Naturist beaches: Portugal
A guide to some of our favourites…
DESTINATION GUIDE: Naturist beaches of Portugal
PHOTOS: naturism_portugal
With a fabulous climate, some of the best beaches in Europe, and a relaxed and sensible attitude towards public nudity, it’s no surprise that Portugal is an increasingly popular destination for naturist holidaymakers.
Great beaches are one of its more obvious attractions for naturists, and with sheltered dunes, rocky coves, secluded bays, shallow lagoons, vast stretches of open sands and the crashing surf of the wild Atlantic, there is a stretch of coastline - over 800 kilometres of it to be precise - to suit everybody: and much of it can be enjoyed naked.
There is a Portuguese expression, nao faz mal, which roughly translates as ‘it doesn’t matter.’ It perfectly sums up the country’s laid-back attitude towards a lot of things, including nakedness in public, and is the reason why many beaches, whilst not necessarily officially recognised as naturist, are naturist by default or common consent.
Public nudity is not actually against the law in Portugal, and an offence is only committed if somebody feels morally offended and files a complaint – an unlikely occurrence. So you can, in theory, go naked anywhere you want.
However, as always, common sense should prevail. You wouldn’t take all your clothes off and parade down the main tourist drag in Albufeira for instance - even if it is called The Strip. And whilst topless sunbathing is as common in Portugal as most places in southern Europe, you might cause offence swimming in the buff on many of the popular and busy beaches in the main towns and resorts, especially in August, when the whole of Portugal seems to decamp to the coast to cool off, often in large family groups complete with the pre-requisite black-shawled granny.
But don’t worry. There are nine official naturist beaches in Portugal (highlighted in red) plus any number of others - from Porto in the north, around Lisbon, into the Alentejo and along the entire stretch of the Algarve - where nudity is the norm, not just with foreign tourists but with the Portuguese themselves. Here is a brief selection of our favourites.
Porto & The North: Afife, Rodanho, Estela, Rio Alto, Moreiro, Cabedelo, Furadouro, Costa Nova, Duna Alta, Palheirao, Almadoiros.
Silver Coast: Cova-Gala, Osso da Baleia, Vigao, Pedras Negras, Norte, Salgado, Gralha, Rei Cortico, Praia d’el Rei, Almagreira
Lisbon region: Valmitao, Aguda, Adraga, Ursa, Abano, Fonte da Telha, Rio da Prata, Bicas, Ilhau, Bela Vista, Adiça, Meco
Alentejo: Comporta, Brejos, Aberta Nova, Monte Velho, Areias Brancas, Pessegueiro, Malhao, Brejo Largo, Amalia, Salto, Alteirinhos
Algarve: Adegas, Vale Figueira, Bordeira, Murracao, Barriga, Cordama, Beliche, Barranco, Zavial, Furnas, Cabanas, Pinheiros, Meia Praia, Prainha, Caneiros, Afurada, Praia Grande, Deserta, Armona, Cacela, Barril
