CNN recently compiled a list of the 24 best nudist beaches worldwide for those who enjoy sunbathing or swimming au naturel.
Although nudist beaches may seem like a modern trend, they actually have a long history, dating back to the prudish Victorian era.
In the 1880s, American poet Walt Whitman praised the virtues of “Adam-like air baths”—his nude walks and swims along Timber Creek in New Jersey, writing about the liberating, revitalizing ecstasy of being naked in nature.
Similarly, the nudist movement took off in Europe and North America during the first half of the 20th century, with the creation of parks, camps, and eventually beaches for those who wanted to experience nature in their most natural state.
One outcome of the socially and sexually liberal 1960s was the “free beach” movement, which led to the spread of nudist beaches around the world.
Their popularity continues today, with more beaches being designated every year. “Soft, smooth sand, the warm ocean breeze, gentle waves, and the company of many other nudists are what make a nudist beach wonderful,” says Nicky Hoffman, editor of Nude & Natural magazine and co-author of The World’s Best Nude Beaches & Resorts in an interview with CNN.
A Greek Beach Among Them
One of the 24 beaches is Greek, located on Crete: Red Beach. The American article highlights:
Red Beach, Crete “This secluded coastline on the southern side of Crete is a hotspot for nude sunbathing in Greece. Red Beach (or Kokkini Ammos), named after its ochre-colored sand and rocks, is accessible via a 20-minute hike from Matala or a very short boat ride from the village’s harbor.
Loved by European hippies in the 1960s, the beach offers sunbed and umbrella rentals and features a small, funky bar called Yiannis, famous for its mojitos.
Note: The mysterious rock carvings at the far end of the beach are a modern creation and definitely not ancient Minoan relics.”
Here are the others on the list:
Playa Naturista Chihuahua, Uruguay
Nida Nude Beach, Lithuania
Agesta Beach, Swedeν
Little Palm Beach, Waiheke, New Zealand
Nugal Beach, Croatia
Moshup Beach, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Black’s Beach, La Jolla, California
Lady Bay Beach, Sydney, Australia
Buhne 16, Sylt, Germany
Wreck Beach, Vancouver, Canada
Red Beach, Crete, Greece
Callantsoog Beach, Netherlands
Anse de Grande Saline, St. Barts
Platja des Cavallet, Ibiza, Spain
Little Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Cap d’Agde beach, France
Is Benas Beach, Sardinia, Italy
Mpenjati Beach, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico