8 Best Nude Beaches in Italy

Italy is a mix of the conservative and the modern, and this is reflected in attitudes towards naturism. As a European country women going topless at the beach barely raises an eyebrow - but what about nudism?

Well, Italy may be a little behind some of its Mediterranean neighbours in terms of the number of nude beaches it has, but there is still plenty of choice and no shortage of interest. According to the Italian Naturist Federation there are over half a million naturists in Italy.

Naturism has been legal in Italy since 2006. The law basically says as long as there is a sign at the beach entrance to warn the unsuspecting then it is fine. Since then the number of designated nude beaches in Italy has only grown.

Below we've selected some of the Italy's best beaches where you can go au naturel for an all-over tan.

The Best Italian naturist beaches...

  • Spiaggia di Piscinas // Sardinia

    Spiaggia di Piscinas
    Olaf Tausch

    There is something ironic about a beach known as "Sardinia's desert" is set in the Costa Verde (Green Coast) on the island's west coast. Despite this the name is apt as this wide sandy beach is equally deep and backed by dunes reaching up to 60 metres high. Created by the relentless Mistral wind which blows off the Mediterranean, Spiaggia di Piscinas' dunes are dotted… read more »

  • Porto Ferro // Sardinia

    Porto Ferro
    © Ivan84jim

    Appearing as a bite out of a largely rocky coastline, Porto Ferro Beach in the northwest of Sardinia boasts 1.5 km of golden sand, clear waters and plenty of opportunities for watersports.

    Regular swells offer good surfing conditions but inexperienced swimmers and surfers should beware of the dangerous currents. Bathers should also look out for some sharp rocks and the occasional jellyfish.

    The beach has free… read more »

  • Torre Salsa Nature Reserve // Sicily

    Torre Salsa Nature Reserve
    Tiberio Frascari

    Torre Salsa Beach and Nature Reserve are in an unspoilt area of southwest Sicily, midway between Sciacca and Agrigento. The nature reserve covers 760 hectares and is bordered by a stunning white sandy beach which curves for 6 kilometres around the coast. The gentle waves and blue-hued waters are rich in marine life so it's a good beach for snorkelling and scuba diving.

    There are four… read more »

  • Oasi Naturista di Capocotta // Lazio

    Oasi Naturista di Capocotta
    Anthony M.

    Located only around 10 kilometres from the Italian capital the stretch of coast between Ostia and Torvaianica is largely incorporated into the Litorale Romano State Nature Reserve. A swathe of pine forests, wetlands and dunes this is a pristine area of environmental interest. The reserve is also dotted with various historical and archaeological sites.

    All this makes for a lovely and unspoiled backdrop for what is probably the… read more »

  • Spiaggia di Marianelli // Sicily

    Spiaggia di Marianelli
    © izanbar

    The Spiaggia di Marianelli Riserva Naturale di Vendicari sits near the southeastern tip of Sicily looking out over the Ionian Sea. It is one of a string of lovely beaches set within the protected coastline of the Riserva Naturale di Vendicari.

    Nestled in a small, shallow bay backed by sand dunes dotted with almond and lemon trees, Marianelli is widely viewed as the most beautiful beach within… read more »

  • Guvano Beach // Liguria

    Guvano Beach
    dalem

    It may seem a little strange that what is perhaps the best known beach in Cinque Terre is also one of the hardest to get to. Up until a few years ago there was a choice of ways to reach Guvano beach. 

    The most unique of these involved a 1.5 kilometre long tunnel running from near the station in Corniglia right to the beach. The tunnel… read more »

  • Alberoni Beach // Veneto

    Alberoni Beach
    © Andrea Vismara

    A mere stone's throw across the lagoon from Venice is the island of Lido. At its far end, some 3 kilometres from the city, is the village of Alberoni. Despite its proximity to Venice there is little of note here, that is except for an impressive expanse of dune-backed sand facing into the Adriatic Sea.

    Strolling along this golden sand expanse you really would have little… read more »

  • Acquarilli Naturist Beach // Elba

    Acquarilli Naturist Beach
    © bill_17

    Set in a horseshoe shaped bay on the southern coast of Elba, Acquarilli is a charming little beach that, unlike its neighbours, never attracts a crowd. Spiaggia di Acquarilli is located between the popular beaches of Lido di Capoliveri and Lacona, which are probably the best-known on the island. The reason this little cove remains quiet is that access is a little tricky.

    If you are not… read more »