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Clothing-optional beaches, naturist shores and nude-friendly stretches of sand offer a unique kind of freedom: the chance to embrace the sun, sea and sand in a more natural way. Over recent decades, many coastal destinations have recognised and welcomed this “bare‐as‐you-like” beach culture, either officially or by longstanding tradition. Sources such as travel & nudist-site lists confirm that some of the best nude beaches combine natural beauty + good infrastructure + a relaxed yet respectful environment.
In the list below I have selected 25 outstanding nude-beach destinations around the world, across continents, representing a mix of official naturist beaches and well-accepted nude-friendly zones. For each I provide location, what makes it special, practical info & tips.
(Always check current local laws and signage before going nude, respect others’ privacy, and follow naturist etiquette.)
1. Cap d’Agde Naturist Beach – France
Where: Mediterranean coast, southern France
Cap d’Agde is the world’s most famous naturist village: a whole mini-town where you can live, shop, dine and sunbathe nude. The beach itself is long and sandy, backed by apartments, campsites and beach clubs. It’s social, busy and unabashedly naturist – more “nudist city” than quiet cove.
2. Black’s Beach – San Diego, USA
Where: Below the Torrey Pines cliffs, La Jolla, California
Black’s is legendary in the US: a broad stretch of sand beneath dramatic golden cliffs, reached by a steep trail. It’s clothing-optional (especially the northern area), popular with surfers and hikers, and feels surprisingly wild for being next to a big city.
3. Zipolite Beach – Oaxaca, Mexico
Where: Pacific coast of southern Mexico
Zipolite is Mexico’s only legal nude beach, with a laid-back, bohemian vibe. Rustic cabanas, yoga classes and mezcal bars line the sand. Most of the main beach is clothing-optional, while a smaller cove, Playa del Amor, is almost entirely nude.
4. Vera Playa – Andalucía, Spain
Where: Almería province, south-eastern Spain
Vera Playa is one of Europe’s most established family-friendly naturist resorts. You’ll find apartments, hotels and restaurants where nudity is accepted, plus a long sandy beach with lifeguards and good facilities. The climate is dry and sunny for much of the year.
5. Es Cavallet – Ibiza, Spain
Where: South coast of Ibiza
Es Cavallet is an official nudist beach with white sand, dunes and beach clubs. It’s popular with both naturists and the LGBTQ+ community, mixing chill sunbathing with a stylish, social atmosphere.
6. Playa Tambaba – Paraíba, Brazil
Where: Near João Pessoa, north-eastern Brazil
Tambaba was Brazil’s first official nude beach. Framed by cliffs and tropical greenery, it has separate clothed and nude zones, warm water, and a relaxed but well-regulated naturist atmosphere.
7. Nida Nudist Beach – Lithuania
Where: Curonian Spit, Baltic coast
A long, windswept beach backed by pine forest and giant dunes. Nida’s nudist section feels remote and natural, with cooler water but stunning scenery and a very peaceful vibe.
8. Lady Bay (Lady Jane) Beach – Sydney, Australia
Where: Watsons Bay, Sydney Harbour
A tiny official nude beach tucked between rocky outcrops at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. You get views of the city skyline, clear water, and a friendly crowd – all a short ferry ride from downtown.
9. Uretiti Beach – Northland, New Zealand
Where: East coast of Northland
Uretiti is a huge open beach with a naturist-friendly section. There’s a DOC campground nearby, dunes, and miles of sand to walk – perfect if you like your nudity with plenty of space and fresh ocean wind.
10. Little Palm Beach – Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Where: A small cove near Palm Beach, Waiheke
Reached via a short coastal walk, Little Palm is a sheltered, clothing-optional bay. Locals treat it as naturist-friendly, and the combination of vineyard island + tiny nude cove makes it a fun day trip from Auckland.
11. Chihuahua Naturist Beach – Uruguay
Where: Near Punta del Este
Playa Naturista Chihuahua is a legal nude beach beside a low-rise resort area. Expect Atlantic waves, soft sand and a mix of local and international naturists. Summers (Dec–Feb) are warm and lively.
12. La Sirena Beach – Rocha, Uruguay
Where: Near Aguas Dulces
More low-key than Chihuahua, La Sirena is an official naturist area with sand dunes and a wild, quiet feel. There are few facilities, so it attracts people who prefer nature to nightlife.
13. Kandarola Beach – Rab Island, Croatia
Where: Island of Rab, northern Adriatic
Rab is historically important to naturism (King Edward VIII famously bathed nude here in the 1930s). Kandarola is a wooded, rocky-cove FKK beach with sunbathing terraces, clear water and boat access.
14. Playa de Vera / Naturist Zone – Spain
(Already counted as Vera Playa above, so here we highlight another Spanish spot instead.)
Alternative #14: Playa Ambolo – Costa Blanca, Spain
A small, rocky cove with turquoise water and steep access paths. Ambolo has a long tradition of nude bathing and feels intimate compared to big resort beaches.
15. Ses Illetes – Formentera, Spain
Where: Northern tip of Formentera
Often listed among the most beautiful beaches in Europe: pale sand, shallow turquoise sea and a sandbar that feels Caribbean. Nudity is widely accepted along the longer stretches of the beach.
16. Charco del Palo – Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Where: North-east Lanzarote
Charco del Palo is a dedicated naturist village with tidal pools and rocky coves instead of a single long beach. Many visitors stay nude throughout the day as they move between apartments, paths and the sea.
17. Playa de la Cantería – Lanzarote, Spain
Where: Near Órzola, north of Lanzarote
A dramatic volcanic-sand beach with strong surf and few people. It’s not officially naturist, but nudity is common, and the atmosphere is wild and remote.
18. Agesta Beach – Stockholm, Sweden
Where: Lake Magelungen, just south of Stockholm
A freshwater lake beach designated for naturists, with lawns, jetties, picnic tables and forest around. Summers are short but long-daylight; the rest of the year is for hardy locals only.
19. Karekare Beach – Auckland Region, New Zealand
Where: West coast, Waitākere Ranges
This black-sand surf beach, famous from “The Piano”, has a naturist-friendly community on its more remote parts. Sheer cliffs and big waves make it atmospheric but better for walking than casual swimming.
20. Playa Zipolite – Main Beach, Mexico
(Separate from Playa del Amor cove)
The main 1.5-km stretch of Zipolite is also clothing-optional, with cafés, hostels and bars right on the sand. It’s ideal if you want a social nude-beach town rather than a hidden strip of coastline.
21. Playa del Amor – Zipolite, Mexico
Where: Rocky cove at the south end of Zipolite
A small, horseshoe-shaped cove accessed over rocks. Almost everyone is nude here, and it’s popular with LGBTQ+ travellers. The small palapa bar adds to the chill, bohemian feel.
22. Lady’s Bay – St Heliers, Auckland, New Zealand
Where: Suburban Auckland
Carved into cliffs just east of the city, Lady’s Bay has long been a semi-official nude hangout. It’s convenient if you’re staying in Auckland and want a quick naturist escape without a long drive.
23. Plage de Tahiti – Saint-Tropez, France
Where: Pampelonne Bay, French Riviera
Once a playground of movie stars, this stretch of Pampelonne still allows topless and some nude sunbathing, especially toward less crowded sections. Expect chic beach clubs, clear water and a glamorous vibe.
24. Naxos / Alyko Area – Greece
Where: South-west coast of Naxos Island
In Greece, many quiet coves become “unofficial” nude spots. Around Alyko and Mikri Vigla on Naxos, dunes and small bays provide shelter and an easygoing attitude to clothing-optional sunbathing.
25. Red Beach – Crete, Greece
Where: Near Matala, southern Crete
Reached by a short hike over cliffs, Red Beach has reddish sand, clear water and a strong nude tradition. A small beach café serves drinks in high season, but outside that it feels quite wild and isolated.
Quick Naturist Etiquette Checklist
- Always read local signs – some sections are textile, some mixed, some strictly naturist.
- Bring a towel to sit on – it’s standard naturist hygiene.
- No photos of people without consent – especially important on nude beaches.
- Use strong sunscreen – parts of your skin that never see the sun can burn fast.
- Respect distances & personal space – don’t stare, don’t crowd, don’t pick spots right on top of others.