This summer, we had the special opportunity to welcome Matt and Megan at Kandarola Beach, a lovely couple from Canada behind the project NudeBeachMap (nudebeachmap.com).
Matt and Megan are travel enthusiasts, writers, nudists, parents, and adventurers who explore nudist beaches around the world and make it easier for the rest of us to find them through their platform – all so we can better plan our nudist holidays.
They recently visited Croatia as part of their European tour, and in the following article we share their experience of our Kandarola Beach.
by Megan at NudeBeachMap
Photo by NudeBeachMap
“Of all the 40 nude beaches we visited across Europe in 2025, none carried the same weight for us as Kandarola on the Croatian island of Rab – the birthplace of nude beach culture. Visiting here felt like a true pilgrimage.
The story goes that in 1936, King Edward VIII and his then-partner Wallis Simpson famously bathed nude here, giving Kandarola its status as the world’s first official nude beach. The king clearly had excellent taste – since then, thousands of naturists from around the world have come to experience this historic spot.
When FKK Kandarola invited us to visit, we didn’t hesitate. While you can sense the weight of history, this beach is far more than a relic. Every morning as naturists arrive, you feel the vibrancy of a movement that’s still thriving and evolving today.
Photo by NudeBeachMap
Kandarola Beach – An European Naturist Haven
With over a kilometer of shoreline and well-kept amenities, Kandarola really is a choose-your-own-adventure beach: grassy lawns, sandy stretches, rocky sunbathing spots, and even a dock where you can dive straight into the Adriatic.
Shaded loungers are available for those who want extra comfort, and the cleanliness of the grounds shows the care that goes into maintaining this paid-access beach.
Families will find it especially welcoming – there’s a gradual entry section perfect for children with nearby waterslide, and the Adriatic’s gentle, crystal-clear waters make it safe for everyone.
The on-site restaurant impressed us with grilled specialties (highly recommended!) and a very tempting ice cream selection for a sweet treat.
Photo by NudeBeachMap
What struck us most was the diversity: retirees, young families, and travelers from all across Europe mingled here with the same easy friendliness that defines the naturist spirit.
For us, Kandarola isn’t just a beach – it’s living history, a community hub, and a true naturist paradise. We’ll definitely be returning, not just for its legendary past, but because it continues to embody the best of naturism today.”
About NudeBeachMap
NudeBeachMap is an online, crowd‐sourced map or directory of naturist and clothing‐optional beaches around the world.
The aim is to help people find nude or naturist beaches, get information on their locations (often by latitude and longitude), possibly photos, rules, comments, etc. It functions like a guide for naturists or people interested in clothing‐optional beach experiences.
Matt and Megan have really done a great job, making it easier for the nudist community to access quality information about well-known beaches where nudists can enjoy themselves without disturbance.
Let’s support them in their ongoing work! Visit their website, follow their Instagram profile, and spread the word to your nudist friends: NudeBeachMap is your guide for the upcoming vacation!
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.