Gavdos: The Greek island tourists flock to for nude beaches | World | News

It’s the tiny Greek island famed for its bohemian vibe and clothing-optional culture.

Spanning 12 square miles and home to just a few dozen people, Gavdos is a hidden gem nestled in the Mediterranean.

Located 79km south of Crete in the Libyan Sea, it is the southernmost point in Europe. And beyond breathtaking beaches, the land boasts a fascinating history.

Gavdos has been an escape for free spirits since the 1960s and is particularly popular among those seeking its famous nudist beaches.

In the 1930s, the island became a place of exile for alleged communists, according to the BBC. By the 1960s and 70s, however, it had been transformed into a hippie haven.

The remote location attracted alternative-lifestyle seekers who camped on beaches, cooked over open fires and embraced natural beauty — often while swimming nude.

Now, Gavdos remains one of the few places in Greece where nudism is common. Despite laws officially banning it on the main Sarakiniko beach, unofficial nude locations exist elsewhere and a strong culture has remained.

Controversy struck in July 2023 when the mayor’s office posted signs banning nudism at Sarakiniko. The move sparked protests among locals and tourists, many of whom visit Gavdos for its free-spirited vibe.

Vasilis Tzounaras, the former owner of the island’s Gavdos FM, told the BBC he had moved to the island more than two decades ago for its laid-back lifestyle.

“The freedom Gavdos offers, you can’t find it anywhere else,” the Crete native said. “I’ll probably stay here for the rest of my life.”

However, the island’s nude policy isn’t the only thing that has caused contention. In March, we reported people had raised concerns about the number of migrants arriving by boat.

Evil smugglers had started to present Gavdos to desperate refugees as a favoured way to enter Europe by the back door. Lefteris Lougiakis, the deputy mayor of the island, asked the Greek government for more support in response.