The Best Naturist Beaches in the World

Before we delve into a selection of idyllic, secluded, and pristine spots perfectly suited to this practice, do you know the difference between naturism and nudism? Naturism originated from hygienist concepts in the 18th century and advocates for life in the open air, sunbathing, and a healthy diet. This school of thought consequently contributes to the birth of heliotherapy and seaside tourism. Initially flourishing in the Protestant Scandinavian countries, it gained momentum in France with the Popular Front and later through the alternative movements of the 60s. A decade later, it appeared in advertising, indicating that it had become a mass practice (“Tomorrow, I’ll take off the bottom,” Myriam’s poster reads). At that point, it became confused with nudism and lost its activist aspect. In the context of environmental protection and sustainable development from the 90s onwards, naturism developed its own tourist structures. Nonetheless, it seeks to remind us of its founding principles with the motto: “We are not sunbathing factories”!

I now propose a tour of the naturist and mixed beaches across the globe, starting with the Isle of Beauty.

North of the Marine de Bravone, Upper-Corsica unfolds treasures reminiscent of these beaches…

• Linguizzetta facing directly East with its shaded back-beach and its coves.
• Chiosura, a mixed and family-friendly secluded beach lined with eucalyptus and scrubland
• Bagheera, the wild one much loved by nature enthusiasts

In Bonifacio:

• Stagnolu, protected by a dune cord which forms an anchoring zone. Be careful, the depths drop quite quickly, so it is suitable for good swimmers!

• Valalta located 7 km from Rovinj. Renowned for its spectacular sunsets, it features a seawater pool and a floating amusement park!
• Koversada in the Istrian Peninsula. This is the first nudist center founded in Europe. The beach is connected to a small island reserved for tents. It's one of the most beautiful sites in Croatia.

• Grande Saline (Saint Barts) with its fine sand and its sublime restaurant l’Esprit. It offers very beautiful sea beds, one of the few beaches that tolerates naturism!

• La Jolla (San Diego) bordered by the Pacific and dominated by the cliffs of Torrey Pines. One of the most famous nudist beaches in the United States. You will be amazed!

• Red Beach, a beach with ochre sand that is well-deserved; one must either climb a hill but what a view of the Great Blue! A gem in Crete.

• Spiaggia di Guvano, the primitive, located in the Natural Park of the Cinque Terre, one of the most beautiful sites in Italy. It is accessible by a railway tunnel or by boat.

Fuerteventura or the Island of Eternal Spring

• Corralejo for its endless expanses of sand, hammocks, and parasols.
• Cala del Cotillo and its fishing village. Due to its horseshoe shape and small circular stone walls, it offers a permanent low tide!

Gran Canaria

• Maspalomas and its ever-changing spectacle of dunes. It's indeed the Sahara that pushes its horn here.

Lanzarote or the lunar landscape

• Playa Guacimeta remains sunny all year round. White sand and warm sea guaranteed!

Tenerife

• At the foot of Montana Roja with a hippie vibe and a small snack bar nearby.
• Playa de las Gaviotas (the seagulls) in the Northwest of Santa Cruz, breathtaking.

Island of La Gomera

• Playa de la Calera, a lost paradise in the middle of banana plantations.
• Playa del Ingles for its stunning sunsets.

Levant Islands

• Grottes Beach. Protected from the winds by its cove, the place is 100% nudist. People have been sailing along the coasts of this island by boat for thousands of years!

Côte d'Armor Island

• Lourtuais Beach. Made up of pink sandstone, moor, and heather, it features 2 attractions: the Hermitage cave and the Gargantua rock.

Oléron Island

• Saumonards Beach, accessible by crossing a maritime pine forest on foot or by bike, it overlooks Fort Boyard.