Best Beaches For Nude Sunbathing Around The World

Models wearing Pour Moi swimwear

While our swimwear is always designed to make you feel fabulous as you hit the beach, we know there are plenty of reasons why you may choose to ditch your bikini or swimsuit, from enjoying some topless sunbathing to going full on nude as you soak up the sun. Whether it’s to avoid pesky tan lines, top up on that vitamin D, cool off with some skinny dipping or just to try something different, we know there are a whole host of reasons why you may enjoy going in the buff to the beach.  

Following on from our previous article which revealed the different rules around the world when it comes to nude sunbathing, we wanted to find out where in the world are the best beaches where you can enjoy sunbathing in the nude - if you’re a seasoned naturist or just fancy ditching the swimwear this summer.

The 20 best beaches for nude sunbathing around the world

While Europeans may be more known for their liberal ways and relaxed rules when it comes to heading to the beach without clothing, some of the best beaches for sunbathing without your swimwear can be found outside of Europe with the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and the Carribean all featuring in the top 20.  

Topping the list for best nude beaches is Haulover Beach Park in Miami, with the popular beach resort in South Florida attracting an abundance of beachgoers each year. Featuring gorgeous soft sands, clear waters and that warm Florida sunshine, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. It’s noted as being a livelier beach, so would be a great spot for those looking for more of a party vibe.  

In second place is Praia de Tambaba, the Brazilian beach provides a gorgeous haven for those looking to sunbathe in the nude. Known as being family friendly and very welcoming it’s the perfect place for those looking for a more relaxing day at the beach and who want to unwind and connect with local nature.  

Following in third place globally, and the best European destination overall, is Red Beach in Santorini. The Greek secluded beach offers naturists a slightly more private sunbathing experience, away from the masses. Whilst it does requite travellers to either hike to the beach or take a boat ride, the gorgeous views mean it’s worth the effort.  

Spanish beaches are a great destination for nude sunbathers, and appear four times in the top 20, with beaches in mainland Spain, Mallorca, Gran Canaria and Formentera all featuring. Playa de los Muertos, found on the Spanish mainland is the most popular Spanish nudist beach, and while it’s not the easiest beach to access, this helps maintain its peaceful but wild charm. 

Although Europe may not be home to the best beaches overall for nude sunbathing, it is home to the most, with over half (13) of the top 20 beaches located within Europe. With countries including Italy, Greece, Latvia, Germany and The Netherlands all featuring.

1. Haulover Beach Park – Miami, USA (Index score = 97/100)

This popular Miami beach is a hit with locals and tourists alike, with plenty to keep visitors entertained as they enjoy a day, or a lively evening at the beach. Whilst the beach welcomes those from all walks of life, it does have nude areas for those looking for a designated stretch of sand where they can ditch the swimwear. With the warm Florida weather usually a sure thing for sunshine, there’s usually a number of beachgoers enjoying some nude sunbathing at any given time.

2. Praia de Tambaba – Joao Pessoa, Brazil (Index score = 76/100)

This incredibly beautiful beach is open to all, with a clothing optional policy for those who wish to sunbathe in the buff. Whilst it isn’t the biggest nudist beach in the world, the dazzling waters look incredibly inviting and the white soft sand offers visitors the perfect place to lay down and bask in the sunshine as they soak up that vitamin D.

3. Red Beach – Santorini, Greece (Index score = 70/100)

This otherworldly looking beach is perfect for those looking for a little seclusion as they sunbathe topless or fully nude. The surreal red lava rocks are a stand out feature on the beach and offer a shelter as you sunbathe. There are also food options close by where you can indulge in some lunch whilst you momentarily take a break from soaking up the sun.

4. Patara Beach – Patara, Turkey (Index score = 69/100)

The longest beach on the Turkish Riviera, with over 18km of gorgeous soft sand and mesmerising waters to cool off in, the beach offers a beautiful escape for those looking to enjoy a taste of paradise. The beach is also home to a range of activities for people to enjoy, from horseback safari to surfing – so there's plenty to keep beach goers entertained should they need a break from sunbathing.

5. Playa de los Muertos – Almeria, Spain (Index score = 67/100)

Located in the Levante region, it’s known as the ‘entrance gate’ to Cabo de Gata-Níjar natural park, where you can find the best naturist beaches in Spain. With eye-catching pearly sands and gorgeous blue waters, this is one seriously stunning place to sunbathe (nude or not). Whilst the beach might not be the easiest to get to, it remains one of the most naturally beautiful beaches around so is well worth the effort. 

6. Playa Zipolite – Oaxaca, Mexico (Index score = 66/100)

The first and only nude beach in Mexico, Playa Zipolite provides beach goers a safe space to strip off and enjoy sunbathing in the buff as they laze around in the sun and enjoy the relaxed and fun vibe. Having been an unofficial nude beach for more than 30 years before gaining its official status in 2016, it is well known for its nudity and attracts plenty of naturists each year.   

7. Es Trenc – Mallorca, Spain (Index score = 64/100)

This stunning beach is extremely popular, with its calm shallow waters and dreamy white sands stretching for over two kilometres along the south of the island. The beach is well known for being a naturist beach, with those looking for the option to ditch their swimwear able to enjoy the stunning scenery and gorgeous waters towards the right-hand side. With the beach covering such a vast area, there’s plenty of beach for everyone to sunbathe exactly how they wish.

8. Praia do Abrico – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Index score = 63/100)

Currently the only beach that permits a bit of ‘in the buff’ beach-going in the city, it gives those looking to sunbathe nude a safe space to enjoy feeling free and connected with nature, whilst enjoying the stunning views across the bright blue waters. The rocks on the beach also have an element of privacy for those who might be new to nude sunbathing or want to shelter from the elements as they enjoy a siesta in the sun.

9. Banana Beach - Skiathos, Greece (Index score = 54.9/100)

If you’re looking to embrace the swimwear-less sunbathing, you’ll actually want to make your way to Little Banana Beach which is the dedicated nude area. There’ll you’ll find a quaint bay that is a popular spot and has gorgeous waters for a little skinny dip. There’s also a taverna nearby to you can try some Greek delicacies and have a refreshing tipple.

10. Paradise Beach – Mykonos, Greece (Index score = 54.7/100)

Aptly named Paradise Beach, this stretch of sand has a gorgeous view across the clear blue waters, perfect for cooling off after soaking up the sun for a few hours. The beach is also home to a restaurant and coffee shop, allowing sunbathers to find some cooling refreshments and much needed shade from the hot summer sun.

11. Piscinas Beach - Sardinia, Italy (Index score = 54.2/100)

This wild beach is backed by impressive dunes that can reach up to 60 metres high and is a haven for nature – both turtles and deer have been spotted on the sands. It’s also just as famed for being a popular nude beach, and is great if you want to enjoy the sunshine whilst getting back to nature.

12. Playa de Maspalomas - Gran Canaria, Spain (Index score = 54.1/100)

Plata de Maspalomas is a huge stretch of beach on the nearly-always-warm island of Gran Canaria, and it’s ideal for nude sunbathing beginners. The beach is split up into different sections, so you can pick depending on how you feel – are you looking for a secluded, calm area or something little more lively?

13. Vecaki Beach - Riga, Latvia (Index score = 53.6/100)

One of the most popular beaches in Riga, Vecaki Beach has golden sand and calm waters and has lovely bars and restaurants dotted along it. On the right-hand side of the beach you’ll find a lovely nudist area, where you can feel comfortable to try some topless or full nude beach fun.

14. Porto Ferro Beach - Sardinia, Italy (Index score = 53.5/100)

A gorgeous beach in the north-west of the island of Sardinia, Porto Ferro Beach has two small coves that are the official nudist areas where you can bare all freely. The turquoise sea and sandy shores are excellent quality, and the beach has a quiet but wild atmosphere.

15. Wannsee – Berlin, Germany (Index score = 52.8/100)

The beach lines the shores of Wannsee Lake in Berlin and is the perfect place to escape city life for a few hours. Opening in 1907, the beach stretches across an impressive 1,275 meters and is one of the largest inland lidos in Europe. Whilst the beach welcomes everyone, those looking to forgo swimwear should turn right on the beach to the designated naturist section.

16. Baker Beach - California, USA (Index score = 52.4/100)

Ever wanted to be sunbathing nude whilst enjoying one of the most iconic landmarks in the world? On Baker Beach in San Francisco, you can – it's got an excellent view of the Golden Gate Bridge so you can tick off a bucket list sight as well as enjoying some sun on your skin (clothing is very much optional!).

17. Playa de Ses Illetes - Formentera, Spain (Index score = 52.1/100)

This other-worldly beach on the island of Formentera has incredibly clear waters and soft, light sand that could be straight out of the Carribean. Its stunning views mean that it can get quite busy, but thankfully the quieter section to the north is also where you can try out the beach sans clothing.

18. Hanlan's Point Beach - Toronto Islands, Canada (Index score = 51.5/100)

A short ferry from the city of Toronto is Hanlan’s Point Beach, which has become a popular spot for locals to enjoy nature – without their swimwear! The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, so great for those trying out a spot of nudism. It’s a great place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city.

19. Rowy Beach – Poland (Index score = 51.2/100)

You may not think of Poland when you think of great beach destinations, but Rowy Beach is a lovely stretch of sand that backs onto dunes and a national park. In the summer temperatures can reach the mid to high 20s, which would be a perfect time to try out the popular nude section which is clearly signposted.

20. Playalinda Beach - Florida, USA (Index score = 50.7/100)

A beautifully unspoilt beach that shows Florida at its best, Playalinda Beach is a well-known clothing-optional spot and is full of both friendly regulars and tourists. It’s not super touristy, so don’t expect lots of restaurants or bars – just relax and enjoy the rugged nature of it all.

The rest of the top 50 beaches for nude sunbathing

Rank 

Beach 

Area 

Country 

Index score (/100) 

21 

Gunnison Beach 

New Jersey 

USA 

50.6 

22 

Winterton Dunes Nature Reserve 

Norfolk 

UK 

50.6 

23 

Cleat's Shore 

Isle of Arran, Scotland 

UK 

50.5 

24 

Zandvoort Beach 

N/A 

The Netherlands 

50.3 

25 

Hippie Hollow 

Texas 

USA 

50.3 

26 

Seven Mile Beach 

Negril 

Jamaica 

50.2 

27 

Pedn Vounder and Treen 

Cornwall 

UK 

50.2 

28 

Little Beach 

Maui, Hawaii 

USA 

50.1 

29 

Rhossili Bay 

Wales 

UK 

50.1 

30 

Wreck Beach 

Vancouver 

Canada 

49.9 

31 

Playa El Torn 

Tarragona 

Spain 

49.7 

32 

Cala Estreta  

Catalonia 

Spain 

49.7 

33 

Praia dos Alteirinhos 

Zambujeira  

Portugal 

49.5 

34 

Orient Beach 

N/A 

St Martin 

49.4 

35 

Secret Cove 

Nevada 

USA 

49.4 

36 

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve 

East Sussex 

UK 

49.3 

37 

Mirtiotissa Beach 

Corfu 

Greece 

49.2 

38 

Black's Beach 

La Jolla, California 

USA 

49.2 

39 

Playa Escondida 

N/A  

 

Argentina 

49.2 

40 

Kehena Black Sand Beach 

Hawaii 

USA 

49.1 

41 

Praia de Bela Vista 

Lisbon 

Portugal 

49.1 

42 

Mai Khao 

Phuket 

Thailand 

49.1 

43 

Massarandupio Beach 

Bahia 

Brazil 

49.1 

44 

Playa Luna 

Horcon 

Chile 

49.1 

45 

Euronat Beach 

N/A 

France 

48.7 

46 

Vrouwenpolder Beach 

N/A 

The Netherlands 

48.6 

47 

Nida Beach 

N/A 

Lithuania 

48.4 

48 

Collins Beach 

Oregon  

USA 

48.3 

49 

Moshup Beach 

Massachusetts 

USA 

48.2 

50 

Playa Suecas 

N/A 

Panama 

48.1 

Which nation wants to bare all on the beach the most?

Whether it’s looking for a beach to try nude sunbathing for the first time or for those more confident naturists looking for the best beach to go clothing free on their holiday, one thing is for sure – we're a curious bunch when it comes to naked sunbathing.   

To find out who around the world wants to bare all on the beach the most, we analysed Google searches for naked sunbathing in countries all around the world (cross referencing this with each country’s population size) to reveal where wants to ditch the bikini the most.  

The results reveal that Australians are the most curious when it comes to sunbathing in the buff, with those living in the southern hemisphere clearly intrigued about leaving their swimwear behind as they soak up that vitamin D. Following Aussies are New Zealanders, who are the second most inquisitive nation when it comes to ditching the swimmers.   

Ranking third is The Netherlands, which also features in the top 20 best nude beaches worldwide, so the Dutch will be pleased to know they don’t have to travel that far to experience one of the best naturist spots. Canada and Ireland follow in fourth and fifth place with residents looking for more ways they can connect with nature as they sunbathe.  

Both the United States of America and the United Kingdom feature in the top 10 most curious nations when it comes to sunbathing in the buff. Whilst UK beaches don’t quite make it into the top 20 best nude sunbathing beaches, there are five beaches with the top 50 – ranging from places like Norfolk, Cornwall and Wales. 

The top 20 countries searching for nude sunbathing the most

Rank 

Country 

Searches for ‘nude beach’ per year 

Population 

1 

Australia 

440,200 

26,461,166 

2 

New Zealand 

67,000 

5,109,702 

3 

Netherlands 

215,700 

17,463,930 

4 

Canada 

446,200 

38,516,736 

5 

Ireland 

60,400 

5,323,991 

6 

United States 

3797,000 

339,665,118 

7 

Spain 

487,100 

47,222,613 

8 

United Kingdom 

647,000 

68,138,484 

9 

Lithuania 

24,000 

2,655,755 

10 

Iceland 

3,060 

360,872 

11 

Uruguay 

21,100 

3,416,264 

12 

Chile 

105,700 

18,549,457 

13 

Latvia 

10,010 

1,821,750 

14 

Germany 

462,000 

84,220,184 

15 

Poland 

193,900 

37,991,766 

16 

Argentina 

218,000 

46,621,847 

17 

Italy 

280,600 

61,021,855 

18 

Brazil 

927,000 

218,689,757 

19 

Portugal 

42,900 

10,223,150 

20 

Belgium 

49,800 

11,913,633 

If this has left you inspired to try nude sunbathing, there are plenty of beautiful beaches you can visit all around the world where clothing is optional, and all visitors are welcome. However, if you don’t feel like sunbathing in the buff just yet, or just want to dip your toe into it with topless sunbathing, then sporting some beautiful swimwear at the beach can also leave you feeling just as exhilarated.

Methodology:

We compiled the top nude beaches list by researching a longlist of well-known nude beaches in every country around the world (where nude sunbathing is permitted) and then analysed Google review data to create an index score. This index score used average review score and number of reviews. 

The data for the countries who are searching for nude beaches the most was done by using the annual Google searches per year for the term ‘nude beach’ for every country in the world, and then cross referencing this with population size of each country.  

Data from Google Keyword Planner and correct as of May 2023.