Nude is bang on trend this summer. But we're not talking about nude heels or handbags; we're talking about ditching your clothes and opting for a "nakation" . Nervous about bearing it all but fancy giving it a go? Novice or old pro to sunbathing in your birthday suit, you'll be in good company on any one of these best nudist beaches in Europe. Don't be shy...

1. Brighton Naturist Beach, Brighton, UK

This naturist beach in Brighton opened in April 1980, but it wasn’t just the first one in the city, but the first nudist beach in the UK. It can be found at the eastern end of Brighton Beach – walk east from the pier towards the marina towards the large banks of rocks, built to protect guests from prying eyes. If you’re feeling lazy, hop on the Volks Electric Railway. Also known as Rock Beach, there are pebbles, rather than sand, but it’s still a fantastic stretch of coastline; visit and you’ll enjoy stunning views of Brighton’s main beach and of the city’s pier. For more beaches in Britain worth checking out (naked or not) have a peek at our list of the UK’s most beautiful shores from Northumberland to Cornwall.

2. Cap d’Agde, Languedoc, France

There’s a reason this second option doesn’t name a specific beach, and that’s the simple fact that going nude is de rigueur here. You’ll be able to strip off on all of Cap d’Agde’s beaches. And you can also shop, drink and dine naked here too, because the entire town is actually one big naturist resort. Since the first nude campsite opened here in 1958, it’s been home to Europe’s largest nudist colony, but 40,000 additional nudists flock here every summer. But if you’re planning on dipping your toe in the waters of public nudity, don’t be intimidated, because the beaches all have security patrols, photography is banned and there are heavy fines for certain offences, such as committing sexual acts in public.

Find flights to flaunt it all in France

3. Playa La Tejita, Tenerife, Spain

This is one of the best beaches in Tenerife, and it can be found on the southern side of the island. The eastern end has been set aside for naturists, and it’s not hard to see why; a rocky outcropping creates a feeling of privacy, and offers protection from the winds which make this area a popular windsurfing spot. Its position, at the foot of Montaña Roja, makes it one of Tenerife’s best beaches for both nudists and those who prefer to stay clothed. It’s easily accessible too, with two car parks. If you’re heading for the nudist section opt for the eastern-most car park.

Get set to take ‘yer kit of in Tenerife

4. Plage des Grottes, Île du Levant, France

Nudity is obligatory at this small-but-perfectly formed nudist beach for naturists in sunny southern France. The island on which it’s located, Ile du Levant, has some of Europe’s best naturist resorts, and sun-seekers who like to travel a little lighter have been flocking here for years. There are several restaurants where diners can dine naked, although if you’d rather keep your clothes on when eating, it might be best to avoid La Fourmi, where being clothed is actually frowned upon. But you don’t need to get dressed just because you’re leaving the beach, because nudity is allowed in all public areas, including the harbour and the village square, although if you’re stopping in any of these areas you’ll be required to wear what locals jokingly refer to as “le minimum,” meaning underwear.

5. Porto Ferro Beach, Sardinia, Italy

This small, beautiful stretch of sand is one of the best beaches in Sardinia, and the northern end is the section to head for if you fancy stripping off. The beach is a mixture of sand and large rocks, but it’s also well sheltered – both from winds and prying eyes – and it’s long too, so there’s plenty of space. It can get incredibly busy in summer, when it’s a stop-off for the area’s popular nudity tours. A word of warning: while Sardinia, and several other coastal areas in Italy, have nudist beaches (thanks largely to a law passed by the Italian Supreme Court in 2006 which allowed certain beaches to be designated nudist areas) there are heavy fines for being caught naked on beaches without this designation. Recently, a man in Sicily was fined around £1000 for being naked on a beach which wasn’t a nudist beach. In other words, do your homework before ditching the clothes.

Search for a summer holiday in Sardinia

6. Valalta, Rovinj, Croatia

This beautiful beach is actually part of one of Europe’s best naturist camps, and the beach is easily accessible, whether you’re spending the night or not (although if you splash out on a room you’ll also be able to take advantage of the legendary daily lunch buffet). The facilities are fantastic, with an open-air pool, a water slide into the sea and plenty of parasols to protect any embarrassing sunburn-related incidents. In fact, the fantastic facilities are precisely why it’s regarded as one of the best campsites in Croatia – whether you’re partial to a bit of nudity or not. The 4km beach is mainly sandy, with a few smaller rocky coves at either end.

Ditch your clothes in Croatia

7. Bellevue Beach, Klampenborg, Denmark

Nude bathing is welcomed at this popular Danish beach, which is easily accessible from Copenhagen and has excellent facilities, including showers and a lifeguard service. It’s one of the area’s livelier stretches of sand, so if you’re going nude for the first time, it might be wise to opt for a more private beach. The northern end is where the majority of nude sunbathers congregate, although topless bathing is common in all areas. Once you’ve topped up your tan, head to the nearby Bakken, which is the world’s oldest amusement park. Just don’t forget to put your clothes back on.

Find cheap flights to Denmark

8. Playa Illetes, Formentera, Spain

Spain has fewer nudist beaches than other European countries, but some of the best can be found on Formentera. Nudity is welcomed on most of the beaches here, and on Playa Illetes, on the north side, it’s positively encouraged. It’s certainly a beautiful spot to ditch your clothes; the water’s wonderfully clear and the sand is ridiculously soft (always a bonus when there’s no clothing to protect your nether regions). When the tide’s low, it’s possible to walk to the tiny, uninhabited island of Espalmador, another popular hangout for nudists – and an ideal spot if you’re nervous about your first dalliance with public nudity

9. Leucate Plage, Port-Leucate, France

Leucate, in southern France, has several naturist villages where you can ditch clothing entirely. This particular beach is reserved exclusively for naturists, and its position, slightly along from the area’s other beaches, means it’s more private, too. A large car park means it’s easily accessible and there’s a lifeguard service during the summer months. There are plenty of naturist resorts nearby if you fancy basing yourself here – popular naturist resorts include Oasis Village and Aphrodite Village.

10. Es Cavallet Beach, Ibiza

Es Cavallet isn’t just one of Ibiza’s best official nudist beaches, it’s one of Ibiza’s best beaches, full stop. The location’s fantastic – it’s just a ten minute drive from Ibiza Town – and it’s breathtakingly spectacular, with turquoise water, towering sand dunes and a gorgeous beach restaurant, Chiringay, at the southern end. The beach is also regarded as one of the most gay-friendly beaches in Ibiza. If you’re driving, head for the car park at Las Salinas beach then stroll to Es Cavallet Beach through the beautiful pine forest. Don’t fancy going al naturale the whole time you’re in Ibiza? Stick your swimmers on and enjoy a day in one of the Ibiza’s other best beaches.

Search for flights and lay it bare in Ibiza

Looking for more beach inspiration? We got you covered 👇

Beat the miserable British summer by planning your escape to one of these secret beaches across Europe that you’ve probably never heard of…

Scotland might not sound like the most obvious beach destination, but prepare to be surprised.

Here is our pick of the very best beaches the Canary Islands have to offer.

Skyscanner is the world’s travel search engine, helping your money go further on flights, hotels and car hire.

Return One way Multi-city From Add nearby airports To Add nearby airports Cabin Class & Travellers 1 adult, Economy Direct flights only Search flights Map