Europe stands out as a premier destination for naturists seeking a blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and welcoming clothing-optional travel options. From budget-friendly naturist resorts and affordable camping sites to renowned nude beach destinations, the continent offers something for every naturist traveler in 2025.
Despite its rich history, the question arises: which European country is the best for nudists in terms of the number and quality of beaches and its overall nudist offering?
This article explores the evolution of European naturism and highlights the best naturist vacation opportunities, helping you plan a fulfilling and accessible clothing-optional getaway.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Germany, as the birthplace of nudism in Europe and the world, is the country with the highest number of naturist clubs today
- Croatia leads in the number of naturist beaches, both official and wild, thanks to its rich naturist history and numerous islands
- Portugal is an emerging naturist destination you should not miss.
- France is the most developed in terms of naturist offerings and is the best naturist destination
Naturism in Europe has a fascinating history that dates back over a century, deeply rooted in movements for health and natural living. This early German naturist culture, known as Freikörperkultur (FKK), was influenced by doctors, philosophers, and health reformers who promoted naturism as a way to improve physical and mental well-being.
The movement quickly spread throughout Europe. By the 1920s, clubs had formed in France, Britain, and beyond – each developing its unique approach to social nudity.
Today, European naturism strikes a balance between tradition and modern values, emphasizing health benefits, natural living, and family values. For those interested, exploring places like Kandarola Beach offers a glimpse into this proud heritage and ongoing naturist culture.
Top European Countries for Naturist Vacations
For the purposes of this article, we have selected the five most popular and well-known countries that lead in naturist offerings: France, Spain, Croatia, Germany, and Portugal. It was very hard to leave out the United Kingdom, Italy, and other countries from the list, but we had to stop at five.
Let’s take a look at what each of these destinations has to offer and what makes them famous.
No.1: France – The Best Country For Nudists In Europe
France stands as Europe’s leading destination for naturism, with a rich tradition of nude beaches, resorts, and a progressive attitude towards naturism that dates back to the 1920s.
With over 80 naturist centers, 180 clubs, and countless nude beaches along its stunning coastlines, France welcomes over 1.5 million naturist visitors annually.
France offers a variety of naturist experiences that blend natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. Whether you’re seeking lively resorts, tranquil beaches, or family-friendly environments, France provides a comprehensive and welcoming landscape for naturists of all preferences.
Top 5 Nudist Beaches:
• Cap d’Agde (world’s largest naturist resort)
• Euronat (Europe’s largest naturist campsite on the Atlantic coast)
Top 2 Nudist Clubs:
• Club Naturiste du Cap d’Agde (private social club in the “Naked City”)
• Centre Hélio-Marin (CHM) Montalivet (family-friendly historic naturist center)
Top Rated Naturist Accommodation:
• Oz’Inn Hôtel & Spa, Cap d’Agde (luxury hotel with direct beach access)
• Naturist Hotel Peyraille (peaceful countryside guesthouse)
• Euronat Village Naturiste (large naturist campsite with full facilities)
Nearest Airports and Travel Options:
• Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport
Recommended travel: car rental for flexibility; public transport and organized naturist tours available
Why Is France A Great Naturist Destination?
France’s naturism is distinguished by its long history since the 1920s, strong legal and cultural support, established naturist clubs and centers, and a holistic approach integrating health, nature, and community.
The French Naturist Federation fosters a family-friendly, respectful environment focused on body acceptance and harmony with nature.
With a temperate climate and diverse coastlines, France offers ideal settings for families, solo travelers, luxury seekers, and nature lovers alike.
No.2: Spain – Year-round climate and diverse nudist beaches
Spain pairs a liberal legal stance on public nudity with more than 400 officially recognised naturist beaches, purpose-built resorts and a sunny climate stretches bathing season well beyond summer.
From the dune seas of the Canaries to pine-fringed Mediterranean coves, every kind of naturist traveller finds a welcoming corner here.
Top 5 Nudist Beaches:
• Vera Playa, Almería – Europe’s largest dedicated naturist urbanisation, 2 km of golden sand
• Maspalomas Dunes, Gran Canaria – vast Sahara-like dunes with signed nude zone by Kiosk 4
• El Torn, Tarragona – wild Blue-Flag beach backed by pine forest and naturist campsite
• Es Trenc, Mallorca – Caribbean-style 3 km strand with established clothing-optional sections
• Platja de l’Illa Roja, Costa Brava – postcard cove dominated by a red rock islet, reached via coastal path
Top 2 Nudist Clubs:
• Costa Natura Naturist Resort, Estepona – Spain’s first official naturist village (200 apartments, heated pool, beachfront chiringuito, family-friendly vibe),
• El Portús Naturist Village, Cartagena – 100-ha hillside resort with beach cove, wellness centre, indoor & outdoor pools, year-round activities
Top Rated Naturist Accommodation:
• Vera Playa Club Hotel (4★), Vera – mainland Spain’s only full-service naturist hotel; lagoon pool, jacuzzis, daily entertainment, direct beach gate
• Finca Robusto Naturist B&B, Jávea – adults-only hillside finca with heated pool, Mediterranean gardens and panoramic Costa Blanca views
• Camping El Portús, Murcia – terraced seaside campground offering pitches, bungalows and apartments plus spa, tennis and dive school
Nearest Airports and Travel Options:
• Almería (LEI) – 1 h to Vera Playa; seasonal bus, taxis, easiest by car hire
• Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) – 1 h 15 m to Costa Natura via A-7; direct airport coach to Estepona then taxi
• Barcelona (BCN) – 1 h 30 m drive or train+bus combo to El Torn (L’Hospitalet de l’Infant)
• Palma de Mallorca (PMI) – 45 m shuttle or rental car to Es Trenc beach parking
• Gran Canaria (LPA) – 25 m bus or taxi to Maspalomas Lighthouse, then beach walk through dunes
Car hire remains the most flexible option nationwide; long-distance buses and inexpensive rail links work well between coastal hubs.
Why Is Spain A Great Naturist Destination?
A unique mix of permissive legislation, more than 40 years of organised naturism and exceptional geographic variety lets visitors sunbathe nude on Atlantic, Mediterranean or subtropical Canary shores in the same trip. Dedicated resorts such as Costa Natura and Vera Playa offer fully clothed-free daily living, while hundreds of free public beaches invite spontaneous skinny-dips.
Combined with renowned Spanish hospitality, affordable transport and a climate that delivers 300+ sunny days on many coasts, Spain stands out as an all-season haven for couples, families, solo explorers and winter-sun seekers alike
No.3: Germany – Pioneer of organized naturism with budget-friendly options
Germany stands as the birthplace of modern naturism with its deeply rooted Freikörperkultur (FKK) movement, offering an unparalleled naturist experience that combines rich cultural tradition with diverse landscapes.
From Baltic Sea beaches to alpine lakes and sophisticated urban spas, Germany provides the most authentic naturist culture in Europe, where nudity is viewed as natural, healthy, and completely non-sexual.
Top 5 Nudist Beaches:
• Buhne 16 and Kampen, Sylt (Germany’s first official naturist beach from 1920)
• Ording Nord, Sankt Peter-Ording (expansive North Sea coast with dunes and sandbanks)
• Strandbad Wannsee, Berlin (Europe’s longest inland beach with a dedicated FKK zone)
• Flaucher, Munich (Isar River beach popular with the LGBTQ+ community)
• Müggelsee, Berlin (retro lido with large naturist area and free admission)
Top Nudist Clubs:
• FKK-Sportpark Sonnland, Freiburg (family-oriented 4-hectare camping park with swimming pool, sauna, and year-round activities)
Top Rated Naturist Accommodation:
• Vabali Spa Berlin (luxury Balinese-style clothing-optional wellness resort with 13 saunas, multiple pools, and accommodation options)
• Hotel Eifelsteig, Roetgen (naturist spa center with 7 saunas and 5 swimming pools including saltwater pool)
Nearest Airports and Travel Options:
• Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
• Munich International Airport (MUC)
• Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS)
Recommended travel: Germany’s excellent train network (ICE/IC) connects major cities efficiently; car rental provides flexibility for reaching coastal and lake destinations
Why Is Germany A Great Naturist Destination?
Germany’s naturism is distinguished by its 130-year history as the birthplace of the Freikörperkultur movement, which emerged from the late 19th-century Lebensreform social movement promoting health, equality, and connection with nature.
Unlike other countries, German FKK is deeply philosophical, viewing nudity as liberation from industrial society’s constraints and promoting body acceptance across all ages and social classes.
Germany’s unique sauna culture, where mixed-gender nudity is completely normal and non-sexual, extends FKK beyond beaches into urban wellness centers.
With over 200 naturist clubs, extensive legal protections, and integration into mainstream society – including naturist hiking trails in the Harz mountains and urban nude sunbathing areas in major cities – Germany offers the world’s most comprehensive and culturally accepted naturist infrastructure
No.4: Croatia – Stunning Adriatic coastlines and naturist campsites
Croatia stands as Europe’s premier naturist destination, celebrated for its rich tradition of naturism dating back to 1936 and boasting an impressive collection of over 30 official naturist beaches and resorts.
Known as one of the first countries to embrace organized naturist tourism, Croatia offers a unique combination of stunning Adriatic coastlines, progressive naturist culture, and world-class facilities that attract thousands of international visitors annually.
From the historic birthplace of modern Adriatic naturism on Rab Island to the extensive naturist villages in Istria, Croatia provides diverse experiences for naturists seeking both authentic tradition and modern amenities.
Top 5 Nudist Beaches:
• Koversada Beach, Vrsar (Europe’s oldest commercial naturist campsite with 1.5km coastline)
• Kandarola Beach, Rab Island (Croatia’s oldest naturist beach, established 1936 by King Edward VIII)
• Jerolim Island, near Hvar (dedicated naturist island declared 5th best travel destination by Lonely Planet)
• Sahara Beach, Rab Island (famous golden sand naturist beach in Lopar peninsula)
• Solaris Beach, Poreč (2.5km Blue Flag naturist beach with comprehensive resort facilities)
Top Nudist Clubs/Resorts:
• Koversada Naturist Park, Vrsar (Europe’s first commercial naturist resort established 1961, spanning 60 hectares with complete naturist village)
• Valalta Naturist Camp, Rovinj (4km beachfront naturist resort with marina, awarded ADAC Superplatz recognition)
Top Rated Naturist Accommodation:
• Maistra Select Koversada Naturist Apartments, Vrsar (luxury naturist apartments overlooking Lim Channel)
• Camp Baldarin, Cres Island (award-winning eco-friendly naturist campsite with glamping options)
• FKK Solaris Camping Resort, Poreč (comprehensive naturist resort with hotels, apartments, and camping)
Nearest Airports and Travel Options:
• Pula Airport (PUY) – 45 minutes to Koversada, direct bus service available
• Zagreb Airport (ZAG) – 264km to Poreč, train and bus connections
• Rijeka/Krk Airport (RJK) – 27km to Bunculuka naturist camp
• Split Airport (SPU) – 5+ hours to Istrian naturist destinations, multiple transfer options
Recommended travel: car rental for maximum flexibility; regular bus services connect airports to major naturist destinations
Why Is Croatia A Great Naturist Destination?
Croatia’s naturism is distinguished by its pioneering role in European naturist tourism, beginning with King Edward VIII’s famous nude swim at Kandarola Beach in 1936. The country’s naturist culture emphasizes authentic traditions, environmental harmony, and family-friendly values rather than commercialization.
With its unique FKK heritage inherited from German naturist movements, Croatia offers the world’s oldest commercial naturist resort (Koversada) and maintains strong legal protections for naturist activities.
The combination of over 1,700 kilometers of pristine Adriatic coastline, more than 300 sunny days annually, and deeply rooted cultural acceptance creates an ideal environment for naturists of all backgrounds.
Croatia’s naturist destinations cater perfectly to families seeking authentic experiences, couples wanting romantic getaways, solo travelers looking for community, and nature lovers drawn to unspoiled Mediterranean landscapes and crystal-clear waters.
No.5: Portugal – Emerging destination with competitive pricing
Portugal has quietly emerged as one of Europe’s most attractive and affordable naturist destinations, combining centuries-old acceptance with a remarkable commitment to coastal preservation and competitive travel costs.
With its stunning Atlantic coastline stretching over 1,000 kilometers, warm Mediterranean-influenced climate, and growing naturist infrastructure, Portugal offers exceptional value for naturist travelers seeking authentic European experiences without the premium prices of neighboring countries.
Top 5 Nudist Beaches:
• Praia do Meco, Sesimbra (Portugal’s first official naturist beach, authentic local atmosphere)
• Praia da Bela Vista, Almada (pioneering official nude beach, LGBTQ+ friendly near Lisbon)
• Praia do Homem Nu, Tavira (classic “Beach of the Naked Man” on pristine island)
• Praia das Adegas, Odeceixe (dramatic cliffs where Alentejo meets Algarve)
• Ilha Deserta/Barreta, Faro (untouched island paradise accessible by ferry)
Top Nudist Clubs/Resorts:
• Portuguese Naturist Federation (FPN) – National coordinating body with four affiliated clubs promoting family-friendly naturism since 1977
• Naturist Club of the Centre – Founded 1988, oldest representative club focusing on traditional naturist values and community building
Top Rated Naturist Accommodation:
• Vilapura – Naturism, Tavira (luxury adults-only B&B with outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and gourmet dining)
• Terra Nua Naturist Camping Site, Messejana (family-oriented 30-pitch campsite with pool, bar, and authentic Alentejo atmosphere)
• Samonatura, São Luís (eco-friendly hillside accommodations with Atlantic views and multiple cottage options)
Nearest Airports and Travel Options:
• Lisbon Airport (LIS) – Portugal’s largest hub, 40km from Meco and Costa da Caparica beaches
• Faro Airport (FAO) – Algarve gateway, 10km from city center, ferry access to Ilha Deserta
• Porto Airport (OPO) – Northern Portugal access
Excellent train network connects major cities affordably; regional buses reach smaller coastal towns; car rental highly recommended for beach hopping and rural accommodations
Why Is Potrugal A Great Naturist Destination?
Portugal’s emerging naturist scene is distinguished by its exceptional value proposition, offering Western Europe‘s lowest cost of living where couples can live comfortably on €2,000-3,000 monthly.
The country provides authentic naturist experiences at prices 36% lower than UK averages and significantly less than other European destinations.
With naturism dating back to the 1920s, Portugal combines historical acceptance with modern affordability – from budget-friendly accommodations starting at €60 per night to dining costs far below European averages.
The Portuguese Naturist Federation‘s four decades of legal advocacy has created a secure framework for naturist tourism, while the country’s strategic Atlantic location provides 300+ sunny days annually and pristine beaches free from over-commercialization.
Portugal’s naturist destinations particularly appeal to budget-conscious travelers, first-time naturists seeking a welcoming introduction, couples wanting romantic coastal escapes, and anyone seeking authentic European naturist culture without premium pricing.
Conslusion
The Best Naturist Country In Europe Is – France!
France is the best naturist country in Europe thanks to its developed infrastructure, strong legal protections, and deep cultural acceptance. It attracts the highest number of naturist visitors, offers a wide variety of beaches and accommodations, and is globally recognized as a leader in naturist tourism.
According to naturists themselves, France remains the top nudist destination, despite the many attractions offered by other countries.
Croatia boasts a rich nudist tradition and stunning natural beauty, but in some areas, we still lag behind. If we want to further improve our nudist tourism and offer an even better experience to millions of guests, we need to learn from the best.
We hope Croatia will recognize this potential and move toward the development of a modern and open naturist tourism model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes France the best naturist country in Europe?
France offers the most extensive naturist infrastructure, legal protections, and cultural acceptance. It has world-famous resorts like Cap d’Agde, hundreds of nude beaches, and a long-standing naturist tradition.
Is Croatia still a good choice for a naturist holiday?
Yes! Croatia has a rich naturist history, beautiful Adriatic beaches, and many well-equipped FKK campsites. While not as developed as France, it remains one of the top naturist-friendly countries in Europe.
Can I travel on a budget as a naturist in Europe?
Absolutely. Countries like Germany and Croatia offer affordable naturist camping, while Portugal is emerging as a great low-cost option with growing infrastructure.
What should I pack for a nude beach or naturist resort?
Essentials include a towel (for hygiene), sunscreen, water, sandals, a sunhat, and possibly a sarong or light wrap for moving between nude and textile areas. Check out our ultimate packing list and best nude beach accessories!
Is naturism accepted everywhere in these countries?
No – while naturism is legal and accepted in many areas, it’s important to visit designated FKK zones or resorts. Respect local rules and signage to ensure a positive experience.
Dino Jurešić is one of the hosts of the FKK beach Kandarola in Croatia and an active promoter of naturism in the region. He had his first encounter with naturism at the age of seven when he actively joined the nudist community at Kandarola Beach. He has spent almost his entire life growing up on the nudist beach, gaining experience and building connections. He regularly writes for the Kandarola blog and is involved in networking within the nudist community.