coffee hut and a few beach umbrellas - but that is what Red beach is all about. This area is protected under the Natura 2000 program which hopefully means things will stay just as they are for the foreseeable future.