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What is celebrated in art is penalised by the sea in Italy. While Michelangelo's works of art unashamedly show off their splendour, nudity is forbidden on most beaches in Italy. Find out what is allowed where here.
- Italy : Is naturism allowed at all?
- The largest naturist beach in Italy
- The most famous nude beach in Italy
- Nudism in Puglia
- Nudism in Calabria
- Naked on Elba
- More info from the naturist associations
- Beautiful accommodation near naturist areas
Italy: Is nudism allowed at all?
One thing first: Italy is NOT a (classic) naturist paradise. Strictly speaking, even "topless" is not allowed on the beach - but this is usually tolerated. The majority of nude beaches are only tolerated and dependent on the goodwill of the local government in office.
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Not allowed, but tolerated
In short: nudism is not permitted in Italy, but is tolerated in some areas. The local fines for nudism offences can be hefty - up to 10,000 euros per person. In reality, the courts often suspend the penalties.
More than 3000 euros fine
The regional newspaper "Il Tirreno" once reported on five Italians who undressed on the (tolerated) nudist beach near Castagneto Carducci (near Livorno). Other guests felt disturbed and called the police. Fine per person: 3,333 euros.
60 million turnover
In fact, more than half a million Italians are naturist fans. The industry generates a turnover of around 60 million euros. According to naturist organisations, the potential would be many times higher if Italy wasn't so shy when it comes to naturism.
The largest naturist beach in Italy
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Probably the largest naturist area in Italy is also (officially) one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The Lido di Dante is located in the vicinity of Ravenna. The naturist area is located in front of a campsite, which is also accessible to external visitors. There was a huge outcry a few years ago when the local government in power at the time imposed a ban on nudity. But that only lasted a short time.
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Italy's famous nude beach
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Golden sand, kilometres of expanse - part of the dream beach in Bibione (Veneto) is designated as a nudist area. The nude section is located between the harbour entrance and the lighthouse and is shielded by dunes to the rear. Bibione is one of the most famous nude beaches in Italy.
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More InformationHow to get there: Follow the signs marked "Faro" (lighthouse). From the car park there, just a short walk (approx. 0.5 km) through the dunes.
Nudism in Puglia
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Almost a dinosaur among nude beaches in Italy: Torre Guaceto has been visited by nudists for a quarter of a century (tolerated by the local government). The beach is located in the WWF nature reserve. Fine, white sand, shallow, warm water - fantastic!
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More InformationHow to get there: You can park at Lido Boa Gialla (guarded car park), then it's about a 20-minute walk to the nudist area.
Nudism in Calabria
Quasi-Caribbean conditions for naturists: the sea at the official nude beach of Pizzo Greco gets up to 25 degrees in summer. Crystal-clear water, reddish-brown sand, the beach slopes gently into the sea. The name of the place is just as beautiful and flowery: Isola di Capo Rizzuto. Calabria, the pearl of the Mediterranean.
In the high season there is a beach bar on site. A nudist campsite is located directly by the sea.
Screenshot: Facebook Camping FKK Pizzo Greco
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Naked on Elba
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Beach of the Acquarilli: the first official naturist beach on the island since 2016. Caution: The sand consists of small black stones that get very hot in the sun. Bring a parasol and something to drink. The path to the sea is very steep, with a gradient of about 100 metres.
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More info: Beaches & Co.
The official naturist and nudist associations in Italy know all the naturist beaches in Italy and have more information:
