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!
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Sunbathing nude
I went topless at a beach in Nice, France. I thought it would be cool to do as the locals were doing. Well, what wasn't cool was that I got a terrible sunburn. Allowing the sun to hit parts of your body that are never exposed requires a lot of sunscreen. And remember to reapply it after sweating or swimming.
Stephanie
Narragansett, RI USA 08/05/2012
Guvano Beach, Cinque Terre
For those interested in this beach, which Rick mentions in his guidebook, here's an update as of July, 2010:
1. The tunnel is not "dimly lit," but pitch black and impossible to walk through without a flashlight or two.
2. The gate is no longer closed, so you don't have to ring to have the door opened.
3. Don't have to pay anymore (maybe because the gate is now open permanently).
4. The beach is indeed mostly male (we went three days in a row and the ratio of males to females was about 3 to 1 or 4 to 1 each time)
5. On the weekend, it can get quite crowded both on the beach and in the water, with many boaters coming into the cove and anchoring just off-shore.
G
Los Angeles, CA USA 07/08/2010
Nude Beaches Europe
I looked at email on nudeisum europe lots from Ca.where there are lots of free and safe Nude Beaches up the cost.You have to hike and find them just like over sea,s or in the know from books,friends.Italy girls and boys watch out for lookie lose binnoculers,thieves,don-whon wanta be,s.Resorts are safer lots of germans.
William A. Stewart
Jacksonville, FL. USA 06/28/2010
Nude Beaches Europe
I am going to Is.capri Italy this summer.Nude Beach Via Kuppa,long walking trail south down cliff face if open after three years,had a land slid there closed walk for survay safty.Also Via Appia 7 north from Napolie Geata,Sporlanga costal town all white on cliff near museum grotto,and Terrachino.My spelling not the best.Don,t leave your stuff in car pay the man with the white Hat that looks after packing lot.
William A. Stewart
Jacksonville, FL. USA 06/28/2010
Lovebugbill
Just sat here and read all the Emails.Whats with France,there are other countries.Glad to see all the open mined travelers in the nude but most plases I just wear my speedos.Not like here in Fl. where they think your Gay.I,m getting older and starting to become ah-where of my gray hair,TIME.Wish I,d of known about Nude beaches when I lived in Europe in the 80,s and I was a Tarzan fane as a kid.Don,t get burned like alot of Germans leather skin is not Cool.Have Fun Take Care and be Safe.
William A. Stewart
Jacksonville, FL. USA 06/28/2010
topless in France
While in Biarritz, France last year, many women were topless. I was very tempted to join in, but I feared the sunburn on parts that have never seen the sun before. I observed how some women would not swim topless, and would not sit with their male friends topless. One woman sat with her friends, chatting on her phone, and smoking a cigarette, all topless. The beaches were beautiful, I the water was gentle. Very family friendly, and I did not see any nude men.
trekker
Oakland, ca USA 05/17/2010
Not personally topless in Cannes
My sister and I were in Cannes in July 2007 with my 14-year-old son, and we discovered that the beach was topless as we set up our towels. We didn't participate (I wear a one-piece, anyway), but we also didn't make a big deal out of it. People of all ages, shapes, and sizes were enjoying the sun. I think my son was embarrassed, as he immediately became very focused on digging a big hole and building a sand castle next to it - but that's exactly what he would have done at the beach at home! We took turns swimming so someone could stay with our stuff at all times - and no, we didn't wear our money belts with our swimsuits!
Wendy
Orange, CA USA 03/28/2010