Visit the world’s best naturist beaches

Much like the travellers who visit them, naturist beaches come in all shapes and sizes. Discrete coves sit alongside family-friendly nudist villages and campsites, to guarantee that there’s a naturist beach for every kind of traveller. So avoid tan lines this summer and check out the world’s best naturist beaches.*

Charco del Palo, Lanzarote, Spain

The first ‘official’ naturist beach in the Canary Islands, Charco del Palo, was established in the 1970s and the village maintains much of the original atmosphere; there’s very little tourist development and traditional Spanish cuisine on every menu.

At high tide two of the beach tidal pools fill with fresh water, offering a peaceful spot for inexperienced swimmers and there is also a specially-designated section of the coast for open sea swimming. The Charco del Palo coastline is composed of black lava rocks, giving the whole area a distinctive appearance and visitors tend to remain unclothed on the beach, although covering up is a requirement for visiting the village and local shops. Stay at Villa Charco del Palo or Casa Caralluma, both just a few minutes’ walk from the beach.

Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico

One of Mexico’s only naturist beaches, Zipolite became popular with nudists in the 1960s and 70s. The village has managed to combine local heritage and tourist development with palm-thatched palapas and beachfront cabanas sitting alongside more traditional hotels and hostels.

Pristine pale sand beaches and clear seas make Zipolite popular with all kinds of travellers and traditionally naturists have gravitated to the far east Playa del Amor cove, although in recent years the practice has spread to the main beach. Despite the area’s reputation for naturism, visitors are encouraged to remain clothed when visiting the excellent Zipolite restaurants, before they can retreat to the comfort of their own rooms at Casa Oaxaca or Heven.

Cap d’Agde, Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Cap d’Agde is home to the Village Naturiste, a large family-friendly naturist resort that functions as a town-within-a-town. Nudity is allowed (and encouraged) throughout the resort and Village Naturiste has everything visitors need to enjoy their holiday and avoid wearing clothes. Including shops, night clubs, tourist information kiosks, banks, laundromats, and even a hairdressers.

The Cap d’Agde beach is a mile long and has several lifeguard stations, sparkling clear water, and a string of naturist-friendly restaurants. There are also plans to make the area traffic-free, making it a great spot for naturist families. Studio Glamour Naturiste and Studio Héliopolis Village Naturiste are both nearby.

Praia de Tambaba, Jacumã, Paraiba, Brazil

A relatively short beach (it’s only 0.6 miles long) the Praia de Tambaba is one of Brazil’s most famous naturist beaches. And, thanks to developments, it’s become much easier to reach in recent years. Visitors to the beach are required to remain nude in the main section although this is optional along the beach periphery.

Praia de Tambaba is a beach that takes the privacy and safety of it’s visitors very seriously, cameras are banned in the naturist sections and men must be accompanied. This concern for sunbathers wellbeing extends to the surroundings and the beach is kept scrupulously clean and well-preserved. Accommodation is close by too – both Hotel Manaíra and Oriental Praia Hotel are within walking distance of the beach.

Plakias Bay, Crete, Greece

In 1961 the town of Plakias had only six official residents, today Plakias Bay is a favourite among nude and never-nude travellers from all over the world. The southeastern stretch of Plakias Bay has long been dedicated to nude bathing and despite being one of the biggest beaches in Crete, the Bay is known for its relaxing atmosphere.

Nearby olive groves offer sunbathers respite from the midday sun and later in the day visitors can either enjoy a coastal walk or visit the clifftop villages of Mirthios and Selia. Alternative – more secluded – beaches for naturists include Damnoni Beach and Micro Amoudi. For beachside stays, both Paligremnos Studios and Plakias Resorts are a 1-minute walk from the beach.

Vrsar, Istria, Croatia

Located on the Istria Peninsula, the Croatian town of Vrsar has both a naturist campsite and the Blue Flag-winning Koversada Beach. Restaurants along the coast and throughout the town serve up the freshest seafood, while bars and cafés offer great Croatian wine and coffee. The local campsites also offer entertainment programmes for kids.

Koversada has plenty of small coves for visitors who value their privacy and for the less bashful the main beach is popular but never crowded. Facilities include a specially-adapted area for travellers with reduced mobility, five kilometres of stunning coastline, and sports equipment rental. Entrance to men travelling alone is only allowed with an International Naturist Federation card. At the end of the day, wander back to Casa di Orsera, or head to Hotel Vista which is a 19-minute walk from the beach.

**These recommendations come from the travel scientists at Booking.com. They’ve analyzed destinations endorsed for naturism, scrutinised available accommodations and have come up with these suggestions.