Topless sunbathing – especially on secluded beaches – isn’t unusual in much of Europe. But if you want to go completely nude it’s best to look out for a classified beach. These are Europe’s best nude beaches.
Whatever naturism means to you – a way to connect with the natural world, a style of freedom, or a way to rid yourself of tan lines – you can embrace the relaxed, laissez-faire ambience at one of Europe’s top nudist beaches.
Summers in Europe and bikini-less bathing go hand in hand – and with Europe’s dolce vita lifestyle, naturism continues to grow its long history in these sunny nations. These are some of Europe’s best nude beaches.
Filaki Beach: Crete, Greece
Filaki means ‘prison’ in Greek, though Filaki Beach couldn’t be further from the truth. Filaki is one of the very few beaches in Crete to be officially recognised as a nudist-friendly zone. A blue-painted sign stating ‘Club de Naturists’ welcomes walkers along the rocky, windy descend down to the beautiful cove. Like many of this Greek island’s shorelines, small white pebbles define the beach – but you won’t have to worry about uncomfortable tanning here; straw parasols and sun beds line the coast and are available to rent for the day. Filaki Beach is looked after by the nearby naturist resort Vritomartis Hotel (though part of the hotel, it’s not reserved for guests) so upholds an air of respect to all. Whether you’re new to nudist beaches, or have been doing it for years, you won’t feel out of place.
Platja de l’Home Mort, Catalonia, Spain
It’s rumoured that Plato l’Home Mort – meaning ‘dead man’s beach’ – was one of the world’s first LGBTQIA+ friendly beaches – and this status remains, ninety years later. Now frequented by visitors from around the world, this is one of Spain’s most popular nudist beaches. The beach is divided into two coves; one is a quiet spot for soaking up the sun while the other, the largest, is home to a lively beach bar serving cocktails and musical sets day-long. Plus, located just east of Barcelona, near Stiges, the beach offers all the natural beauty of Catalonia’s coastline, including cascading cliffs and oh-so-inviting water.
Cap d’Agde, Hérault, France
Cap d’Agde is a naturalist village just east of Montpellier – and as such the beach here is reserved solely for nude bathing; it doesn’t accommodate a mix like many other European spots. At two kilometres long, this beach has plenty of space – ideal if it’s a little privacy that you’re after. You’ll find plenty of facilities here too, including restaurants and shops which uphold the nudist policy. If you think you can brave the cold, visit on 31 December for ‘the last swim of the year‘ with fellow naturists.
Capocotta, Ostia, Italy
Image Credit: Patafisik / Wikimedia Commons / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Capocotta received its nudist title in the year 2000, and was the first official nudist beach in Italy (though it had been popular as one for far longer). It’s a well-known spot among naturists as the beach is part of a protected EU nature reserve, and surrounded by beautiful plants and vegetation. Naturism takes on its truest form here – many go nude to minimise their impact on the surrounding environment. The beach provides showers, toilets, lifeguards, and places to eat for visitors, with help from the Italian Naturist Association, whose aim is to ensure the environment continues to be looked after.
Praia das Adegas, Odeceixe, Portugal
Praia das Adegas is one of the few officially recognised nudist spots in Portugal and is located close to Odeceixe, along Portugal’s beautiful Algarve coast. It’s also one of the region’s most popular places for nude bathing. Cliffs separate the nudist Praia das Adegas from its neighbouring (clothed) beaches so there’s privacy to be found from the masses, but the beach itself is a large swathe of sand and you’ll be exposed to the elements. Don’t forget to pack your suncream.
Buhne 16, Sylt, Germany
Buhne 16 – Germany’s first official naturist beach – can be found on the island of Sylt, just off the country’s north coast, where its border meets Denmark. Wild throws of sand dunes lead to a long stretch of white sand facing the rolling North Sea. A lively resort, this is the kind of setting to make you stay a full day. Popular with holidaymakers for its array of amenities, there are beachside restaurants and bars to enjoy; Buhne 16, a bar and restaurant with a surf theme, is one of the best. Note that clothing is required along The Red Cliff section of the beach.
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