The best nude-friendly beaches in Italy

In recent years, nudism has become a fan favorite across Italy, allowing locals and visitors to freely unwind by the sea. And yet, there are very few officially recognized nude-friendly beaches in Italy. Still, you can also find some seaside locations that have been historically favored by those who love a full-body tan.

If you tend to leave your swimsuit under the umbrella (or simply forgot it at home) and want to experience nature in all its glory, here is a list of the best nude-friendly beaches in Italy. Gather inspiration for your next beach getaway and plan your ferry trip online on Ferryhopper!

The pristine beauty of Capocotta in Ostia

1) Capocotta in Lazio

Officially recognized in 2000 as the first nudist beach in Italy, the naturist oasis of Capocotta is the pride of Ostia, Lazio. Here, we have a protected nature reserve surrounded by white sand dunes and vibrant Mediterranean vegetation. 

Capocotta is managed by the Italian Naturist Association and offers numerous facilities to its visitors as a warm welcome. There are several bathing establishments, restrooms, and even a bar restaurant.

Entrance to the beach is free, and at various points, there are signs urging you to respect privacy and avoid filming without consent.

You can reach the nude-friendly paradise of Capocotta in 40 minutes from Anzio, or take the Rome - Lido train to the Cristoforo Colombo terminal and resume your journey by bus (07).

2) Troncone Beach in Campania

If you are on holiday in Salerno or the area of Palinuro, you really can't miss this one!

The beach of Troncone is located in Marina di Camerota and is a heavenly place in the Cilento National Park. In 2011, the Municipality of Campania authorized the practice of naturism here, and since then the beach has been a point of reference for Southern Italy.

Its coastline is made up of gravel and pebbles, and its coast overlooks a crystal clear sea. This nude-friendly beach stretches for about 400 m. The cove’s rocky surroundings protect it from the road, guaranteeing privacy and moments of total relaxation.

The naturist area of ​​Troncone Beach

3) Punta del Miglio in Tuscany

South of Livorno, there is a stretch of coast loved perfect for naturism and favored by many LGBTQI+ travelers in general. Welcome to Punta del Miglio, a wild place surrounded by cliffs and accessed by following the descent n.12 of Sassoscritto. 

For some years now, the small cove has become an authorized nude-friendly beach and it is well-signposted.

Useful info: another famous clothing-optional beach in Tuscany is that of Buca Rossa in Piombino.

4) Acquarilli Beach on the island of Elba

Among the 100 beaches on Elba, those dedicated to naturism could certainly not be missing. The Acquarilli beach, located in the Municipality of Capolivieri, is the most famous of all, however.

This sandy cove surrounded by greenery is nestled in a wild setting and its waters stand out for their intense turquoise shades.

Reaching Acquarilli Beach is not easy: you will have to cross sand dunes and take a rather impervious road, but the final destination rewards you with unparalleled panoramic views.

The beach of Acquarilli and its luxuriant nature on the island of Elba

5) San Saba Beach in Sicily

Officially recognized in 2022 as a naturist beach, San Saba is a wild, peaceful and well-hidden spot. The beach is located just 25 km from Messina and is one of the most beautiful in the whole area. 

Overflowing with fine golden sand, San Saba extends for several km, but only its final stretch is dedicated to nudism, beyond the sand dunes. Its clear waters and relaxing atmosphere are ideal for enjoying a sunny day away from the hustle and bustle.

You can reach San Saba Beach on foot via a short path along an unpaved road.

6) Cala Cottone in Pantelleria

Take the ferry from Trapani to Pantelleria and enjoy a few days in this nude-friendly heavenly location! Yes, in Pantelleria, nudism is a common practice on most beaches, even in its thermal pools.

Put on some comfortable shoes and reach the rocky coves of Pantelleria, a perfect spot for sunbathing! Among our favorites is Cala Cottone, located on the eastern side of the island.

Partially sheltered from the sun and mostly uncrowded, Cala Cottone is a quiet and secluded place with dreamy sea views. You can get there by car by parking at Punta Spadillo and following a 20-minute-long path.

7) Fiorenzuola di Focara in Marche

Within the nature park of Monte San Bartolo, there is a semi-deserted dreamy beach that is a very popular clothing-optional spot. The beach of Fiorenzuola di Focara, specifically, is close to Pesaro in Marche and is around 1.3 km long.

White sand, turquoise waters and an almost deafening silence: these traits are what make Fiorenzuola di Fiocara one of the best nude-friendly beaches in Italy!

To get there, take the SS San Bartolo and then continue on foot along a small road that leads to the sea, near Camping Panorama.

The otherworldly wonder that is Fiorenzuola di Focara

8) Costa dei Barbari in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Among the best and most popular nude-friendly beaches in northeastern Italy, Costa dei Barbari stands out, just a stone's throw from Trieste. 

The entire bay is made up of rocky coves, while its sea is always clean and offers many opportunities for reconnecting with nature.

Keep in mind that the beach is free to access and without any amenities, so make sure to come prepared. Costa dei Barbari is reached on foot by following a path that overlooks the sea.

9) Vignanotica in Puglia

The coast of Gargano never fails to deliver, and the beach of Vignanotica is a shining example of that. Located about 25 km from Vieste, it is a pebble beach surrounded by a high cliff and small caves.

Vignanotica is located in Baia dei Gabbiani, in a wild and suggestive environment that is perfect for nude-friendly swimming. However, keep in mind that only a stretch of Vignanotica is clothing-optional.

You can get to Vignanotica beach by car (and then descending on foot), by boat or along a hiking trail with panoramic views.

Also, as Vignanotica is a rather popular option in the summer, we suggest that you visit it early in the morning or late in the evening.

10) Razza di Junco Beach in Sardinia

Just 18 km from Olbia and in the extraordinary setting of Costa Smeralda, the beach of Razza di Junco caters to all! Swimsuit or not, you can enjoy the beach’s paradisiacal beauty without a care in the world.

The bay is made up of several coves and the part dedicated to naturism is an intimate corner that can be reached with a bit of trekking. The beach is pebbly and its seabed is rocky. Nearby, there is even a small pond where it is not uncommon to spot pink flamingos.

Tip: discovering Sardinia in a camper will allow you to have an even more authentic experience in nature!

Razza di Junco, a wild paradise on Costa Smeralda

Reconnecting with nature on clothing-optional Italian beaches is just a few clicks away. All you have to do is choose the beach of your dreams and book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper.

You can also take a look at our interactive Map of ferries to find all the connections available among various Italian destinations and beyond!