The Best Gay Nudist Beaches in the World

Many naturists would say, there's no more of a simple pleasure than being nude at the beach. Being able to swim without restriction and acquiring a full body tan, are just some of the perks of nudist beaches. Free-spirited people are drawn here, so these beaches are naturally gay-friendly. Here is a list of must-visit gay-friendly clothing-optional beaches from around the world if you're looking to dip your toe into the nudist pond.

Elia Beach, Mykonos, Greece

Elia beach is Mykonos' largest and arguably most popular gay beach in Greece, so is a must-see for gay beach-goers.

Elia is accessible by bus which departs from the Old Port, or a 25-minute drive from Mykonos Town. As Elia is the last stop on the taxi boat, it can often be less busy than the other beaches a few stops before. When you arrive, you have the option to lounge about by the sea, or you can partake in various water sports such as water-skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.

The sandy beach is often covered with parasols and beach chairs, this means that nabbing one for yourself isn't always insured, so make sure to book a chair before you arrive. However, if you would rather lie on the sand, there are some spots that can be found near the giant rainbow flag. Read More: The best gay beaches in Greece.

Cherry Grove/Fire Island Pines, Fire Island, USA

Located on Fire Island, these iconic gay nudist beaches are a must-see! They are among a few beaches on that stretch of coastline where nudity is officially embraced and encouraged. Pines Beach is separated from Cherry Grove beach by some woods which are lovingly called the 'Enchanted Forest' or the 'Petting Zoo'.

These are two separate nudist beaches, but definitely worth the visit which can be done in one day. They are both accessible by boat train, as Fire Island has a no-car policy. Make sure to time your arrival/departure properly as it is easy to get stranded.

Abrico Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abrico Beach is the only city beach in Rio de Janeiro and is located on the western outskirts of the Grumari region. This has been a nudist beach since the 1940s and is one of the oldest in Brazil. Abrico sits in a secluded area surrounded by cliffs, making it feel more private and intimate.

This beach is made up of white sand and crystal clear water and is one of the best places to spend a hot Brazilian day.

Es Cavallet, Ibiza, Spain

Es Cavallet is another Spanish beach located on Europe's party island of Ibiza.  It is a 10-minute drive from Ibiza Town and is incredibly popular with gay nudists.

The main gay scene can be found towards the south end of the beach, where you will find a variety of people to chat to. Multiple bars and restaurants surround this beach, making it perfect for a long day out. There are also plenty of boutiques to explore if you fancy it.

The beach can be reached by car, bus, and bike. However, it is best not to drive in the high seasons as parking can be quite difficult to find due to how busy the beach gets.

Beach 19, Lisbon, Portugal

Beach 19 is Portugal's most famous gay beach and is located in Lisbon. The beach is part of a nature reserve which makes a refreshing day out of the main city. Towards the end of the beach is where you will find most of the gay scene, and once the sun goes down, this is where to come for all of your cruising needs. There is a main bar here where you can have some drinks, but the main city is close if you want to explore. Read More: Gay Beaches in Lisbon.

Black Rock Beach, Brighton, UK

Brighton is the gay capital of the UK, so naturally has the most popular gay nudist beach in the country.

Black Rock Beach can be found just a 5-minute drive from central Brighton, however, feels removed from the hustle and bustle of the main beach. It is close to the marina, where you will find a supermarket and other amenities.

A wide range of people come to this beach including students and seasoned nudists alike. Locals have described swimming and sunbathing on Black Rock as 'fantastically liberating'. The pebble beach - which is a part of a nature reserve, can be hard to walk on barefoot, so make sure to bring a beach blanket and some sandals!

Balmins Beach, Sitges, Spain

Sitges is a coastal town just outside of Barcelona and is incredibly popular with both gay locals and travelers. It is considered a gay town, so naturally, it has one of the best nudist gay beaches in Spain, Balmins Beach.

This clothing-optional beach is located a 6-minute walk from the Museu del Cau Ferrat. The beach is made up of three main coves, and it is also surrounded by hills, which shield it from the wind. Hopefully, that will encourage you to get your kit off!

The beach also has amenities such as restaurants all along the coast as well as a handful of bars that you can get a cold drink from.

Cap d'Agde, France

This busy beach is located on the coast, southwest of Montpellier and east of Beziers. This resort-style beach has a wide range of things to explore and is the perfect place to spend an entire day.

Cap d'Agde is a naturist-only beach, which is known for the raunchy gatherings that take place here. If you are looking for the option to keep your clothes on, non-nudist parts of the beach aren't too far away. However, most of the shops and restaurants come under the nudist part.

Aside from naked sunbathing, you can pay the museum of Ephebe a visit. Here you will see various artefacts found at the bottom of the sea from the medieval, ancient Greek and Roman periods.

Lecciona Beach, Tuscany, Italy

Lecciona Beach is located in Viareggio, a seaside city in Tuscany. This beach is great to visit as the Tuscan summer is long and hot, lasting until October.

The beach is situated idyllically between a small lake and the sea, offering great views wherever you look. If you want a spot of lunch, local restaurants and pizzerias will be found in the marina.

This is one of the few remaining free beaches in Tuscany, which makes it busier than beaches with fees, particularly in the summer. Because it is free, this beach has fewer amenities close, so make sure to pack everything that you will need for the day.

Bellevue Beach, Copenhagen, Denmark

This is the northernmost beach on this list, but it is still worth a visit during the warmer months. Bellevue Beach is located on the northern outskirts of Denmark in Klampenborg. It officially opened in the 1930s after the right to vacation became legally mandated in Denmark.

There are plenty of things to do here, so you don't have to rely upon the sun being out all day. For example, you will find a restaurant, the Bellevue Theatre, and more to keep you occupied. When the sun is out, there are many volleyball games played which you can join in on.

This beach is particularly popular with young people, but there is a mix of ages too. You will be able to find the gay section towards the northern end of the beach.

Chihuahua Beach, Uruguay

This clothing-optional beach is on the smaller side, located on Portozuelo Bay, on the outskirts of Punta del Este. The beach is conveniently located just a few kilometers away from Punta del Este Airport.

During the height of summer, this intimate-feeling beach becomes quite busy. In the surrounding area, you will find some gorgeous woods to explore. This area is very nudist-friendly, with there even being a nudist hotel close by!

Blacks Beach, San Diego, USA

This is a well-known nudist beach located in the La Jolla area of San Diego. Although popular, this beach isn't packed with people. The north end of the beach might interest you the most, as this is where you will find most of the gay section of the beach.

You will have to bring appropriate footwear and be a confident hiker, as there is a steep hike down to the beach itself.

Wreck Beach, Vancouver, Canada

Located near the University of British Columbia, this nudist beach is incredibly popular with students and local seasoned naturists alike.

The beach itself is reachable via a steep staircase, so be prepared with appropriate footwear and make sure you are up to the challenge. The water is said to be cold all year round, so there is an annual Polar Run. Make sure to join in on that!

Obelisk Beach, Sydney, Australia

This nudist beach is a bit of a hidden gem. Around 10km from downtown Sydney, this beach is central but has a rural feel to it. Obelisk Beach is the gay alternative to Cobblers beach, which is the most popular clothing-optional beach in the area.

You have the option of sunbathing on the large surrounding rocks or you can stick to frolicking in the sand. Due to its location, there aren't many facilities so make sure to come prepared with food and drink. Read More: Gay Beaches in Sydney.

Hanlan's Point, Toronto, Canada

Toronto's gay beach is found a short ferry ride away from the city at Hanlan's Point. Although not officially a gay beach, it attracts a gay crowd and you'll find that nudity is expected, whilst photography is prohibited!

Sandy Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

Sandy Bay, known as Africa's only nudist beach, is located between Cape Town and Cape Point.

The beach itself is quite secluded which is helped by large rocks that provide a barrier to the rest of the residential area. The walk down to the beach is a beautiful one and is a highlight for many visiting here.

To add to this, you will see amazing views of the Atlantic as well as green dunes when you are on the beach, making it one of the most stunning on this list!