Beaches for Gay Nudists

What's there to say? We cherish a nude beach…particularly one that is gay…

Given that Stefan grew up in a chilly, often damp London, and Seby in the mountainous regions of France, it's safe to declare we were denied our fair share of the Vitamin Sea. And, of course, we consistently cheer anywhere we can shed our attire…!

During our travels, we've explored many exceptional gay beaches around the globe, some even celebrated nudist spots. There's nothing more invigorating and freeing than the capability to swim without constraint in the seawater…and then dry off under the sun in only one's birthday suit, precisely as Mother Nature envisioned!

Presented here are our premier gay nude beaches across the globe. Remember to apply plenty of sunscreen while embracing the nudist way of life…the last thing you desire is a nasty sunburn around the crown jewels!

1. Balmins Beach in Sitges, Spain

Balmins is our top choice for gay nude beaches. It's among the multiple in Spain, situated in the town of Sitges, which we rate as one of our preferred gay destinations in Europe. Sitges is situated roughly 27 miles (44km) south of Barcelona. There are several gay beaches here, but the finest is the nudist beach known as Balmins, located just outside the central hub of town.

Playa de las Balmins is positioned just outside the core of Sitges, towards the east, right before Port D’Aiguadolç. It's in a rather secluded area, allowing nudism to flourish. We are fond of Balmins, as it's removed from the hustle and bustle of Sitges' nearby family-friendly beaches…you grasp our meaning: there are no children yelling in sight at Balmins!

Another gay nude beach to investigate in Sitges is “Playa del Muerto” (which interprets to “Beach of the deceased”), but it's a good fifty-minute walk away from the central town; worth a peek, although we opted for the one nearer to town - beaming, beautiful and bold Balmins!

How to get to Balmins Beach: From Barcelona, it's a forty-five-minute train journey to Sitges. Departing from the train station in Sitges, head south through the old town central area toward the coast, and from there, go east for approximately twenty minutes. You'll pass the church (which is unmistakable and highly photogenic), then cross over San Sebastian Beach - keep walking up the hill, past the cemetery until you see all the nudist boys hanging out by the beach…that's Las Balmins.

2. Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines in New York, USA

Could this place possibly be any more iconic? We first heard of the gay nude beaches of Fire Island following their feature in an episode of 5ex and the City.

The Grove and the Pines have cultivated a “anything goes” attitude, enabling beach nudity to thrive. In reality, it's more of a contest of who's wearing the scantiest swimsuit! The main nudist spot is located on the wild expanse of beach between the Grove and the Pines, partitioned by a large forest. As you enter the forest between the two communities, continue towards the beach ahead, and there you'll encounter all the gay nude guys. The total walk from either the Grove or the Pines ferry dock is about a half-mile.

The majority of people come here as a day excursion, but the optimal method is to attempt an overnight stay: vehicles are not permitted on Fire Island, which means you'll have complete tranquility and serenity here.

How to get to the gay nude beach of Fire Island: The best way is to drive over from New York and then park your vehicle on arrival (and account for the parking fees). Cars aren't permitted to travel throughout the island. An alternative involves taking the train and ferry. Review the National Park Service website for the latest and most up-to-date data.

3. Obelisk Beach in Sydney, Australia

There are two primary nudist beaches in Sydney: Lady Jane on the south head of Sydney Harbour's headlands (these headlands are locally referred to as The Heads, hehe!) and Obelisk Beach on the middle head. Obelisk is also a formally designated nude beach, so you shouldn't feel any apprehension about potentially being reprimanded for being unclothed.

Obelisk Beach spans for over a hundred meters and is a lot more tranquil than you'd expect a Sydney beach to be. With a thin stretch of sand, bushland at our backs, and stunning vistas of the harbour towards Hornby Lighthouse, we felt as though the world belonged solely to us.

Naturist enthusiasts invested a number of years contending for a personal space where they could swim freely, just as the gracious Lord above conceived them! Eventually, the Australian government yielded and permitted Obelisk and Lady Bay Beaches to be officially nudist. Lady Bay is simpler to reach, which enhances its popularity, and subsequently, it can become more congested. Obelisk is more remote, making it the ideal spot for a bit more privacy.

How to get to Obelisk Beach: Typically, Lady Bay has a more diverse/heterosexual crowd, whereas at Obelisk, you'll encounter more gay nudist boys. The most efficient method to access the Obelisk is either by boat or land taxi, though both are rather costly. You also have the option of taking the 244 bus (from Wynyard Station), but it only operates hourly, so be certain to plan thoroughly.

4. Sandy Bay Beach in Cape Town, South Africa

Sandy Bay Beach is the sole unofficial gay nude beach in South Africa, yet it merits a visit. It's situated between Cape Town and Cape Point (the Cape of Good Hope), slightly south of the town of Llandudno. It's exceedingly secluded, making it the perfect location to relish stunning views while revealing all.

The gleaming white sands and the profound blue of the Atlantic Ocean create an enchanting spot to work on your tan. The water can be pretty cold, so any dips are inclined to be brief! Sandy Bay Beach also experiences high swells fairly frequently, so you could have the chance to enjoy seeing surfers catching the waves.

It's only about a thirty-minute drive to the parking area of Sandy Bay Beach from Cape Town, and we endorse it as an enjoyable day trip from the city. Make sure you also review our guide to the highlights of Cape Town for gay travelers prior to your departure!

How to get to the Sandy Bay Beach: It's not easy to reach Sandy Bay Beach, but that's what renders it so secluded upon your arrival. You'll need to drive to the Sandy Bay parking area and then follow the walking path for a good fifteen minutes to reach the beach. The hike isn't excessively challenging and offers beautiful views along the way. Bear in mind that the parking lot can fill up rapidly (so arrive early), and there are no shops or toilets on the beach, so you'll have to bring everything you may need.

5. Brighton Naturist Beach in England, UK

What? An English entry on a listing of beaches where one would have a hankering to be nude?! We even surprised ourselves with this one! However, credit where it's due – and Brighton's nude beach warrants fair praise. Despite the weather not always being perfect, it's quite impressive to have a respectable gay nudist beach on the Great British shores!

Although… you may not get to prance around as much on this beach due to all the stones and pebbles, so surely, remember to take your flip flops or sandals. Also, the available facilities are limited here, so make sure to pop into the local ASDA on the way for supplies.

Regarding privacy, this beach is concealed from the railway by a shingle bank. The crowd is notably diverse: we saw many nudist boys, groups of students, gays of all ages, fabulous lesbians, and numerous couples.

How to get to the Brighton Naturist Beach: It's positioned outside the city center to the east, close to the Marina and the Electric Railway station. After you've found the McDonald's at the Marina, continue walking until you pass the Cineworld, then turn right by Pizza Hut and proceed through a tunnel into the car park until you come across a car wash. Eventually, you reach a concrete walkway, which runs behind the beach. Head towards the Electric Railway station, and the nude area of the beach is just beyond. Phew!

6. Cavallet Beach in Ibiza, Spain

Whilst Ibiza might be known for epic parties, we additionally discovered an incredibly pretty facet to it, notably at Platja des Cavallet. This is Ibiza's official nudist beach, particularly beloved by gays, checking out all the tanned bodies…

Cavallet Beach is visually picturesque, affording views of both Ibiza Town and Formentera on a cloudless day. There are some excellent restaurants at the north end of the beach and the (very gay) Chiringay Beach House at the south, with rainbow details proudly displayed.

On our visit, it was the peak summer period of July and swarming with gays of all ages from across the globe. On the beach, you'll also come across the club flyer boys circulating and offering discounts to the evening's large parties. Despite the crowds, we appreciate that you can still always locate a quiet spot at the Cavallet gay nude beach.

How to get to Cavallet Beach: You can reach Cavallet Beach by driving here (there's parking at the northern tip of the beach) or via a long bus ride from Ibiza Town, followed by another solid twenty-minute walk through a forest.

7. Bellevue Beach in Copenhagen, Denmark  

Also known as Miramar, Bellevue Beach is a charming clothing-optional beach just outside Copenhagen. With Denmark being one of the most gay friendly countries in the world, it's no surprise that they possess one of the finest gay nudist beaches.

Scattered all over the beach are the geometrically shaped lifeguard towers. The blue posts, with their retro-style build, are a trademark on the beach. If you feel up to it, get involved in a game of polo - the beach is renowned for the sport! Though, don't get excessively competitive, as the Danes are typically more relaxed when playing, and won't cherish a Monica from the ‘Friends' style approach.

The site of one of the most sought-after European holiday spots in the 1930s, Bellevue Beach has been specifically revamped over the years to evolve into one of the most lavish and breathtaking locations it is today. With a cafe lounge area close by, don't hesitate to grab a coffee or an ice cream in between dips in the water.

How to get to Bellevue Beach: It's positioned approximately 10km from Copenhagen's center. You can reach it by way of a brief train ride to Klampenborg Station. As you exit the station, you'll soon spot the water towards the east. The gay nude portion is located by the northern end.

8. Mar Bella in Barcelona, Spain

This beach is unmatched! Mar Bella is Barcelona's official gay nudist beach and one of our top choices among all the gay beaches of Barcelona.

Mar Bella is located in a rather secluded area, so it feels exceedingly intimate and cozy even in a bustling city like Barcelona. It attracts a mixed group of all ages, encompassing both locals and foreigners. We spotted guys tossing beach balls, playing music, and just lounging under the sun. In terms of nudist boys, it's a blend here of lads flaunting their most recent Aussiebum speedos versus chaps just embracing their birthday suits.

We particularly adore the BeGay Beach Club and Bar here, with numerous rainbow flags flying high, and it's a highly popular spot for snacks or cocktails. Mar Bella beach also hosts the epic Circuit Festival every August, so there's nothing but parties, handsome gay guys, and top DJs as far as the eye can see!

How to get to Mar Bella Beach: Take the metro to Poblenou and from there it's just a ten-minute walk.

9. Elia Beach in Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos reigns as the gayest of the stunning Greek Islands, and Elia Beach is our favored gay beach on the island! It's also among the biggest beaches on Mykonos, with ample space for renting sun loungers and beachside eateries to appreciate.

Elia Beach is located at the southern end of the island, approximately 6 miles (10km) from Mykonos Town. It features both a gay section and a nudie section…awww yessss!

The entire beach is pretty gay, but the right-hand side (if you're facing the sea) is the gayest, with many rainbow flags to advertise this. There's a rocky outcrop at the end here and then another petite beach where nude sunbathing is permissible. Check out our gay guide to Mykonos for more insights on how to savor the entire captivating island, and our Greece gay travel guide if exploring additional parts of the country.

How to get to Elia Beach: The simplest method is to hop into a rental car or buggy. Periodically, scheduled boat services can transport you here during the peak summer season. Otherwise, you can arrive via bus, but be prepared for a long, winding trip.

10. Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, Spain

Gran Canaria is the largest of the enchanting Canary Islands and has evolved into a gay haven over the years, with a tremendous gay scene surrounding the Yumbo Centre in Playa del Ingles. Just south of this lies the gay nude beach of Maspalomas by kiosk 7, hidden by the island's famous dunes.

The beach is immense, approximately ten kilometers (6.2 miles) in length, with different sections where you'll encounter families or nudists, and the gays near the number seven kiosk. There are other kiosks to procure snacks and drinks all along the beach, alongside showers, lavatories, etc.

The Yumbo Centre has a fantastic gay scene, and when you factor in the otherworldly dunes (which are outstanding for some gay cruising as well), plus a gay nude beach - well, it's practically gay paradise, particularly during Maspalomas Pride. Discover further details in our gay guide to Gran Canaria.

How to get to the Maspalomas gay beach: The easiest means to get to the gay nude section of the beach is by traversing the dunes in front of the Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas. Initially, you have to make your way through the dunes, which function as a popular cruising area… We got lost several times here, but if one of you possesses basic navigation skills (which we don't!), or even has Google Maps readily available (which we didn't!) - then you'll be just fine…! Otherwise, just trace the path of scantily clad gay boys…

11. Abrico Beach near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  

Ipanema may be the main go-to gay beach in Rio, where all the tanned, muscled, sizzling Brazilian “Barbie Boys” frequent, but just beyond the city lies Praia do Abrico, a gay nude haven. It's a lot more relaxed here than Ipanema beach, devoid of any attitude, so you can remove your clothes, unwind, and relish the beach as nature intended, unburdened by judgment from anyone!

In our opinion, this beach has stolen the show! It's located roughly a 1.5-hour drive from Copacabana on the east end of Grumari Beach, but the journey is worth it. It's surrounded by stunning mountains, notably ‘the twin brothers', which are visible on the western side.

There's always an abundance of games occurring - even if sports aren't your thing, the crowds here are so welcoming and engaging that you'll discover yourself transforming into the subsequent Sporty Spice within minutes! Test your skills at surfing; the waves here are to di.ve for, and the cerulean waters feel incredibly tranquil underneath the scorching sun.

How to get to Abrico beach: The best method to get there is by securing an Uber, as it's more budget-friendly and dependable than a taxi from Rio. You could alternatively catch city bus S-20 to a stop that's about 5km from the beach and walk the remainder of the way along a paved path or grab a taxi from that point.

12. Lokrum in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Reached by a ferry service, Lokrum is an island positioned 600 meters from Dubrovnik in Croatia. A place of monasteries, botanical gardens, tranquil rural life…and a marvelous nudey beach! The entire locale thrives in culture and history. Maximilian, the previous Austrian archduke, once spent a holiday here.

It's secure to say that you can go without any attire on the beaches across the island's coast - most locals frequent there to bathe or to unwind. The gay section can be spotted on the east side. The bay supplies excellent shelter, letting you bask in the sun and luxuriate in the waters in peace.

While it usually has an open atmosphere, be mindful that Croatia still isn't the most progressive nation globally. Displays of affection might be acceptable at the gay beach of Lokrum, but proceed with caution elsewhere in Croatia, as homophobia remains pervasive across the country. Nonetheless, Croatia persists as a favored stopover among some of the best gay nude cruises.

How to get to Lokrum beach: Ferries depart from the Dubrovnik harbor to Lokrum Island every thirty minutes. Once you reach Lokrum, head to the left from where you disembark the ferry and search for indicators pointing towards the HKK Beach, which is the nude beach.

13. Mari Pintau on Sardinia Island, Italy

In what is translated as ‘the painted sea,' the Mari Pintau beach undeniably evokes a masterpiece. It's situated halfway between the scenic town of Cagliari and Villasimius, adjacent to the Kala e Moru beach on Sardinia Island.

This beach isn't sandy; it's covered in small, rounded stones, so remember to bring flip-flops or sandals to avoid discomfort! With a nearby kiosk bar, you'll find delightful food and useful advice on how best to spend your time on the beach. We also love this beach because it faces southwest, ensuring spectacular sunsets every evening.

Plus, you can go nude! Encompassed by the lush Mediterranean bushes, we felt like veritable Adam and Steve parading around the Garden of Eden.

How to get to Mari Pintau beach: If you're exploring Sardinia by car, you could easily drive to Mari Pintau Beach, although parking is only available on the side of the road. Alternatively, bus route 101 between Cagliari and San Vito stops in Geremeas, from where it's a short walk to the beach.

14. Chihuahua Beach in Uruguay

Being one of the most gay-friendly countries in South America, Uruguay was bound to have a breathtaking nudist beach close by. Playa Chihuahua can be located just outside the gay party city of Punta del Este.

Play by day. Party by night. Visiting this beach in the AM and the PM is akin to witnessing two distinct worlds. In the morning, children can be observed frolicking in the sea, constructing sandcastles, and with parents reading under beach umbrellas. By night, all the gays emerge from the shadows for an epic party!

Music. Dancing. Laughter. It mirrors the enchantment of the club being transported outdoors. So popular among younger crowds, it wouldn't be entirely out of place to spot a famous face or two among the festivities. And the reality that the beach is clothing-optional makes it so much superior!

How to get to Chihuahua Beach: The simplest way to arrive at Chihuahua Beach from Punta del Este is by driving if you have your rental car or by obtaining a taxi. Find out more about things to do in Punta del Este in our Uruguay travel itinerary guide.

15. Beach 19 near Lisbon in Portugal

Officially named “Praia de Bela Vista”, it's not just one of Portugal's most famous naturist beaches; it's additionally one of the premier gay beaches. We particularly love it since all those attractive Portuguese local lads in Lisbon go here after work or on weekends for a bit of beach hanky panky fun…

Beach 19 is located at the southern end of Costa da Caparica. It boasts extensive cover from dunes and forests, where all the action transpires. Cheeky playtime aside, it's a fantastic spot for some good old-fashioned sunbathing in your birthday suit. Note that not everyone here is nude, and if it's not your preference, then it's not expected. The primary intention here is to feel absolutely free without any pressure, precisely why we love it.

The sole thing we'd mention is the water can get quite rough here, so exercise caution! This is the Atlantic Ocean, after all. For more pragmatic advice about gay Lisbon, we've issued an exceptional Lisbon LGBTQ gay travel guide tailored for first-time gay travelers.

How to get to Beach 19: The most straightforward approach to reach Beach 19 from Lisbon is by taxi. It runs approximately €20-30 each way and consumes about thirty minutes. You once could have used public transit during the summer months, but this was, unfortunately, discontinued in the last two years or so. A taxi or Uber is the best option now.

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