“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.” –Sandy Gingras
This week, as we launch our first-ever Beachfront Living Event, I’m leaning into the theme and having a little fun with it—bringing you some of the most incredible beach destinations in the world… which also happen to be home to some of the best nude beaches in the world!
This week, I reveal 7 of the most incredible nude beaches in Europe—and the last one may come as a surprise!
What’s remarkable about each of these, though, is that they aren’t just fantasy vacation destinations—they’re places you could actually call home.
Whether or not you ever plan to bare it all, these are still some of the most enticing places in the world to live, retire, or invest by the water—which is exactly what our upcoming Beachfront Living Event is all about…
1. France
France is considered the spiritual home of nude beaches. In 1903 the first naturist community was founded in France, and in 1948 the Fédération Française de Naturisme was born.
It’s not surprising that nudism caught on easily in France, where going topless is commonplace on most beaches, and Speedos are the most common swimwear for men.
Unsurprisingly, most of the nude beaches are located in the South of France, where the weather and beaches are best. On average, the coldest it gets here is the low 50s Fahrenheit.
The most popular nude beach in France is so much more than just a beach… The naturist resort of Cap d’Agde, near Montpellier is often called “the world’s most famous nude beach,” and it attracts thousands of visitors during the high season every year.
Cap d’Agde is a full naturist resort town, with hotels, restaurants, shops, and even banks where clothing is optional.
Farther down the coast is another of the most famous nude beaches in the world: Saint-Tropez, made famous by Brigitte Bardot back in the 50s.
These days, it generally attracts an older crowd. You might possibly spot the next Brigitte Bardot here… but you are more likely to see one of her contemporaries.
2. Spain
The first nude beaches in Spain opened in 1975 and there are now over 400 naturist beaches, most located in the Canary Islands.
A strong online community provides up to date information on all the nude beaches and what to expect throughout the country.
Tenerife has two of Spain’s premiere beaches: Playa de la Tejita, located at the foot of a mountain and known for its bohemian vibe, and Playa de la Pelada, tucked away behind some rocks (you can be sure of some privacy while you work on your all over tan).
Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria is the most popular of the island’s many nude beaches. The sand dunes make it seem like a mini desert, which is its unique selling point—bring some shoes with you; walking across the sand dunes can get blisteringly hot.
Another island location that’s naturist-friendly is the Balearic Islands—and it’s possibly the most nudist-friendly destination in the world. Formentera, the smallest of the Bealearics has an exceptionally relaxed attitude that allows for nude sunbathing on any beach. The most well-known of the beaches is Ses Illetes, which sits on a lagoon near to the town of Sant Francesc.
Although pickpockets are known to operate in the Balearic Islands, they pose no threat to nudists!
3. Greece
Greece is a popular destination for nudists, but the Greeks themselves are somewhat conservative. Most of the nudists you see on beaches here are tourists or travelers—a lot has changed since all those naked ancient statues were made!
Few official nude beaches exist in Greece, luckily there are plenty of beaches with unofficial nudist status that allow for wearing your birthday suit.
You have to share these beaches with textiles (i.e., clothes-wearers), fortunately, the rocky Grecian landscape provides sheltered coves that create natural privacy barriers along most of this country’s ample coastline.
Most tourists stay close to their hotels or rented home, but trekking a little further afield gives you the chance to find a beach all to yourself. And even in more popular areas, with some exploration you can usually find a sheltered spot to relax in the buff wherever you are.
The remote destinations don’t come with sun loungers, umbrellas, or a place for refreshments, though, so be sure to bring everything you need with you.
Elia Beach in Mykonos is an LGBT and nudist beach with a variety of facilities—you can even use the sun loungers nude and have food delivered.
Red Beach on Crete is accessible by a short hike, it’s famous for its reddish sand and carved rock sculptures.
4. Portugal
Portugal has surprisingly few official nudist beaches, but the country has a relaxed attitude towards nudism and it’s acceptable to go without clothes on plenty of beaches. In fact, over 50 beaches are welcoming to nudists even though they don’t have an official nudist friendly status.
And this is another country that stays pretty warm even in winter, especially in the south, with temperatures rarely getting below the 50s in the Algarve.
The famous Algarve region has a reputation for having some of the best beaches in the world, many of which boast the coveted Blue Flag status—little surprise that this is where Portugal’s best nudist beaches are located.
Praia de Faro is the beach of the Algarve’s capital city, Faro. Spanning several miles, tucked away at the far end—away from the tourists—is the nude beach.
Another hot spot for baring your bum is Praia do Homem Nu… with a name that translates as “Beach of the Naked Man,” this is an obvious choice for an all-over tan. This Blue Flag beach is one of the few official ones and is located on Tavira Island, offering white sand and clean, bracing waters. It’s easy to reach from the nearby tourist villages, but because it’s more remote than others, it tends to attract a respectful naturist crowd.
5. Croatia
Croatia has only recently come to mainstream awareness for its beaches, but naturists have been coming here for decades—it’s actually one of the oldest naturist destinations in Europe.
Look out for signs reading “FKK,” posted at all official nude beaches in Croatia, but keep in mind that the culture in Croatia is fairly relaxed about nudism in general. You’ll see plenty of topless tanners on regular beaches, and lots of unofficial nude beaches in the quieter pockets of the coast.
Lots of the beaches are pebbled or rocky, which may be a downside but at least you don’t have to worry about sand! Maybe bring a yoga mat to create more cushion when you explore these…
Bunculuka beach on the island of Krk and is a naturist camp as well as beach. A pine forest provides shade, and facilities include toilets, showers, changing rooms, plus beach chairs and umbrellas.
Beach Garma Podgora in the Dalmatia region is a peaceful naturist retreat a few minutes’ walk from the car park, accessed by a footpath. There’s one larger beach with a restaurant, as well as many smaller beaches with more privacy.
Jerolim Island (near Hvar) is a peaceful, car-free island famous for its relaxed naturist atmosphere and clear Adriatic waters.
Croatian nudist beaches are only an option during the summer months… winter temperatures can fall below freezing (it’s a case of “Sorry, clothed for winter.”)
6. Italy
Italy has a strong nudist community, these days, managed by the Federazione Naturista Italiana. As well as advising on the best naturist beaches, the federation takes time to organize a range of nudist activities for its members, including naked horse riding, volleyball, and hiking.
Italy’s most famous nudist beach is Bassona Beach in the Emilia Romagna region. It’s over 1 km long and has a long history as a nudist beach, plus, unlike many of Italy’s beaches, no admission fee is required.
There’s also Capocotta Beach close to Rome, an established naturist beach set in a nature reserve that became popular in the 1980s. It also offers free admission and a range of facilities.
Costa dei Barbari is a quiet rocky point, with clean, clear seas about 10 kms from Trieste. Most naturists stay within the concreted areas, so if you explore a bit farther, you’ll find more secluded spots. The beach has few facilities apart from nearby restaurant. (If you’re feeling funny, order a dressed salad.)
7. Slovenia
If you haven’t heard of Slovenia, take note!
This under-the-radar country has a few dedicated nudist beaches, as well as a naturist campsite. Its many thermal wellness centers are another place where nudism is allowed… some would even say encouraged.
Slovenia’s naturist culture blends peaceful relaxation with a touch of adventure. You might hike to a secluded cove… or relax in a spa town where clothes are optional.
The combination of Mediterranean-like coastline and thermal wellness tradition is pretty unique to this country. If you are a naturist looking for things to do beyond tanning on a beach, then Slovenia is a country you should check out.
Strunjan has some pristine beaches including one nudist beach, in the aptly named Moon Bay. I’ll leave it to you to come up with your own joke here…
Be sure to bring everything you need, as facilities at some beaches are minimal.
And remember: These aren’t just places you visit… they’re places where you could build a life by the beach (clothing or no clothing!).
Pack light, relax more, and embrace your inner beach bum!
Bonne route,
Kat Kalashian
Editor, In Focus: Europe
