The Best Nudist Beaches In The World

Nudist beaches are not everybody's cup of tea but are becoming increasingly popular around the world. If you fancy a day by the sea but can't be bothered to think about what to wear, check out this list of some of the best nudist beaches in the world.

Cap d'Agde, France

Not so much a nudist beach as a nudist town, Cap d'Agde is known as the "naked city". Located west of France's Côte d'Azur on the Mediterranean it the place to go if you want to shop or eat out without putting on a shirt. The beach itself is three miles long and boasts a festive atmosphere only slightly dented by the occasional non-nudist starer. Up to 40,000 nudists descend on Cap d'Agde during the summer months.

Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain

Three miles of golden and and blue water backed sand dunes, Maspalomas beach on Gran Canaria is as close to sunbathing in the Sahara as most nudists are going to get. The central section of the beach mid way between Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles resorts is nudist and there is even a signposted gay nudist area (look for the snack shop with the rainbow flag). Maspalomas attracts all types and ages of nudists and is large enough for bashful first times to find a dune of their own. There are a number of other nudist beaches on the island.

Playas Grandes, Fuerteventura, Spain

Just south of Corralejos town in Fuerteventura, Playas Grandes is series of white, sandy beaches inside a national park. Some are so small you can hardly spread a towel while others stretch out for miles. All the beaches are nudist but you don't have to bare all to enjoy them nd many are also used by windsurfers and kite surfers. Fuerteventura is a windy island and savvy nudists arrive early to bag one of the semicircular stone shelters that have sprung up on the beaches. Being in the Canary Islands, both Playas Grandes and Maspalomas get more sunshine hours than anywhere else on Earth and are year round nudist destinations.

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum used to be the laid back backpacker hangout famous for its cheap beach cabañas and its gorgeous clifftop pyramids. Now it has started to go upmarket with spas and luxury lodges stretching out down the long, Caribbean beach. Nudism is perfectly acceptable all along the beach although you may have to put some trunks on to eat in any of the restaurants and bars.

Playa d'Es Cavallet, Ibiza, Spain

Tha largest nudist beach on Ibiza, Playa d'Es Cavallet is broad and backed by dunes. The atmosphere is lively with plenty of bars, restaurants and music and there always seems to be a game of beach volleyball going on somewhere (what is it with nudists and volleyball?). The northern end of the beach is best for families while the southern end caters to the gay crowd. The centre is straight and the dunes allow for privacy.

Swanbourne Beach, Perth, Australia

Swanbourne is home to the annual Nude Beach Olympics featuring beach volleyball (of course), tug-of-wars and three-legged races, all, of course, in the nude. Australians don't take likely to starers so nudism is pretty much obligatory in the nudist section of Swanbourne beach. The nudist bit is on army land so don't wander too far back off the beaten track or you might have to explain yourself to the soldiers.

Valalta, Croatia

Just few miles from Rovinj and 60 miles from Trieste, Valalta beach sits on the Istrian Peninsula and is lined, Mediterranean style, with olive groves and vineyards. The beach itself is two miles long with several secluded coves and rocky areas that are more private. The beach is also home to the best nudist campsite in Croatia.

Orient Bay, St Martin, Caribbean

A classic Caribbean beach, white sand Orient Bay is a mile long with beautiful blue green water. There is a nudist or naturist resort at the southern end of the bay and nudists congregate around it. The beach, actually five beaches in a row, is a great water sport and snorkeling spot and you can even go on a nudist day cruise. Orient Bay is the only nudist beach on St Martin (or St Maarten) Island and one of the few public access nudist beaches in the Caribbean.

Haulover Beach, Miami, Florida

Just north of Miami, Haulover Beach has an 800 yard partitioned nudist area and boasts year round sunshine as well as lifeguards and police patrols (so no pickpockets then!). Haulover Beach comes alive every year in July during National Nude Week. Expect a gay and lesbian crowd with parades, live music and plenty of dancing.

Wreck Beach, Vancouver, Canada

Five mile Wreck Beach was Canada's first nudist beach and now attracts over 500,00 people per year. Situated at the mouth of the Frasier River and backed by white cliffs and green forest it is a spectacular, if seasonal treat for nudists. It is long enough to have both quiet areas and more lively sections with bars and restaurants.