10 Best Nudist Beaches in the World

Casting your clothes aside isn’t taboo at some of the world’s best nudist beaches. From clothing-optional resorts in South America to artificial sand strips in Europe, these destinations offer a chance to work on your all-over tan and even dine, shop, and party in the nude. Whether you’re seeking a secluded naturist getaway or aiming to break the world record for skinny-dipping, these best nudist beaches in the world should be on your bucket list for an unforgettable au naturel holiday.

1. Cap d’Agde, France: The Naked City

Welcome to Cap d’Agde, the legendary “Naked City,” one of the largest clothing-optional resorts globally. During summer, up to 40,000 people flock to this French village to bask in the sun on the extensive beach. Here, dining and sightseeing in your birthday suit is not just accepted but encouraged. While you can choose to wear clothes around town, nudism is mandatory on the beach. For a bit of privacy, head to Plage de la Grande Conque, a stunning volcanic beach with black sand flanked by scenic cliffs. A word to the wise: local etiquette suggests keeping things neatly trimmed.

• Location: Le Cap d’Agde, 34300 Agde, France

2. Es Cavallet, Ibiza: Party Island’s Nude Haven

Ibiza might be famed for its party scene, but it also offers Es Cavallet, an official nudist beach at its southern tip. Divided into sections for naturists, beach partygoers, and the LGBT community, this 1-km stretch of white sand with azure waters is perfect for a sun-soaked day. Arrive early to avoid traversing the salt flats in the heat.

• Location: Platja Es Cavallet, 07818 Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Balearic Islands, Spain

3. Haulover Beach, Miami: America’s Nudist Hub

Haulover Beach is a renowned nudist spot in the United States, attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually. Its clothing-optional sections are supervised by lifeguards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Visit in July for the National Nude Recreation Week, where you can join in festive activities, sip cocktails, dance to DJs, and maybe even set a skinny-dipping world record.

• Location: Haulover Park, 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, USA

4. Red Beach, Crete: Secluded Paradise

For those who prefer a quieter retreat, Red Beach in Crete offers a serene escape. Accessible by a 20-minute hike or a short boat ride from Matala, this beach is known for its distinctive rust-colored sand and dramatic cliffs. Enjoy exploring ancient ruins and caves or savoring a cocktail at Yiannis, a cozy bar famed for its mojitos.

• Location: Matala, Crete 702 00, Greece

5. Paradise Beach, Mykonos: Greece’s Top Party Island

Mykonos, Greece’s ultimate party destination, boasts Paradise Beach, the original and most popular nudist beach. It’s just as lively at night, with thumping nightclubs and Full Moon Parties. For a more vibrant scene, Super Paradise Beach is a hotspot for the LGBT community, though be prepared for high prices during peak season.

• Location: Paradise Beach, Mykonos 846 00, Greece

6. Lake of Wannsee, Berlin: Urban Beach Escape

Berlin’s Lake of Wannsee features Europe’s longest inland sand beach, with sections dedicated to family-friendly nudism. Enjoy traditional wicker beach chairs, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and waterslides. Paddle boats offer a unique view of this urban retreat. Plan your visit for summer to avoid the chilly waters.

• Location: Wannsee, 14109 Berlin, Germany

7. Praia do Pinho, Brazil: Naturist Tradition

Praia do Pinho, Brazil’s first nudist holiday destination, remains a top choice for naturists. Nudity is mandatory, and the beach is accessible to couples and members of the International Naturist Federation. Located near Florianopolis, it offers a blend of natural beauty and naturist culture.

• Location: Balneário Camboriú, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil

8. Little Beach, Maui: Scenic Serenity

Maui’s Little Beach provides a picturesque setting for nude sunbathing. Surrounded by volcanic cinder cones and ancient lava flows, this beach offers clear waters for swimming and a marine sanctuary rich in marine life. Visit on Sundays for sunset, when fire dancers and drum circles create a mesmerizing atmosphere.

• Location: Kihei, HI 96753, Maui, Hawaii, USA

9. Wreck Beach, Vancouver: North American Gem

Stretching over 7.8 km, Wreck Beach is North America’s longest and one of the oldest clothing-optional beaches. It offers sandy stretches, rocky outcrops, and stunning views of evergreen trees and distant snow-covered peaks. Join students and locals for a laid-back, natural experience.

• Location: Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada

10. Hidden Beach Resort, Mexico: Luxury Naturism

Mexico’s Hidden Beach Resort offers the ultimate luxury naturist experience. This adult-only, all-nude destination features secluded beaches, 5-star accommodations, gourmet dining, and naked beachgoers. Enjoy floating down the nearby river, cooking classes, spa treatments, and more. Ensure you bring plenty of pesos to indulge in this upmarket retreat.

• Location: Carretera Cancún – Tulum, Kantenah Km 95, 77710 Q.R., Mexico

Nude Beach Etiquette: 7 Essential Rules for First-Timers

The freedom to go sans clothing might be exhilarating, but there are some unspoken rules at nude beaches that first-timers need to know to avoid any awkward missteps.

Imagine the freedom Adam and Eve enjoyed in the Garden of Eden—no clothes, just pure, natural bliss. Why not experience the same at a nudist beach, feeling the ocean on your bare skin and sand in every crevice?

But before you shed it all, there are a few things you need to know as a newbie.

First and foremost: Where to go?

While the United States has limited clothing-optional beaches, there are a few notable ones like Haulover Beach in Miami, Gunnison Beach in New Jersey, North Baker Beach in San Francisco, and Black’s Beach near San Diego.

Internationally, seasoned skinny-dippers rave about Es Trenc on Mallorca, Wreck Beach in Vancouver, Praia do Pinho in Brazil, Red Beach on Crete, and Plage de Tahiti in Saint-Tropez. Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean also boast numerous sun-soaked spots perfect for nudist adventures.

Private “naturist” clubs, lodges, hotels, all-inclusive resorts, campsites, and condos cater to those who prefer their vacations sans clothing. The American Association for Nude Recreation offers a global directory for these destinations. There’s even an online platform akin to Airbnb for finding clothing-optional accommodations called Naturist BnB.

Once you’ve chosen your perfect nudist beach, it’s crucial to follow some basic etiquette rules to ensure a comfortable and respectful experience for everyone.

1. Know the Local Rules
Before heading to the beach, understand where nudity is allowed and respect those boundaries. Stay covered in clothing-required sections and common areas like parking lots. Determine if full nudity or just toplessness is permitted (as in parts of the French Riviera). Also, check if nudity is officially legal or just tolerated.

2. Don’t Stare
The golden rule of nude beachgoing: don’t ogle. It’s natural to glance, but avoid prolonged stares as it can make others feel uncomfortable. Everyone deserves to enjoy their time without feeling scrutinized. If you find it difficult to avert your eyes, bring a book or magazine to help focus your attention elsewhere.

3. Leave Your Camera at Home
To avoid making others uneasy, refrain from taking photos. Even capturing the scenery can be problematic if people think they might be in your shot. If you need a selfie, make sure not to include anyone else without their consent.

4. Always Carry a Towel
Bring a towel not just for lying on the sand but also for sitting on at restaurants, bars, and other common areas in nudist resorts. This practice is about hygiene and is widely appreciated.

5. Apply Sunscreen Liberally
Cover all exposed skin with sunscreen, especially those areas that rarely see sunlight. This will help prevent painful sunburns in sensitive spots.

6. Respect Personal Space
Choose a spot with plenty of distance from others. More space than you’d typically leave on a clothed beach is advisable to respect privacy and comfort.

7. No Hanky-Panky
Lewd behavior is strictly off-limits. Most nudist communities work hard to separate nudity from sexual activity. For example, at Miami’s Haulover Beach, sexual touching is illegal and can lead to arrest. An involuntary erection? Cover up with a towel, lie on your stomach, or take a dip in the cool ocean until it passes.

In essence, while your body is nothing to be ashamed of, your actions should always be considerate of others. Following these guidelines will help ensure a positive and respectful experience for everyone at the beach.

These are the best nudist beaches in the world that offer a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and the freedom to embrace your true self. Whether you’re an experienced naturist or trying it out for the first time, these destinations promise unforgettable memories and a sense of liberation. So pack your sunscreen, leave your inhibitions behind, and get ready for an extraordinary au naturel adventure.