Nakation – France (August 2013)

This August, I spent a fantastic fortnight in France.  After deciding that Barcelona was too expensive for a 4 night break, I looked into alternative holiday destinations.  Thankfully, with the help of a borrowed tent we were able to spend two glorious weeks in France!

Looking for a place to visit (somewhere warm, naturist and not too far from the Port) I delved into my back issues of H&E Magazine, consulted the Bare Beaches handbook and searched online, we chose Euronat.

Despite the longer than expected drive from Calais (with an overnight stop in Tours), Euronat is amazing!

The aforementioned Bare Beaches book describes Euronat as “large and modern, offering camping, caravanning and luxury self-catering chalets.  There are shops, restaurants, a big indoor pool and a spa with sea-water treatments, all set in a pine forest.  It’s a peaceful place much loved by visitors for it’s friendly atmosphere.  A great place to try naked camping.”

Getting to Euronat is quite straight forward.  Take the A10 South before heading into Royan.  Here get the ferry across the Gironde (30 Euro per car one way) to Soulac-Sur-Mer.  In Soulac, take the D101 towards Grayan-et-l’Hopital where you can then follow the signs for Euronat.

Checking-in was a breeze with staff fluent in English.  They do ask for a passport photo of each guest at check in so visitors can have their identification card produced.  If you forget, they have a passport booth on site.  The card’s are used to get access to the indoor swimming pool as well as if you leave the site on bicycles (for your car, you are given a sticker for your windscreen).

Our first impression was how large the site was – it is massive!  Following the signs to our pitch, we found where we were to spend the next fortnight.  We had booked a pitch with electricity that was surrounded by pine trees, close to the sanitary blocks and waste disposal area.  Perfect!

No BBQ’s are allowed on site so fortunately we made full use of our borrowed cooking equipment.

The commercial centre is where the bars, restaurants and shops are located.  Here we hired bikes 7 days (highly recommended) for about 30 Euros each.  Over the course of the fortnight we ate in 3 different restaurants on site:

* Bar-Restaurant L’Oree Des Pins (standard bar food including tasty pizzas, steaks and Grande Biers!)

* El Nino (spanish style tapas)

* Fish Restaurant (probably the best meal we had during the whole fortnight.  A little over-priced but good quality)

We tended to use the on-site deli counter where you could buy cartons of couscous, greek salads, local sausages and good quality Steak Hache – this we took back to the tent and cooked under the stars.

There are 2 or 3 convenience style shops, a newsagents/tobacconist, internet cafe, hairdressers and shops selling beach towels and sarongs.  Two shops worth noting though are the Boulangerie and the Cave.  Open at 7.00am, the Boulangerie was always busy particularly first thing in the morning as visitors stocked up on baguettes, croissants and delicious patisseries.  The Cave, is Euronat’s on site off-license which houses 3 enormous vats of wine where you can pick up a 2 litre bottle of vin for 2 Euros.

A word of warning though – the shops all tend to shut around 1.00pm – 3.00pm so make sure you’re better planned as we were as we got caught out on a couple of occasions!

At night, there was often a live band playing at L’Oree Des Pins or in the main square in a temporary outdoor stage.

Elsewhere on the site there is a Thalassotherapy centre where we enjoyed a pleasant afternoon in the spa, sauna and jacuzzi (15 Euros per person for 1/2 a day).

There is also a large indoor pool, tennis courts, mini-golf, sculpture classes, pottery, basketball courts.  The list is endless and certainly provides more than enough to keep people entertained!

The jewel in the crown at Euronat is it’s beach.  Bare Beaches describes it as a “glorious expanse of golden sand”.  The beach is a 10 minute walk from the commercial centre of a 5 minute cycle ride.  The beach is divided into 3 sections – North, Middle and South – all have lifeguards on duty but dogs are restricted to north beach.

Due to the favourable weather, the beach was always packed (particularly where the lifeguards and safe swimming zones located), although a short walk allowed everyone their own bit of space.

When the tide is out the shore-line was full of people flying kids, exploring warm pools and playing bat and ball. A word of warning though, the tide does come in very close to the sand dunes so I’d recommend you pitch up close to the back of the beach as you can.

The beach also has unusual concrete blocks that have been graffitied, but actually make a nice addition.

As with this part of the coast the waves can get quite big so it was no surprise that may visitors to the beach were enjoying the waves either body-boarding or taking part in one of the surf schools.

Also, this west-facing beach also allows visitors to witness the most amazing sunsets – we thoroughly recommend taking a patisserie and a bottle of wine down to the beach, sit back and watch one of nature’s wonders.

There is a fairly relaxed approach to nudity – it is only compulsory in the indoor swimming pool and the spa.  There are signs at the beach although there was some teenagers and females wearing bikini bottoms.  This issue has led to a petition being started by (I assume) regulars of chalet owners at Euronat to campaign to the owners to enforce strict full nudity across the whole site.

I’m not too sure that this is the way forward for Euronat – the place works because it is family friendly, relaxed and people feel comfortable.  I think if nudity was made compulsory, many people would be put off, particularly those with teenagers children and partners who do not want to be naked all the time.  In evening, 99.9% of visitors are fully clothed (it did get quite chilly at night) and to be honest I think that if you go out for a meal then clothes should be worn in the evening.

Overall, Euronat is a fantastic place to enjoy a naturist holiday.  There is a wonderful atmosphere full of people of all ages and walks of life.  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

If you have been to Euronat, we’d love to hear your thoughts as well as any views on whether nudity at Euronat should be made compulsory.

Morfa Dyffryn – July 2013

Back in July, the weather forecast looked good (and having visited before), we headed across from Manchester to one of the best naturist beaches in the UK.  Barebeaches book provides the following info:

“The is Wales’ finest nude beach and one of Britain’s favourites.  With an inspiring location in the Snowdonia National Park it attracts naturists from across the country and even visitors oversees.  The golden expanse of sand shelves gently into the sea, providing perfect conditions for swimming: water quality is excellent.  The extensive dunes behind the shore form part of a national nature reserve.  Fine vistas across the bay to the Lleyn Peninsular and glimpses of distant mountain peaks inland”.

Sounds great doesn’t it? It is. Almost.

The beach is located north of Barmouth on the A496 (the coast road).  Almost exactly four miles from central Barmouth you’ll come across the village of Tal-y-bont.  Drive through Tal-y-bont and over a narrow bridge.  Shortly after this bridge you’ll come across a road down to the beach on the left-hand side (signposted ‘Traeth Beach’ and Dyffryn Seaside Estate).  Follow this road down to the first car park.  Here there is a road to the right signposted Dyffryn Seaside Estate.  Drive into the campsite and turn left at the small roundabout.  Here we paid £2 to leave the car all day.  There is a small shop where you can buy provisions.

To get to the naturist section, take the path at the top of the car park which takes you through a cut in the sand dunes.  Once you get to the beach, turn right.  It’s about a 10 minute walk to the naturist section and is marked by official notice posts (the large number of naturists will also inform you that you are there!).

Most beach-goers tend to congregate at the start of the naturist section and there was around 100 – 200 in total.  We decided to continue walking along the beach were people were more spread out. This year we were more prepared for the wind that blows across this beach so set ourselves up with windbreak and parasol.

The beach is long and wide and when the tide is out you can walk a fair distance out in the shallow water or explore the small ‘heated’ pools along the beach.  Here we sat and soaked up the sun whilst watching small hermit crabs in the shallow pools.  All in all it is a lovely beach with a pleasant atmosphere – families playing in sea, beach-goers of all ages chatting, and people flying kites.

However, as mentioned in my previous blog there is also an atmosphere of lewd sexual behaviour (particularly with men congregating in the sand dunes).  Although the day we were there, the activity actually happened on the beach.  Right next to us.

A few hours after we arrived, a middle aged couple arrived and set up to our right – our wind break meant that we could see them until we wandered down to the sea.  On coming back from a refreshing dip, I noticed that the man was quite clearly masturbating his partner whilst she say on her back.  You would think they would stop having been caught so to speak but instead nonchalantly carried on!  What is it with some people?! Can we not go to the beach and enjoy a few hours sunbathing naked without the need to witness this kind of behaviour? No wonder naturists get a bad name (and which led to the closure of Holkham Beach).

If anyone has been to Morfa before we’d love to hear from you! What was your experience?

 

 

Nakation Event – Brighton Naked Bike Ride (June 2013)

After taking part in the Manchester Naked Bike Ride last year (click here for blog article), I really wanted to take part in the big one – Brighton!

On Sunday 9th June, I joined 600 or so others and circled round the gorgeous city in a protest against oil dependency and car culture.  WNBR’s take place around the world are a celebration of the bicycle as well as the power and individuality of the human body.

During the ride and immediately post ride, I have to say the whole experience was on the whole really good.  However, upon reflection I have changed my mind about participating in further rides.

The main issue that I have is with the number of intrusive photographers that the ride attracts.

The event met at Preston Park whereby the organisers had created a tented area for participants to get changed/body-painted which offered some privacy.  In addition, stewards walked around with placards asking for photographers to get permission before taking photos.  Non-participants were told to stand around the perimeter of the participants circle.  I acknowledge that the start of the ride is in the middle of a public park so making it fully private is very difficult but getting changed in front of onlookers and photographers was a little daunting.

I am mindful of my ‘day job’ and so have made sure to wear a mask at this and previous rides.  As much as I enjoy the rides, there is the sense of fear afterwards that someone is going to recognise me!

I’m not opposed to people taking photos of the event either (capturing the moment, etc) it is the photographers who turn up with their tele-photo lenses taking close up photos of female participants.  It was very noticeable that when a female participant arrived and started to undress, the photographers started twitching.

Whilst the thrill of cycling around Brighton fully naked is exhilarating, I really wouldn’t want to be a female participant – particularly if i wanted to do it as the WNBR states – ‘As Bare As You Dare’.

I am also mindful of a blog by a fellow naturist – The Naked Imp in which the author decided against participating in the 2013 Manchester Ride due to the number of close up photos of female participants that appear on porn-related websites.  I think that this is a real shame that someone who wants to participate (either as a naturist or to support car-free cultures, or both) has decided against it due to the presence of intrusive photographers.  With this in mind, I have decided to disguise all participants in the accompanying images.

After cycling down from Preston Park, we came to the first rest spot – Hove Lawns

Before heading back into Brighton to the second stop – Old Steine

It was here, that I felt the most uncomfortable to be honest.  We were stood around for about 30 mins in amongst shoppers and photographers (see images above).  I actually put my shorts back on due to feeling exposed.  I didn’t see the need to stay at Old Seine for this length of time, especially as I was stood next to an elderly Brightonian who repeatedly asked me “if there were many ladies participating this year”.  I changed the subject to being from Manchester and was then asked whether there were any mixed-sex saunas in Manchester, and randomly, what the architecture was like! In addition, the PA was too quiet to listen to any of the speeches.

I was glad then, to leave the 2nd stop and head towards Kemp Town and the naturist beach

Finishing the ride, I spent half an hour of so drinking a few celebratory beers.  However, the breeze got up so I decided to leave.

I was also put out by again, the number of photographers who were lined up along the beach taking photos of participants.  I know that participants know what they are signing up to, and the importance that the media can play in raising awareness of the cause, however, when there is a bank of photographers stood at the beach taking close-up photos, I think things are going too far.

What did amuse me (after the initial shock) was a guy post-ride sunbathing next to me who was sporting an erection who was asked if he could have his photo taken.  The guy replied no which, given the exhibitionist nature with which he was lying, I thought was a bit bizarre!

On the whole, the event was enjoyable and the response from people in the streets, stood outside bars was fantastic.  The sheer number of participants also made the event amazing and much better than Manchester.  The organisation was great with fantastic stewards and Policing.  However, if you are a female reading this, I’d think carefully about taking part given the number of voyeurs it attracts.

The Brighton WNBR Facebook page is requesting feedback for future events.  A few that spring to mind for me are:

* Increase size of changing area in Preston Park

* Scrap use of Old Steine as a rest stop – Hove Lawns was fine but think some photographers just walked down from Preston Park for another photo opportunity – maybe Old Steine was too far for them to walk to?

* Review use of PA system and location for speeches

* Liaise with Police to ensure the there is some kind of presence at the end of the ride at the beach.  What would happen if a group of photographers started to take photos at the beach on any other day? What makes it ok just because people have participated in the WNBR?

 

America – August/September – Part 3

After the excess of Burning Man, we were ready for a few days rest before ending our holiday in San Francisco, so we stayed two nights at the gorgeous Lake Tahoe, home of our third and final naked adventure.

We stayed at Zephyr Cove RV Campground in South Lake Tahoe.  It is a lovely spot, just across the road from the lake itself, with good shower/toilet facilities.  We did feel a little under-equiped as we parked up alongside 35 foot RVs (especially one covered in Playa Dust!).  At using the showers, we had a meal in the restaurant next to the campground before falling asleep listening out for bears in the woods!

After a good nights sleep (we were so, so tired!), it was time to check out the local nudist beach.

Secret Cove, Lake Tahoe

I’d spent a bit of time researching where the exact location of this beach is but too be honest none could help me locate the exact spot.  I think that the name of the cove changes depending on which website you read (some call it Secret Beach, some Secret Cove, some Paradise Cove, etc).  What I can say is that it is definitely called Secret Cove and it is gorgeous!

Directions

In terms of directions, we took the Interstate 50 north from Zephyr Cove, then turned north up the Interstate 28 towards North Lake Tahoe.  About 5km along this road, you’ll come to a line a cars parked on the left hand side before arriving at Chimney Beach Parking Lot on the left (with a small overspill on the right).  I knew that Chimney Beach was too far north, so we turned round here and parked up with the others cars that we had just past.  Here we spotted a path going down towards the Lake.  Taking a right (North) we picked a more well-trodden path and soon came across a sign for Secret Cove.

Beach

After following the path for a further 10 minutes or so we were greeted by the view of the cove.  I don’t think that the pictures can do it justice – it is amazing.  Crystal-clear waters, soft sand/shingle beach, pine trees – everything about this place was picturesque.

The actual beach is quite small, meaning that the 50 or so people there are quite close together.  Some may find this a bit uncomfortable – especially given American’s way of constantly talking to you – it certainly was different to the more quieter beaches we’ve experienced in Portugal and Spain.

There was a good mix of people on the beach – mostly couples and families, some older single men, people relaxing after Burning Man, small group of gay men (located further south along the beach) as well as a small group of young girls (who seemed to be trying naturism for the first-time.  They actually commented that this was their Burning Man – if only they knew!).  Everyone was really friendly – we were offered some melon from a fellow beach goer.

The water was really refreshing, given the heat of the mid-day sun and it was really nice not to feel all salty after you normally feel after a day at the beach.

I think this is my favourite beach I’ve ever been to – certainly a 10/10.

If any of you have been here, we’d love to hear from you!

 

Nakation Weekend

This past weekend has been amazing.  This is what happened…….

Friday 25th May

Enjoyed the evening sun (and a few pints) at the roof terrace of the Bridge, Bridge Street in Manchester.  The roof terrace is small but nice and quiet compared to the hundreds of people out around Spinningfields.  We actually thought it would make an amazing naturist retreat (not overlooked, sun trap) – just needs a hot tub in the corner!

Saturday 26th May

Spent a lovely few hours soaking up the sun in the back garden.  Managed to erect some screening to allow for a spot of naked sunbathing – Bliss!

I then went to a naturist swim organised by North West Naturists at Fit City Worsley in Walkden, Salford.  There was around 40 people at the swim, mainly aged 40 years plus, although there was a good number of couples and a handful of younger folks.

On arrival, I was greeted at the door by one of the organisers, signed in, paid my £10 and shown where the facilities were.  We had the full use of the venue which included a large pool, smaller ‘learner pool’, sauna and steam room.  The organisers also set up a small area for refreshments.  Everyone I spoke to was really friendly and will definitely go again.  For more information about North West Naturists, click here.

Sunday 27th May

Waking up to another day of beautiful sunshine, we decided to travel over to Morfa Dyffryn naturist beach in North Wales.

The beach is located north of Barmouth on the A496 (the coast road).  Almost exactly four miles from central Barmouth you’ll come across the village of Tal-y-bont.  Drive through Tal-y-bont and over a narrow bridge.  Shortly after this bridge you’ll come across a road down to the beach on the left-hand side (signposted ‘Traeth Beach’ and Dyffryn Seaside Estate).  Follow this road down to the first car park.  Here there is a road to the right signposted Dyffryn Seaside Estate.  Drive into to campsite and turn left at the small roundabout.  Here we paid £2 to leave the car all day.  There is a small shop where you can buy provisions.

To get to the naturist section, take the path at the top of the car park which takes you through a cut in the sand dunes.  Once you get to the beach, turn right.  It’s about a 10 minute walk to the naturist section as is marked by official notice posts (the large number of naturists will also inform you that you are there!).

The weather was gorgeous (if a little windy.  NB. recommend that you take a wind break), and there was a good number of naturists enjoying the sun (maybe around 100 in total).  At the start of the naturist section, most beach-goers were couples in their 40 – 50’s or families with young children.  The further along the naturist section, there was an increase in gay males.  There was a fair amount of men in the sand dunes but saw no inappropriate sexual behaviour.  Journey from Manchester took around 2 hours but was definitely worth it and we look forward to going back again this summer.

If any of you have been to Morfa Dyffryn, we’d love to hear from you!

Next up…. Manchester Naked Bike Ride on Friday 1st June!

 

Nakation News – eDreams Nude Travel Survey

According to the 2011 eDreams Nude Travel survey, nearly one in three customers and Facebook fans from all over Europe have practiced nudism in a public place.

For more info, click here.  Summary points include:

1.  Reasons for sunbathing naked range from:

* It feels natural (60 percent)

* Enjoy the freedom (25 percent)

* Get to know your body (15 percent)

 

2. Popular destinations are:

* Spain

* Balearic Islands

* Canary Islands

* Croatia

 

3.  Most worrying is that 69% of people felt that they were being watched when practicing naturism.

 

What do you make of these findings? Where is your favourite destination? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

 

Nakation News – My Daughter The Teenage Nudist

On Thursday night, Channel 4 screened a documentary entitled ‘My Daughter The Teenage Nudist’.

The programme explored the growing group of teens and twentysomethings embracing the world of public nudity.  In addition to their quest to normalise nudity, question the media’s obsession with the body beautiful, and encourage other young people to liberate themselves, it was interesting to see the Young British Naturist Officer trying to recruit younger members to the British Naturist Society.  I think that most young people are simply keen to have fun, spontaneous approach to nudity rather than joining the seemingly old fashioned naturist clubs.

Click here for a link to the documentary.

If any of you are interested in going on a holiday or a beach where you can enjoy the delights of stripping off, please check out my other posts!

Nakation News – Mix and Match

The following places are suggested in the Bare Beaches book as the best places to go “if you prefer to strip but your loved ones won’t bare it”.  These beaches have been highlighted due to them having a mix of clothed and unclothed bathers.

1. Playa Mitjorn, Formentera

The Bare Beach book describes this beach as “six miles are largely undeveloped sandy bays with rocky areas for snorkelling [that] have tempted many people into their first experience of bare bathing.  The beach is big enough for everyone and there are beach bars scattered along much of the length.”

The Nakedplaces.net states that, “stretching about 5 kilometers, Playa Mitjorn is the longest beach of Formentera’s southern coast, and there are pockets of nudist and textile use along its entire length.”

  

2. La Grand Plage, Ile d’Oleron, France

The Bare Beaches book describes this beach as “a fabulous open white-sand beach with acres of space and a completely relaxed atmosphere – swimsuited and bare bathers enjoy the peaceful setting in harmony.”

Nakedplaces.net describes the beach as “one of three established nude beaches on Ile d’Oleron, this beach at the southwestern corner of the island has a huge zone where nudity is possible”.

3. Playa Cabopino, Calahonda, Costa del Sol, Spain

The Bare Beaches book describes this beach as “a super biscuit-coloured sand beach, backed by extensive dune and pine trees.  The shore is clothes-optional for up to 700 metres.”

Nakedplaces.net describes this beach as, “known by the name Artola and Cabopino, the beach east of Marbella is backed by a vast field of sand dunes.  Its the most popular nude beach in Málaga and has a notable gay presence.”

4. Corralejo, Fuerteventura

The Bare Beaches book states “the dunes provide a spectacular backdrop to a line of yellow sandy beaches with great views across the bay.  Although popular, there is plenty of space for that away-from-it-all feeling.  You will find a relaxed mix os swimsuited and bare bathers.”

Nakedplaces.net adds “just south of the town of Corralejo in the far northeast of Fuerteventura, Playa de Corralejo is a Saharan landscape of immense sand dunes.  The dunes extend about 8 kilometers.  With the exception of the immediate vicinities of the only two beachfront resorts on the beach, nudity can be practiced anywhere, with most nudists congregating a bit south of the two resorts. This is the most popular beach with nudists of the four locations in the north.”

5. Paradise and Super Paradise, Mykonos

Located near Platis Yialos on the south coast of the island, the Bare Beaches book states “these are two of the most famous bare beaches in the Aegean and even the Mediterranean.  They traditionally attract a lively cosmopolitan crowd.  Perhaps more fairly described as clothing-optional these days, beacuse there’s likely to be a relaxed mix of dressed and undressed visitors.  Super Paradise is also very popular with gay holiday makers.”

Nakedplaces.net adds that “several decades ago when Mykonos first began to gain notoriety for bare bathing, Paradise Beach was the straight nude beach and Super Paradise Beach was the gay nude beach, and to a certain extent those reputations remain, even though the demographics started to shift as far back as the 80’s. Paradise Beach evolved into a mostly textile party beach. Nudity never vanished altogether, but nudists have long been a rather small minority.  Super Paradise has likewise changed, and while one end of the beach is still mostly gay, other segments of the beach are attended by straight nudists and textiles. Elia Beach, the most distant of the five beaches, did not gain prominence until the 90’s, when nudists began to seek a less crowded alternative to Paradise and Super Paradise, but as more and more tourists have continued to flock to Mykonos, Elia did not remain a quiet alternative for long. At one end of Elia, nudists and textiles mingle among the thatched beach umbrellas, and there is also a tiny, separate micro-cove just around the bend that is more or less an all-gay nudist haunt.”

The fantastic Cap n Barefoot adds that “Mykonos was once a nudists’ paradise. It is now chancy to say the least. It’s a lively island, well known for many years as a meeting place for the gay community. The inflow of more and more textiles means that if naturism is your priority it is hard to recommend Mykonos these days, particularly in high season”

If any of you have been to one of these beaches please get in tough and let us know what you think.  If any of you have stayed in any nudist friendly properties that are close to these beaches we would particularly love to hear from you!

Nakation News – Turn up, strip off!

Gone are the days when you had to trek for half a day to find a secret bare beach.  The fantastic Bare Beaches book provides 5 beaches where you won’t sweat getting to:

La Grande Cote, near Royan, France

The Bare Beaches book describes the beach as an “attractive sandy beach popular with families because it is more sheltered and has easy access.  Acres of fine light golden sand slope gently into the sea, making it good for skinny dipping in calm weather.  The is a sandwich bar serving refreshments on this official bare beach.”

The Nakedplaces.net website refers to the beach as “easily accessible and popular beach [that] draws a mix of nudists and textiles.  Although quite spacious, it is more densely populated than nearby Plage de la Côte Sauvage and requires less effort to reach.”

Playa los Tusales, Costa Blanca, Spain

Click here for more details

Haulover Beach, Florida, USA

The Bare Beaches book describes the beach as “situated in the south of the ‘sunshine state’, this officially bare sandy beach set in the regional park has a huge following of regular visitors from across the globe.  The bare area is more than 800 yards long and has it’s own lifeguard lookout posts.  Refreshments are on sale, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire.  Toilets are located directly behind the beach.  The cosmopolitan crowd here often hold impromptu barbecues and at weekends there’s a particularly lively atmosphere.”

 

Vera Playa, Costa de Almeria

The Bare Beaches states that “this is Spain’s capital of nudism.  A long wide beach with a big choice of naturist accommodation nest to it.  Great for au natural sunning, walking and skinny dipping.”

The Nakedplaces website states that the formal name of the beach at Vera Playa is Playa del Playazo.

 

 

Sougia, Crete

The Bare Beaches book states that “this beach could not be easier to find.  Bare bathing is popular and commonplace immediately to the east of Sougia town.  The water is excellent for swimming and snorkelling, with safe natural rock pools for children.  The beach is small pebbles, fine enough to make it comfortable for sunbathing.  There is a happy mix of dress and undress on the beach, although the nude bathers often comfortably outnumber the clothed ones.  Further east beyond a rock, is a more secluded area with springs and caves to explore.”

 

Do you know of any other nude beaches that are easy to get to? If so, we would love to hear from you!

If any of you have been to these beaches of have stayed in any nudist friendly properties that are close to these please let us know.  I definitely fancy a trip to Sougia this year!

Nakation News – CNN list top 15 nude beaches

CNN have today released a list of their top 15 nude beaches.  Click here for more information.

1. Jerolim beach, Croatia

The Bare Beaches book provides the following information about Jerolim –

“The whole of this rocky islet is a naked paradise – no clothes anywhere apart from the bar.  Small ferry boats make regular crossings from the historic town of Hvar – it only takes 10 minutes.

There is no accommodation on the island but Hvar town is a beautiful place to stay”.

Hvar is Croatia’s fourth largest island, and it is a long but comparatively skinny island that spans about 70 kilometers from east to west. The island’s three principal towns are located toward the western end of Hvar, and Hvar town is the largest of these. The Paklinski Islands are an archipelago of much smaller islands that extend westward from Hvar town, and two of the islands in particular—Jerolim and Stipanska—are popular day-trip destinations for nudists, with boat shuttles connecting the islands to Hvar town.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=43.156718,16.434427&num=1&vpsrc=0&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=14&ll=43.157391,16.433873&output=embed
View Larger Map

2. Praia de Galheta, Santa Cantarina, Brazil

About 20 kilometers south of Florianopolis in the Brazilian state of Santa Caterina, this white sand beach attracts die-hard naturists and the nude-curious alike.

Praia de Galheta is a naturally preserved area, with no restaurants or other buildings nearby – so take a packed lunch.

The Association of the Friends of Galheta lobbies and looks out for the interests of nature and naturism on the beach.

3. Naturist beach, Marinadi Camerota, Campania, Italy

A 300-meter strip of shingle beach near Marina di Camerota, in the Campania region, has recently been designated naturist-friendly.

On the southern side of the Cilento National Park, the clear waters of this quiet coast will feel like a breath of fresh air.

Marina di Camerota is 90 kilometers south of Salerno and the naturist-designated beach (known as ‘del Troncone’) is south of Cala Finocchiaro.

4. Anantara Phuket Villas, Thailand

These luxurious villas – 83 of them in total — all come equipped with a private courtyard featuring a sunken pool and complete seclusion, which means you can take a naked dip to your heart’s content without fear of offending other guests or staff.

A pool villa starts from 13,500 baht (US$429) per night but check their website for discounts and deals.  Click here for more details.

5. Naked cruising, Côte d’Azur 

For something completely different, take a naked swim in the Mediterranean at any time of the day or night on a naturist cruise along the Côte d’Azur.

Cruises set off from Marseille and can be planned to suit your interests — if you’ve always wanted to sail around the Calanques au naturel, this is the holiday for you.  All you need to do is persuade a group of family or friends to share the experience.

Cruises cost €110 (US$152) per person per day and usually last one week.  Click here for more information.

6. Black’s Beach, La Jolla, California, United States

Black’s Beach is reckoned to be the best by the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR).  It’s a spectacular location below Torrey Pines golf course where a long stretch of sand is protected by steep cliffs.

The beach attracts naturists and surfers and is a well-established haven where San Diego’s anti-nudity law is not enforced.  Click here for more information.

7. Racquet and Tennis Club, New York, United States

This private members club in the heart of New York City is a strange mixture combining the epitome of pro-establishment-conservatism with near-Nordic enlightenment.

While its members (it’s men-only, women are allowed entry for special events if accompanied by a male member) include the city’s great and ambitious (think bankers, lawyers and senior execs), its after-work men-only naked swimming sessions have become legendary.

Much has been conjectured over what really happens during the bare swims. They certainly provide New York’s businessmen with an opportunity to think outside the box.

370 Park Avenue, between East 52nd and 53rd Streets, New York

8. Lady Falls, Brecon Beacons, Powys, Wales

Listed in the Wild Swim book, Lady Falls is located amongst a multitude of bathing spots within Coed Y Rhaeadr (“wood of the waterfalls”).  The ultimate for a skinny dip is one mile into the wood at the paths end: Lady Falls, a round pool surrounded by trees and steep banks, with the River Neath falling about 40ft from a huge-flat, overhanging ledge.

9. Capella Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, on the tip of the Baja California peninsular, has 66 rooms with an ocean view and a pool just for you.  The luxury factor is incredible, so you’ll need to shower in the cold water rainforest shower to remind yourself it’s real.

An ocean-view room starts from US$375.  Click here for more information.

10. Maslin Beach, Adelaide, South Australia

Maslin Beach, south of Adelaide, was declared Australia’s first legal nudist beach in February 1975.

Maslin is one of the most popular and beloved nude beaches in Australia, and it is also one of the most beautiful. With multi-colored, barren cliffs in hues of red and brown, the backdrop is reminiscent of the scenery of northern Arizona and southern Utah, except with sparkling blue water in front. Few other beaches anywhere in the world have such a dramatic and gorgeous setting.

11. Golden Beach, Northern Cyprus

Click here for beach reports on the fantastic Cap’n Barefoot website.  Scroll down to Karpaz beach.

12. Little Beach, Maui, Hawaii, United States

While nude sunbathing is not permitted in Hawaii, there are some clothing-optional, nude and topless beaches where it’s accepted and tolerated — if not officially. Maui has more scope for quiet, secluded bays than Oahu, and Little Beach on Maui is a popular out-of-the-way cove in Makena State Park where you can swim, snorkel and lounge like a lizard in nothing but your sun-protection cream.

It’s recommended by the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and there is a music and fire-dancing festival on Sundays.  Click here for more information.

13. Orient Bay, St. Martin, Caribbean

Click here for recent posting about Orient Bay.

14. Carpe Diem, Santorini, Greece

This exclusive boutique hotel, perched on the slopes of Pyrgos village overlooking Thira, the capital of Santorini, prides itself on the privacy of its 10 suites. With a private terrace and pool in each apartment, guests can feel free to let their hair down and abandon their bathers for an uninhibited swim in the solitude of their own pool.  Ideal for honeymooners, the hotel also boasts a Turkish bath, which can be booked for private use.  A junior suite with private pool costs from €240 (US$333) per night.  Click here for more information.

15. Traditional onsen, Japan

Tokyo, despite being a massive city, has plenty of natural thermal springs.  Try the Toshimaen Garden Spa, with its tranquil setting inside a garden designed by Kenzo Kosugi. If you want to get even more back to nature try the Seta Onsen Sanga-no-Yu, where you can contemplate views of Mount Fuji while soaking yours aches away.

Reading this list has inspired me to plan my summer holiday next year!

If you have been to any of these beaches or stayed in any nudist friendly property nearby please let us know.