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Nude Beaches — All the Skinny

Europeans are great sun-worshippers — and they seem to worship the sun best in their birthday suits. Nude and topless beaches and parks abound...so sooner or later you'll find yourself surrounded by naked Europeans. We'd love to hear your advice: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"...or maintain your American modesty? Where exactly do you put a moneybelt when you have nothing else on? And of course, we want to know where your favorite nude or topless beaches in Europe are!

I want to add my comments! 

A surprise in Barcelona
While I was in highschool I spent a few days in Barcelona. Our tour guide recommended we explore Las Ramblas and told us there was a public beach at the end of the street. When we arrived at the beach we quickly realized that bathing suit tops are optional in Spain. It was a very "welcome to Europe" moment. Thankfully, everyone in my group was very mature and we had a good time, even though the beach was very crowded. I remember that experience fondly every time I see the pictures we took. Thank goodness we didn't seem to get anyone from the front!
Lindsey
Lakeland, FL  USA   10/26/2009

Nude Beaches
There is a nudist area in the Englischer Garden in Munich, only about 5 minutes walk behind the Haus der Kunst.It is, as far as I know, unofficial, but tolerated. If you can't find it,just ask the locals.
Taff
Munich, Germany   10/22/2009

Nude Beaches
Desperate to find a beach near Vernazza, we followed a small sign that said beach this way, with all four kids in tow we followed the very narrow and slippery path straight down to what turned out to be a nude beach, luckily there were only three men there and it was easy to yell out "Overt the eyes" to my children. The kids all giggled and thought it was a very strange experience, it gave us all something to laugh and talk about later! We all realized however that we are very american and not ready to run free, maybe some day!
E. Knobloch
Auburn, WA  USA   10/13/2009

nude resort license if you are single
Apparently, at some French nude resorts, you have to have a license/permit if you are a solo traveler. I was at Cap,dagde in France several years ago and this was never required of me. I wish I had known in advance.
TJL
Seattle, WA  USA   09/04/2009

nude beach
from roma termini by metro B , stop piramide n change train to ostia mare, n get down at the last stop n by bus no:7 reach the complete n peaceful nude beach of rome
cappocotta <email>
rome, lazio  italy   07/22/2009

Guvano beach in Cinque Terre
Spiaggia Guvano, the "Naturist Beach" near Corniglia in Cinque Terre has become much harder to visit then described in the guide books. The tunnel for easy access has now been closed and it is a rigorous 45 min. hike/climb from town. Allow 1 hour for the return trip to the train station. Beautiful beach, we shared it with only 6-10 others but not worth the climb.
Stefano
Napoli, CA  Italy   07/21/2009

Nude Beaches
In Spain all beaches are topless friendly, there are however designated nude beaches. My favorite is Praia do Vilar in A Coruna, Galicia. It is a large beach/natural preserve...half of it is clothed and the other half is clothing optioinal. You'll know when you have gotten to the clothing optional area. It is an absolutely beautiful beach and I have seen many beaches thru out the world. Enjoy.
Cris
Galicia, Spain   04/21/2009

nudist beaches
There is a free nudism beach not far from Lisbon, when you go to Setubal and Sesimbra fishing villages: it is called PRAIA DO MECO and it is rather well known among Portuguese nudists. In the Algarve there is PRAIA DO BELICHE, near Sagres. Both are not crouded at all.
Maria Ingwall (portuguese in Canada) <email>
Lewiston, N.Y.  USA   03/05/2009

Come to Palinuro in Salerno Italy
PALINURO, on southern Italy's west coast of cilento (just south of the amalfi coast). Clothing is always optional Palinuro enjoys the rare "Bandiera Blu" designation meaning it is one of the cleanest beaches in all of Europe (read about the Bandiera Blu or Blue Programme Beaches). It is also part of the National Park of Cilento & Diano Valley. It sports 6 water caves, diving fishing etc!
Carie <email>
SaLerNo, National Park of Cilento Italy, SA  USA   02/19/2009