Summer is here and travel restrictions are easing! What better way to celebrate than by checking out the best locations across the globe for your next nudey swim?…
In order to determine and rank the best locations for skinny dipping, website MyDatingAdviser.com compared 100 of the world’s most popular nude beaches, across four key dimensions: 1) Beach quality; 2) Weather; 3) Safety; and 4) Hotel cost.
They evaluated each of these dimensions using seven relevant metrics of skinny-dipping friendliness. The metrics were then combined to create a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favourable conditions for skinny dipping.
The ranking of the top 25 locations features the best nude beach for each country by analysing the list of 100 locations. Please note, only the best swimming spot for each country was included to create a representative ranking on a global scale.
“We determined each location’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample,” explains MyDatingAdviser Managing Editor, Amy Pritchett. “In determining our sample, we considered the most famous skinny dipping locations and the best nude beaches in the world. In all locations, public nudity is legal.”
She adds, “This is my declaration! The past year has been difficult and we have all experienced lockdown, grief and disruption to our normal lives. There is nothing more liberating and joyful than a skinny dip.”
And with Australia and NZ home to some of the world’s best skinny dipping locations, your next naked swim could very well be right in your own backyard!
THE POINTS SYSTEM
Beach Quality – Total Points: 25
Pollution Level: Full Weight (~15 Points)
Note: The pollution index is an estimation of the overall pollution in the city based on surveys from Numbeo. The biggest weight is given to air pollution, than to water pollution/accessibility, two main pollution factors. Small weight is given to other pollution types.
Blue Flag Status: Full Weight (~10 Points)
Note: This indicates if the swimming spot is a Blog Flag Beach. The award is a guarantee to visitors that the beach is free from litter, has excellent facilities, and has a high standard of water quality.
Weather – Total Points: 25
Climate Likeability: Full Weight (~8.3 Points)
Note: This metric measures the climate likeability of a given city using Weather Underground data. An ideal climate is defined as having moderate temperatures, low humidity, and no major weather conditions.
Air Temperature: Full Weight (~8.3 Points)
Note: This metric measures the average temperature for the months of June, July, and August. The ideal temperature being close to 28°C, which is ideal for swimming.
Water Temperature: Full Weight (~8.3 Points)
Note: This metric measures the average water temperature for the months of June, July and August. The ideal water temperature being close to 27°C, which is warm enough to jump in without any clothes.
Safety – Total Points: 25
Safety Level: Full Weight (~25 Points)
Note: If the city has a high safety index, it is considered very safe.
Hotel Cost – Total Points: 25
Hotel Cost: Full Weight (~25 Points)
Note: This is the average booked nightly rate plus cleaning fees for Airbnb properties booked over the last year.
1. Lokrum Island
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Island in the Adriatic Sea
If you’re spending time in Dubrovnik, then Lokrum Island is a great place to go (only a 10-minute ferry ride away). This is a small island that is uninhabited, giving refuge as well as a great place for a skinny dip.
Here you can enjoy impeccable scenery, national parks, and clear waters. The island consists mainly of rocks, so be careful with the bits of stone. This island also has a natural salty lake, which can be enjoyed like a jacuzzi to relax.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 84.5
Air Temperature: 29°C.
Water Temperature: 25°C
Pollution Index: 10.92
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 84.69
Hotel Cost Per Night: $130
2. Spiaggia Della Lecciona
Tuscany, Italy
Spaggia Della Lecciona, Italy, Nude Beach
La Lecciona is the point of reference for Italian gay beaches. This is a sand beach where you can be naked, enjoy the sun, and swim in the waves of the Ligurian Sea. It is probably the last free beach in the region — no deckchairs or umbrellas. It has been a popular gay beach since the ’70s and is also a popular meeting place for nudist families who can sunbathe in total freedom.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 72.75
Air Temperature: 29°C
Water Temperature: 25°C
Pollution Index: 18.29
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 71.29
Hotel Cost Per Night: $250
3. Maslin Beach
Adelaide, Australia
Maslin Beach, South Australia
Just 40 minutes south of Adelaide CBD, you can find Australia’s first official nude beach. This is 3km long and is signposted for those who prefer to swim with their clothes on. There are rugged cliffs with a breathtaking view. It has been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.
Maslin Beach offers much more than a chance to skinny dip off of the Australian coast. It is also home to the annual Nude Olympics, complete with a “Best Bum” competition.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 72.75
Air Temperature: 29°C
Water Temperature: 25°C
Pollution Index: 18.29
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 71.29
Hotel Cost Per Night: $250
4. English Garden
Munich, Germany
English Garden, Munich, Germany
The Germans fully embrace swimming in the nude, and you’ll find one of the best spots to swim as the locals do is a public garden in the centre of Munich. English Garden is a beautiful 18th-century park on the shores of the Isar river and a popular location for a lunchtime swim. At English Garden, don’t miss a chance to strip down and plunge into the Eisbach, or Ice River, with the locals. The German FKK (Free Body Culture movement) means that Germany has very lax laws regarding public nudity. Here people from all walks of life opt for the natural life, shedding suits, jeans and dresses for a perfect all-over tan.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 68.75
Air Temperature: 24°C
Water Temperature: 19°C
Pollution Index: 24.96
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 82.61
Hotel Cost Per Night: $150
5. Barreta Island
Faro, Portugal
Ilha Deserta, Faro, Algarve, Portugal
Barreta Island is located in the Ria Formosa National Park, just off the coast of Faro (about 30 minutes away). It is a sandbar island and is the least developed of the three islands that surround the Ria Formosa national park. In Portuguese, it is called the Ilha Deserta (Deserted island), which lives up to its name. Here there are no inhabitants and the only structure you will find is a restaurant at the end of the island.
It is 7km (5 miles) long and only 600 metres wide at its widest point. One side on the RIa Formosa lagoon with a maze of channels and wildlife like flamingos. The other side is a wide blue ocean of Cabo de Santa Maria.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 67.5
Air Temperature: 29°C
Water Temperature: 21°C.
Pollution Index: 24.5
Blue Flag Status: Yes
Safety Index: 71.52
Hotel Cost Per Night: $150
6. Red Beach
Crete, Greece
Red Beach, Santorini, Greece
Greece is blessed with countless idyllic islands that beg visitors to soak up the Mediterranean sun. If you’re hoping to avoid tan lines on your Grecian getaway, head to the hidden sands of Red Beach.
Located in southern Crete and about 25 minutes away from Matala, Red Beach is hidden behind a rocky hill and a fence. Here you can find rocky hills and high cliffs that offer an isolated escape for skinny dipping in the Aegean Sea.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 66.75
Air Temperature: 30°C
Water Temperature: 26.3°C
Pollution Index: 40.47
Blue Flag Status: Yes
Safety Index: 82.74
Hotel Cost Per Night: $160
7. Washougal River
Washington State, USA
Washougal River Road, Skinny Dipping, Skamania County
If you’re in Portland and want to escape the summer heat, the Washougal River is a great place to perch and picnic on the rocks while swimming amidst fast and flowing streams. Here you can jump off the bridge, explore rocky outcrops and the river’s edge. It’s a great nature spot where you can surround yourself with epic mountain ranges. There are lots of swimming options available along this river. During the summer months, you will find a lot of cars parked alongside the scenic Washougal River Road. You can find a map of the river here.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 65
Air Temperature: 28°C
Water Temperature: 24°C Pollution Index: 40.47
Safety Index: 75.8
Hotel Cost Per Night: $200
8. Plage De Tahiti
St Tropez, France
Plage de Tahiti, France, Skinny Dipping
St Tropez has a reputation as the summer hangout of France’s glitterati. It is also known for having a more naturist side — which can be enjoyed from the Plage de Tahiti. This is an “unofficial nudist beach” like so many others along the Riviera.
In the opening scene of the 1956 film And God Created Woman, Brigitte Bardot lounges naked on this French Riviera beach, which pretty much sets the tone for what travellers can expect.
This is a postcard-Esque landscape, where you can find super soft sand and gentle turquoise waves. There are several bars and umbrellas for shade, making it popular among celebrities and the general public alike.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 64.25
Air Temperature: 29°C
Water Temperature: 23.8°C
Pollution Index: 35.34
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 78.92
Hotel Cost Per Night: $480
9. Praia De Galheta
Santa Catarina, Brazil
Praia da Galheta, Florianopolis, Brazil, Nude Beach
About 12 miles south of Florianopolis in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, this white sand beach attracts die-hard naturists and the nude-curious alike. It’s fine to turn up for a skinny dip even if you don’t want to spend all day getting your pale bits burned. Praia de Galheta is a naturally preserved area, with no restaurants or other buildings nearby, so bring lunch. There’s also an archaeological site, and the surf is good. The Association of the Friends of Galheta lobbies and looks out for the interests of nature and naturism on the beach.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 64
Air Temperature: 29°C
Water Temperature: 23.8°C
Pollution Index: 20.44
Blue Flag Status: Yes
Safety Index: 60.85
Hotel Cost Per Night: $85
10. Pihlajasaari Beach
Helsinki, Finland
Pihlajasaari Beach, FInland
Pihlajasaari (Rönnskär in Swedish) is an island in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. There are actually two separate islands connected with a bridge. On one of the islands, you can find a unisex nudist beach. Here it is almost entirely bare cliffs with very little sand. You’ll be wide awake after diving naked into one of Helsinki’s ice-cold lakes. In Finland, ice-hole swimming is considered a healthy practice, said to improve circulation, boost your immune system and give you a burst of energy. Head to Helsinki to try it for yourself at one of the local saunas.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 62
Air Temperature: 21°C
Water Temperature: 16.1°C
Pollution Index: 13.23
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 73.97
Hotel Cost Per Night: $160
11. Green Lake
Styria, Austria
Grüner See Tragöß, Austria Tragoess
Surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains, Green Lake is best visited in spring or summer when the water level is at its highest. Each year as the snow melts, the lake expands to cover much of the surrounding park. The submerged alpine grasses and meadow are what give the lake its distinctive colour. Thanks to the crystal-clear waters, you can even spot park benches and footpaths beneath the surface. But be warned: even in summer, the temperatures can be pretty chilly.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 61.25
Air Temperature: 25°C
Water Temperature: 18°C
Pollution Index: 21.84
Safety Index: 79.8
12. Vecaki Beach
Riga, Latvia
Vecaki Beach, Latvia
You may not know that Latvia has a coast with over 300 miles of pure, uninterrupted Baltic beach. Just north of Latvia’s capital of Riga is the country’s biggest naturist beach, Vecaki Beach. The nude-friendly portion of the shoreline spans from Vecaki to Kalngale. It is also popular among locals as a beach volleyball spot. That’s right: Naked Latvians playing beach volleyball. We’ll leave it at that. The beach is about 10 minute walk from Vecaki railway station, which itself is about 20 minutes away from Riga’s central station.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 61
Air Temperature: 24°C
Water Temperature: 20.5°C
Pollution Index: 37.77
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 61.62
Hotel Cost Per Night: $72
13. Bellevue Beach
Klampenborg, Denmark
Bellevue Beach, Copenhagen, Denmark
During the summer months, Bellevue Beach is the antithesis of a nude beach full of uninhibited retirees. It’s a hotspot for younger, rowdier Danes who come from nearby towns looking to party. It’s where you can find the naked and free-spirited. One half of the beach is strictly topless-optional, while the other welcomes fully nude revellers. It should be immediately clear which one’s the fun half — both!
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 59.5
Air Temperature: 23°C
Water Temperature: 20.5°C Pollution Index: 10.84
Blue Flag Status: Yes
Safety Index: 73.05
Hotel Cost Per Night: $158
14. Huk Beach
Oslo, Norway
Huk Beach, Oslo, Norway
The small but pretty Huk Beach sits near the end of the Bygdøy peninsula. This is just to the west of Norway’s capital, Oslo. It’s known as one of the most popular beaches within a short distance of the city (only 5km away).
It’s backed by parkland and is divided into two beaches with a small inlet separating them. The eastern beach is a little larger and the smaller beach to the west is the naturist beach. Both have grassy areas with plenty of trees.
The water is shallow, which keeps it warmer — so you don’t have to worry about freezing if you have a naked swim. On the western end of the beach, there is a diving platform and the beach also has a volleyball court.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 59.5
Air Temperature: 23°C
Water Temperature: 18.5°C
Pollution Index: 23.96
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 65.14
Hotel Cost Per Night: $158
15. Playa Levante
Formentera, Spain
Playa de Levante, Formentera, Spain
Formentera boasts some of the Mediterranean’s finest beaches. There’s no need to pussyfoot around at Playa de Levante. Nudity is the norm and you’ll likely draw more looks if you cover up than if you let it all hang out.
Playa Levante is a sandy enclave backed by trees and also features sheltered dunes. It’s the longest beach in Formentera and is located on the east side of the peninsula of Es Trucadors. If you want to try some snorkeling, head to Playa Es Calo in its crystal-clear bay.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 59.5
Air Temperature: 30°C
Water Temperature: 26.5°C
Pollution Index: 45.15
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 73.92
Hotel Cost Per Night: $288
16. Mpenjati Nature Reserve
Port Edward, South Africa
Mpenjati Beach, Nature Reserve, South Africa
Mpenjati Beach is found in the Mpenjati Nature Reserve south of Durban on the Hibiscus Coast. This is South Africa’s only official nude beach. It is perhaps the only legal clothing-not-obligatory strand on the entire African continent. Mpenjati Beach is found just outside the town of Margate and is a 250 metre stretch of beach that falls under the Mpenjati Nature Reserve at Trafalgar.
The beautiful reserve is found around the Mpenjati River Lagoon and extends seawards 500m, which protects unique fossils often found there. It consists of a system of interconnecting riverine and floodplain marsh habitats, coastal forests, grasslands, and river estuary.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 59
Air Temperature: 27°C
Water Temperature: 21.8°C
Pollution Index: 38.12
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 23.88
Hotel Cost Per Night: $125
17. Viti Lake
Askja Caldera, Iceland
Iceland, Viti in Askja, Swimming
In a land littered with volcanic wonders, Viti is a gem. Isolated in Iceland’s remote Central Highlands, you will find this geothermal crater lake found in the Askja Caldera. This is a hard place to reach. You’ll need serious off-road driving skills and nerves of steel. But it’s worth the effort.
Viti Lake has a water temperature of 25°C making it a popular location for travellers who want to enjoy a swim while surrounded by nature. It’s an ideal spot to soak in soothing geothermal waters. Bathing suits are strictly optional.
The Askja region was created at the end of the last Ice Age when a magma chamber collapsed beneath the Dyngjufjöll mountains. Falling in upon itself, the Askja region became a 50 square kilometre caldera within the Icelandic Highlands. The region features fantastic scenery, mini-craters and lakes.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 54.75
Air Temperature: 10°C
Water Temperature: 10°C
Pollution Index: 15.18
Safety Index: 77.72
Hotel Cost Per Night: $270
18. Banyan Tree Lijiang
Yunnan, China
Banyan Tree Lijiang Resort, China
The Banyan Tree Lijiang Resort is a spa resort located in the ancient city of Lijiang. It is located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and is 2,400 metres above sea level.
The resort features high tiled walls which allow you to undress with confidence in the pool villas. The heated pools are best enjoyed outside of May to August when seasonal fields of rhododendrons reach full bloom. You can enjoy the view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and a Himalayan panorama.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 54
Air Temperature: 27°C
Water Temperature: 26°C
Pollution Index: 48.6
Safety Index: 74.04
Hotel Cost Per Night: $215
19. Little Palm Beach
Auckland, New Zealand
Little Palm, Waiheke, New Zealand
Little Palm Beach is found on Waiheke Island, off the coast of Auckland and only a short ferry ride away (45 minutes). It’s a small island but it isn’t lacking when it comes to skinny dipping.
Little Palm Beach is found on the northern side of the island and separated from the main Palm Beach by a little rocky outcrop. This acts as a nice natural screen.
Waiheke is an ideal place for a weekend getaway or a base for overseas travellers to enjoy the beaches and explore Auckland. The island is known for its vineyards and produces some excellent wines. Not to mention the exceptional cuisine that can be found here. You can find many small galleries, walking trails, and more.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 53.25
Air Temperature: 24°C
Water Temperature: 15.8°C
Pollution Index: 29.33
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 54.28
Hotel Cost Per Night: $270
20. Arambol Beach
Goa, India
Arambol Beach, North Goa, India
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa, Arambol beach is 55km from Panaji. It’s popular with tourists and stretches 2.5 km. The beach is divided into two — Arambol and Harmal. Harmal is the more popular one due to its surrounding cliffs. Arambol is less commercialised. The jungle valley near the beach is another popular attraction. This valley is home to several species of wildlife and the pool in the valley is said to have therapeutic properties. Popular activities include paragliding, water sports and dolphin spotting.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 52.75
Air Temperature: 29°C
Water Temperature: 28°C
Pollution Index: 49.31
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 55.17
Hotel Cost Per Night: $40
21. Semuc Champey
Lanquín, Guatemala
Semuc Champey, Lanquín, Guatemala
Tucked away in the densely forested mountains of Alta Verapaz, the Natural Monument of Sumec Champey has a reputation as being one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala. Lanquin, found in the heart of Guatemala is 65 kilometres from Coban. This serves as a base to visit Semuc Champey and its caves. The isolated Semuc Champey is something of a Holy Grail amongst backpackers in South America. This is an idyllic limestone paradise that despite gruelling hours of off-road forging it takes to get there is one of the world’s hidden gems. Located in the middle of the Guatemalan jungle, this stunning chain of turquoise stepped pools, enticing caves, and natural limestone bridge offer endless swimming opportunities. There is also an extensive cave network complete with underground waterfalls and breathtaking views.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 51.5
Air Temperature: 24°C
Water Temperature: 30.1°C
Pollution Index: 72.38
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 37.23
Hotel Cost Per Night: $60
22. Wreck Beach
Vancouver, Canada
Wreck Beach, Vancouver, Canada, BC
Wreck Beach is the largest naturist beach in North America at 7.8 kilometres long. Found at the edge of the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Pacific Spirit Regional Park, it’s where you will find many Vancouverites sunbathing naked. The beach is actually a series of sandy strands, pebble flats and rocky outcrops wrapped around the end of Point Grey. The beach is located right at the edge of UBC. There is a short (but very steep) walk down from the Museum of Anthropology. This is a seriously steep walk down. Surrounding Wreck Beach you can find green space studded by rose gardens, Japanese rock gardens, botanic gardens, canopy walks, regional parkland and hiking trails.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 48.5
Air Temperature: 20°C
Water Temperature: 12.4°C
Pollution Index: 25.17
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 63.01
Hotel Cost Per Night: $240
23. Lady Falls
Neath, United Kingdom
Sgwd Gwladys, Lady Falls, Wales, UK
Lady Falls is a seven-metre high waterfall in the river Afon Pyrddin in Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales. It’s popular with visitors as it is easily accessible from the village trailhead in Pontneddfechan. From here, it’s a 30-minute walk along the riverside to the waterfall. You will eventually come to a wooden bridge that you can cross and it leads you to the falls. Be warned that swimming here can be dangerous. Definitely do not jump off the top of the falls as people have been seriously injured here. Also, wear good shoes as the hike to the falls can be muddy but it is very accessible.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 51.5
Air Temperature: 20°C
Water Temperature: 12.3°C
Pollution Index: 21.21
Blue Flag Status: N/A
Safety Index: 64.52
Hotel Cost Per Night: $200
24. Orient Bay
St. Martin, Caribbean
Orient Bay, St Martin
Orient Bay is located on the east coast of St Martin, on the French side. Here you can find a broad sweep of yellow sand. Often referred to as the ‘St Tropez of the Caribbean’ it is one of the biggest and most popular beaches on the island. The nudist area is located at the westernmost end of Orient Bay Beach. If you’re hungry, you’ll find savoury Caribbean dishes and fruity cocktails at any of the beach restaurants. There is also a wide mix of water sports to choose from jet skiing, parasailing, sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. There are also beach volleyball and tennis courts. And if you’re seeking some solitude, you can take a trip to the nearby island of Green Cay. This is a tiny secluded island known for its snorkelling.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 47.75
Air Temperature: 28°C
Water Temperature: 29°C
Blue Flag Status: No
Hotel Cost Per Night: $530
25. Neve Midbar Beach
Dead Sea, Israel
Neve Midbar Beach, Dead Sea, Israel
If you thought that the Middle East wasn’t a place to find nudist beaches, then you didn’t factor in Israel. Although Neve Midbar Beach may be the only place in the Middle East where any kind of public nudity is lawful. Set at the northern end of the Dead Sea, Neve Midbar is a small, private resort with a section of the shoreline set aside for bare beachgoers. Here you can get your nudey on, float in the salty water, and lather yourself in the black cleansing mud that the region’s famous for.
Skinny Dipping Index Score: 47.25
Air Temperature: 30°C
Water Temperature: 29.3°C
Pollution Index: 64.8
Blue Flag Status: No
Safety Index: 63.68
Hotel Cost Per Night: $285
For more info go to mydatingadviser.com
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