Spain is a country that, despite the outward appearance of being very traditional, is in fact pretty socially liberal. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the many nudist beaches to be found around the coast. But what a lot of people may be surprised by is that there are no laws against public nudity in Spain, and that means anywhere!
Of course this does not mean it is a good idea to parade along the local high street naked or dine out in the nude. Whilst being tolerant to removing one's clothes in the appropriate place, the Spanish generally appreciate it if you keep the beachwear (or no wear!) to the beach. In Barcelona it is actually illegal to wear just your swimwear in the city. However, this is not to say going nude is frowned upon as there 14 naturist beaches in Barcelona alone.
So, whilst going "au naturel" is widely accepted, it is best to keep it to the appropriate beaches; those that are officially designated nudist, or some of the many unofficial, secluded spots around the coast.
In the province of Cadiz in Andalucia are the white sands of Bolonia beach which stretch out far along the coastline. Untouched and secluded, the soft sandy beach is backed by the remains of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia, which are worth exploring.
There is also a nudist section of the beach at the southern end of the bay.
Cofete Beach is located just around the headland from the southern tip of Fuertaventura. The bright lights and resorts to the north of the island will do nothing to prepare you for the awe-inspiring scale and wildness of this beach. The beach is a wide expanse of golden sand that continues for as far as the eye can see. Directly behind the beach the dramatic… read more »
Located just a stones throw away from the party island of Ibiza is the small island of Formentera. Despite its proximity Formentera can only be reached by boat and feels like a different world. There are several beautiful beaches around this unspoilt island but the Playa de Ses Illetes is the best of the bunch with its fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters.… read more »
The often quiet, secluded Agua Blanca beach is a far cry from the resort towns on the south of the island. This long beach of fine sand gets its name (meaning "white water") from the white horse's that frequently crest the waves on choppy days. However, these prevailing winds that blow throughout the year become a welcome breeze in the summer months when this beach… read more »
Situated on the "Calma Costa" which runs along the south east coast of Fuerteventura is Sotavento beach. A vast tract of golden, windswept beach this stretch of coast is about one of the most remote areas on the island.
Sotavento is a collection of beaches which together create a virtually unbroken stretch of sand from Playa Barca right down to Morro Jable on the… read more »
Set on the southern tip of the island of Gran Canaria is a little slice of the Sahara Desert. Over the centuries the fine golden sand here has been sculpted into an extensive network of dunes extending several hundred metres back from the beach. With a landscape like this you won't be surprised to know it hardly ever rains and the temperature rarely dips below… read more »
You would expect a beach this beautiful to get pretty busy in the summer, but this is not the case with the exquisite little cove of Cala Escorxada. It is just that bit too far off the beaten track for its pristine white sands and clear blue waters to ever get crowded.
If you don't have a boat getting to Cala Escorxada involves at least an… read more »
Located on a remote stretch of the rugged north-eastern coast of Mallorca is an oasis of beautiful soft, white sand lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach of Cala Mesquida is a true gem with the perfect balance of a stunning setting and all the facilities you'll need for a family day at the beach.
The beach of Cala Mesquida is set in a small bay… read more »
Set in the far south of Mallorca, Es Trenc is a large stretch of unspoilt white sand with clear turquoise waters reminiscent of the Caribbean. Despite its remote, wild character this is still one of the best-known beaches on Mallorca and is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Es Trenc is a great family beach as the water is shallow and tends to be calm. There… read more »
Towards the north of Formentera the land narrows into the Trucador peninsula. On the eastern coast, before you reach Ses Illetes, is the wide sandy Playa de Llevant.
This beautiful stretch of white sand and clear blue sea has something of a wild feel. Sections of the beach are divided up into little "mini bays" by rocky outcrops which give a little bit of… read more »
The tiny yet idyllic cove of Caló des Mort is situated at the eastern end of Playa de Migjorn. A picture perfect semi-circular cove backed by steep rocky cliffs this is one of Formentera's worst-kept secrets.
Besides its diminutive size and rocky backdrop, what gives Caló des Mort its special feel is the colour of the water. It is almost as if somebody has turned… read more »
This semi-urban beach on the coastal reaches of Barcelona is located between Bogatell and Nova Mar Bella beaches. Like its neighbouring areas of golden sand, Mar Bella Beach has a good number of public facilities, including toilets, showers, a children's play area and beach volleyball courts.
On Passeig Marítim, the promenade that runs behind Mar Bella, visitors will also find table tennis tables,… read more »
Noted for its modern tower and integrated cable car station (for trips up to Mount Monjuic), Sant Sebastià Beach lies in the Cuitat Vella district of Barcelona immediately along the coast from Sant Miquel Beach. One of the city's oldest and best loved beaches, Sant Sebastià comprises biscuit-coloured sands that continue for around a kilometre in length and average widths of 80 metres.
Located in Sitges, roughly 20 minutes from Barcelona, Platja de la Bassa Rodona is best well known as the region's premier gay-friendly beach. As one of the most central, it's here that many gay couples choose to sunbathe, although increasingly relaxed attitudes towards the gay community mean many happily bathe on beaches closer to the Catalonian capital.
As a result of its history, visitors can… read more »
Situated between two coastal villages, Carboneras and Agua Amarga, and roughly 55 minutes by car from Almeria, Playa de los Muertos has appeared more than once in lists of not only the best beaches in Spain, but also the best beaches in all of Europe.
Despite its sinister name, the "Beach of the Dead", which stems from the time of pirates and shipwrecks, Playa de los… read more »
Found on the Costa de Almeria, around three kilometres from the town of Nijar, Playa de los Genoveses forms perhaps the most stunning vistas of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. With smooth yellow sand stretching the length of an entire bay, and surrounded on its inland side by virgin dunes, there are no facilities or amenities on Playa de los Genoveses. Visitors therefore need to… read more »
Playa de Cuesta Maneli has fine, golden sand that runs for several kilometres. Situated within the confines of Doñana Natural Park, around 35 kilometres southeast of Huelva, the beach has very few facilities on offer, with a sole chiringuito (with toilets) open in the summer for refreshments.
The location of Playa de Cuesta Maneli within the protected area of Doñana means vistas to and from the… read more »
Situated just west of La Herradura, Playa Cantarriján is comprised of two areas of sand divided by a large formation of rock that looks almost as if it has tumbled from the surround of stunning tree-covered cliffs.
One of Andalusia's more virgin beaches, Playa Cantarriján lies within the boundaries of the Paraje Natural de los Acantilados de Maro Cerro Gordo nature reserve, limiting the amount of… read more »
Playa de Artola lies at the eastern end of Marbella, running west away from the elegant Cabopino Marina on an area of coast known as the Punta Ladrones (Thieves' Point). However, unlike most beaches in Marbella, Playa de Artola is not surrounded by large hotel complexes. Instead, it sits among rolling dunes that have been a protected Spanish national space since 2001.
Platja de Migjorn is the longest beach on Formentera, stretching along much of the island's south coast. Strictly speaking this isn't really one beach but a string of sandy coves, most of which are only separated by a few rocks. Each of these has its own character and charms, with some being more popular than others.
Migjorn stretches for nearly 6 km between Cap de Barbaria… read more »
The little island of Espalmador sits off the northern end of Formentera, just across from Ses Illetes and Llevant beaches. To some extent it is like a mirror of these beaches with the same crystal-clear shallow turquoise water and expanse of fine white sand.
Espalmador is one of the most pristine beaches in all the Balearic Islands. The whole island, along with the northern… read more »
