The Best Nude Beaches in Europe

There are plenty of fine beaches in Germany where bathing in the buff is perfectly acceptable. One of the best and most popular is Ahlbeck, located on an archipelago between Poland and Germany. Here, the waves of the Baltic Sea caress the fine white sand. Plus, the location is famous for its sunshine, which is fairly important when lazing around without clothes.

Despite what the naysayers proclaim, it doesn’t rain all that much in England, which means there’s plenty of demand for nudist beaches among those who prefer to go au naturel on the sand during the summer. Studland Bay in Dorset is one of the country’s most famous nude beaches. It’s a place where the beautiful sands stretch for over a mile, providing plenty of privacy from prying eyes. Aside from Studland Bay, Dorset also has some of the most beautiful coastline in England, in case visitors want to explore.  

Though it’s certainly no picnic to get to, Red Beach in Crete is worth the 25-minute walk from Matala. The secluded beach is masked by steep cliffs and a sharp incline, which means that on top of the beautiful scenery, the potential for nosy onlookers is low. While it’s not so much a secret these days, the tricky journey down to the coarse red sand still tends to keep this beach from getting too crowded. 

No list of Europe’s best nude beaches would be complete without the addition of Cap d’Agde, a nude beach so famous that people travel from all over the world to enjoy its liberal clothing policy. The only problem is the sheer number of visitors who descend upon this nudist paradise in the South of France. Beyond the beach and crystal-clear waters, there is a whole resort geared towards nudists, making it a popular summertime escape for those who like to be clothing-free in places besides the beach. 

Like the vast majority of beaches in Portugal, Meco Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand which extends as far as the eye can see. Located about 25 miles south of Lisbon, the beach is popular with two groups -- nudists and surfers -- who both appreciate the sandy area as well as its surrounding forest. It is also one of Portugal’s first nudist beaches, and it remains one of the most popular (and prettiest) today. 

Located on the south coast of England, Brighton Beach swells with visitors throughout summer. In a town known for its wild nightlife, arty vibe, and bohemian attitude, the pebble beach unsurprisingly has a portion dedicated to nudists. The naturist beach is relatively small compared to some others on this list, but its close proximity to the city and its lack of crowds make it a great option for folks who want the balance of nature and nightlife.

While not all nudist beaches are hidden gems, Spiaggia di Guvano, which is secreted away at the foot of cliffs, is just that. Located in the Cinque Terre National Park, the beach is difficult to reach, only accessible along an old railway track and through thick foliage. However, once you arrive, the reward is unbeatable. Expect a secluded bay with boundaries of steep rock faces and a gray pebbly beach, lapped by the deep blue Ligurian Sea.    

Only a short distance from Copenhagen, the vast 700-meter-long stretch of Bellevue Beach is a nudist’s paradise. Here, it’s more about shots and beers than badminton and beach balls. Keep in mind that clothing is optional, so not everybody will partake in the nudity. However, since this is Denmark’s most popular beach, with around 500,000 annual visitors, we can only assume that a little nudity is part of the appeal. 

Much like France, the Balearic Islands also have a liberal attitude about nudity on beaches. Formentera, in particular, is a haven for nudists who take advantage of the fact that almost every single one of the island’s beaches is nude friendly. That said, Formentera is an excellent choice if you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring one or several nude beaches. Start at Playa de Migjorn, a beautiful spot with clear waters, white sand, and excellent snorkeling.  

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