Europe is the spiritual home of naturism, offering some of the world’s best public nude beaches. Whether you’re looking for wild coves in Scotland, island hideaways in Greece, or the long naturist traditions of Germany, the continent is rich in destinations where clothing is optional. This round-up of nude beaches of Europe will help you find the best spots to embrace naturism.
Southern Europe: Sun-Soaked Naturist Havens
Italy is a favourite for travellers seeking naturism with culture. Spiagge naturiste such as Capocotta near Rome or the golden sands of Sardinia’s Piscinas Dunes are among the best nude beaches in Italy. For more, see our dedicated guide to nude Italian beaches.
Greece offers hidden treasures, with Kefalonia nude beaches like Myrtos and Xi catering to naturists in secluded corners. Rhodes also has its own naturist-friendly stretches, detailed in our guide to the best Rhodes nude beach.
Spain and Portugal boast some of Europe’s most famous public nude beaches. Vera Playa in Andalusia and Sitges near Barcelona are naturist hubs, while Praia do Meco in Portugal remains a beloved destination for Lisbon locals.
Northern and Western Europe: Wild and Cultural
France is home to Cap d’Agde, the world’s largest naturist resort, as well as stunning nude beaches in Corsica. Germany, with its FKK tradition, remains one of the most open societies for naturism, with Sylt and Berlin’s lakes considered among the best nude beaches in Europe.
The UK may not be the warmest destination, but Scotland nude beaches such as Cleat’s Shore offer wild, dramatic landscapes for naturist adventurers. Norfolk, Kent, and Devon also have their own public nude beaches, making the UK an underrated destination for naturism.
Etiquette at Nude Beaches of Europe
While rules vary, the etiquette is consistent: bring a towel, respect others’ privacy, and avoid intrusive behaviour. Many nude beaches in Europe are social places, where volleyball, swimming, or simply enjoying the sun are part of the experience. In southern countries like Spain and Brazil, nude beach volleyball is a particularly popular pastime, mixing fitness with freedom.
Cross-Referencing Naturist Adventures
If you’ve enjoyed exploring nude beaches in Europe, you might also be tempted by a Malta nude beach for a smaller island experience, or venture further afield to Brazil nude beaches, where the naturist scene is lively and volleyball on the sand is part of the culture. For those closer to home, our guide to the best nude beach in the UK showcases the diversity of naturism even in cooler climates.