Love it or hate it, the fact remains that people all over the world enjoy taking a swim in nothing but their birthday suits. Several countries have designated nudist beaches or swimming areas, while others completely ban nudity of any kind.
Outforia did the research to determine which countries are the best and worst for plunging au naturel. They studied countries around the world where public nudity is either legal or partially legal, according to this Global Guide to Topless and Nude Sunbathing. Outforia’s list looked at several criteria to determine the best spots for naturists, including the number of naturist campsites, average climate and water temperature in addition to the amount of nudist beaches in each country.
We had a look at the three countries that have the most dedicated nudist beaches.
- The top(less) spot for ocean skinny dipping in the world? Spain. The country that gave us the Flamenco and paella is also down for a seaside fiesta. Spain has 422 listed nudist beaches, but those in the know say at least topless bathing will be tolerated on most other beaches too, no problem.
- Second in line to get undressed is France. The home to the Eiffel Tower also boasts a staggering 397 designated nudist beaches, and also seems to be lenient in non-designated spots as well.
- Thirdly, it would seem the Americans were not going to let Europe have all the fun. The United States offers 299 nudist beaches, but you’ll have to be careful where you strip down. Areas that are not designated as such, are strict about enforcing their decency rules.
- South Africa, you ask? Saffas did make the list, and come in at no lower than lucky number seven. The country has 17 nude beaches and 25 naturist campsites, and public exposure is legal in those areas. Some known nude beaches are Cape Town’s Sandy Bay, Secrets Beach in Gqeberha and Umhlanga Lagoon in Durban.
On the opposite of the spectrum are some of the countries where public nudity is completely unacceptable and a punishable offense, including Russia, China, and some Caribbean islands such as the Bahamas, Saint Lucia, and Antigua.
Picture: Unsplash
