Europe’s Best Nudist Beaches for a Clothing-Optional Escape

If getting naked on a gorgeous beach is something that speaks to you, Europe offers many great spots. Nudism is widely practiced across the continent’s top holiday destinations, such as France, Greece, Italy, and Spain. Some stretches, like the French Cap d’Agde, are world-renowned for their devotion to the bare-it-all mentality. Others, like Feraxi in Sardinia, are quiet, secluded coves, where you can feel more connected to nature by taking all your clothes off.

One rule of bathing naked in Europe—always check the local regulations and beach signs before going fully nude. While nudism and toplessness are mostly tolerated everywhere, it’s important to know the local laws to avoid issues. This list includes spots where you can freely enjoy being with nothing on. These are Europe’s best nudist beaches.

Located in the lesser-known Costa de Almería, in southern Spain, Vera Playa is a vast nudist-themed holiday village. It’s for those who enjoy being nude outside the beach. The experience includes hanging out in the chiringuitos (traditional Spanish beach bars), dining at the restaurants, and walking around the resort paths completely nude (bring towels for sitting, though). Vera Playa is a long stretch of dark sand, mixed with small pebbles.

Unlike many European naturist beaches, this one feels like a full-fledged tourist resort. You’ve got all the amenities you would get in the developed Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol beach towns, but with the naturist bonus. The resort area is also great as a base for exploring the Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar, a stunning coastal park with barren mountains and gorgeous coves near Almería.

Some beaches are as if they have been created for nude enjoyment. Surrounded by nothing but the white cliffs, the Red Beach (or Kokkini Ammos) is a place like that on Crete. The stretch is across the hill from Matala, a south coast gem with a hippie history. Across the hill, in this case, means a medium-difficulty trail through the rocks to reach the Red Beach. 30 minutes walking and you’re at one of the most beautiful nudist beaches in Europe.

Reddish soft sand and transparent blue waters await you there. A tall limestone cliff sets a dramatic scene. The beach is serviced by several laid-back bars, where you can get a snack and a drink. Wear comfortable shoes for a trail, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen. You can also rent a lounger and a parasol.

Imagine the never-ending, Sahara-like dunes (400 hectares of pure sand to be precise) caressed by the ocean waves. Doesn’t it sound like a perfect place to bare it all? Well, Playa de Maspalomas gives you such a chance. Located in the south of Gran Canaria, it’s among the most striking bathing areas in Spain. Nudism can be practiced in the remote middle parts of the 2-mile-long Maspalomas Beach. More precisely, you should go to the area between beach bars 3 and 6 for safe naked bathing.

It’s a truly magical beach—have a dip in the ocean, conquer the tall dunes to admire the view, and relax in a welcoming beach bar. The beach stretches from the 19th-century Faro de Maspalomas to the popular Playa del Inglés, located next to resorts and fast-food restaurants. Kiosco Beach number 7 is also a gay-friendly area.

The Aegean bliss is easy to get on Skiathos, one of the Sporades archipelago islands in Greece. Mikri (or Small) Banana Beach is where you’re getting it without clothes on. This stretch is the only official clothing-optional beach on the island. Surrounded by the Mediterranean forest, it’s an idyllic place to bathe.

While the whole beach is nudist-friendly, unofficially, it’s divided into two sections. The left side is for the nudists, and the right side is for the textile (clothed) crowd. There’s the Black Bird beach bar with food, drinks, and loungers for rent. You can also book a boat tour to explore more beautiful coastal locations of Skiathos straight from the beach. 

One of Ibiza’s most famous beaches, Platja des Cavallet, is the Balearic dream. It’s a heavenly spot with the white sand and turquoise, calm waters. Also, it’s the island’s premier gay-friendly stretch, which happens to be the official naturist beach. In other words, nothing stops you from being fully yourself in this gorgeous corner of wilder Ibiza.

The southern part of Es Cavallet, around the beach bar called Chiringay, caters to the naturist LGBTQ+ crowd. The northern section features the excellent La Escollera seafood restaurant and relaxed El Chirunguito snack bar, offering a more family-friendly atmosphere. The crystal-clear sea with rocky seabed is also ideal for snorkeling. In the nude, of course. 

Cap d’Agde is a legend in the European naturist community. This fully nude resort town in the beautiful Languedoc-Roussillon coastline was founded in the ’60s. The beach here is vast and long, with fine golden sand. But it’s not your regular secluded nudist hangout—believed to be the largest naturist village in the world, Cap d’Agde is a way of living. The complex includes numerous hotels, spas, and a large campsite. There are nude restaurants, bars, and shops.

It’s important to understand that the beach is part of a private territory, so there are rules to follow. Those with hotel or campsite reservations enter without charge. If you don’t have one, there’s an entrance fee. In recent years, the village shifted its profile from a family-friendly naturist resort to an increasingly swinger- and libertine-friendly one, so be aware of that if you’re considering traveling with children. In other words, it’s now a very adult-oriented area with adult things happening on the beach and outside. Still, it’s a unique naturist experience to get and the only resort of this scale in Europe. 

Sardinian beaches are among the best in Europe. Feraxi is a great example of this, offering miles of fine golden sand. But while many of the island’s stretches are not particularly friendly for the nudists, a 400-meter section of Feraxi has recently been officially designated as a naturist. Backed by the Mediterranean shrub and overlooking the stunning south-eastern coast of Sardinia, it’s a heavenly beach for taking your clothes off in peace.

The naked section is located in the middle of the stretch and marked by the signs. Like many other Sardinian dune beaches, it’s backed by a lagoon, where you can spot pink flamingos. It’s a perfect naked escape in the heart of the unspoilt Mediterranean coast. 

Hidden behind the lush pine forest in Le Pradet, Plage du Monaco is an exemplary naturist stretch. The northern part of the beach is officially nudism-friendly, and the borders are respected here. A combination of small pebbles and the cyan sea is a visual feast, while the wild landscapes make it easier to become one with nature. You can reach the beach by following an easy forest trail from Le Pradet town.

There are no amenities at Plage du Monaco, and you won’t find any beach bars. What you will find is an exciting underwater world while snorkeling. So be sure to bring your gear. The nudist park is adjacent to the large rocks, with enormous snorkeling potential. Plage du Monaco is also a safe naturist space to bring your kids to.

Riserva di Vendicari is where you find one of Sicily’s most gorgeous coastlines. Set south of Noto, it’s also a must-visit for naturists. Marianelli Beach is an unspoilt, clothing-optional corner of Vendicari, offering soft sand and beautiful views. The water is crystalline here, and snorkeling is amazing. The beach is also gay-friendly and gets frequented by the open-minded crowd.

There are two ways of reaching Marianelli—either by the dirt road near the Case Marianeddi hotel, or by a cliff trail starting from Eloro beach to the north. In both cases, paying a 3.50 EUR entrance fee for the Vendicari Reserve is required. Don’t miss the gorgeous Calamosche cove south of Marianelli, which is considered to be one of Sicily’s finest.

The dramatic, untamed Algarve coast is perfect for naturism. However, there are only a few stretches where you can officially do it. Praia das Adegas, in the northern part of the Algarve, is among the most stunning European nudist beaches. Backed by the gargantuan cliffs, it allows you to experience the mighty Atlantic Ocean with nothing on. It’s one of those beaches that takes your breath away and doesn’t let go.

Praia das Adegas is best enjoyed during the low tide, when you can comfortably wade in the Atlantic waters. Get deeper only if you’re an experienced swimmer—the ocean currents can be treacherous, and Adegas overlooks the open sea. There are sea caves among the black cliffs. You can reach the beach by a steep wooden stairway between the rocks. Odeceixe is another stunning stretch nearby (a textile one), where you have the ocean on one side and the river on the other.