Restaurants and Businesses | Naturism
Naked Ambition
The Algarve has some fabulous naturist beaches for you to discover. Paul Rouse of Inspirations Algarve reveals all.
With a wonderful climate, the best beaches in Europe, and a relaxed attitude towards public nudity, it’ s no surprise that the Algarve has become an increasingly popular destination for naturist holidaymakers, as well as those expatriates who enjoy having an all-over tan.
There is a Portuguese expression, nao faz mal, which roughly translates as‘ it doesn’ t matter.’ It perfectly sums up the country’ s laid-back attitude towards many things, including nakedness in public, and is the reason why many beaches, even if they are not officially recognised as naturist, are naturist by common consent.
Public nudity is not actually against the law in Portugal, and an offence is only committed if somebody feels morally offended and files a complaint- an unlikely occurrence. So you can, in theory, go naked anywhere you want. In practice, whilst topless sunbathing is as common in the Algarve as most places in southern Europe, you might cause offence if you go totally naked on many of the popular and busy beaches in the main towns and resorts.
But don’ t worry. There are three official naturist beaches in the Algarve- Adegas at Odeceixe, Ilha Deserta off the coast of Olhao, and Barril on the Ilha de Tavira- plus any number of others along the entire stretch of the coast where nudity is the norm, not just with foreign tourists and residents but with the Portuguese themselves.
The following list is by no means definitive, as within reason you can go naked on any stretch of quiet beach, but it’ s a good starting point. From west to east, some of my favourites include: Amoreira, Vale Figueira, Bordeira, Murracao, Barriga, Cordama, Beliche, Barranco, Zavial, Furnas, Cabanas, Pinheiros, Meia Praia, Prainha, Caneiros, Afurada, Praia Grande, Armona and Cacela Velha.
Choice For naturist holidays, there is a growing choice of naturist accommodation, either in guest houses, campsites, or private villas. Or you can stay in non-naturist accommodation and simply head to a naturist beach during the day.
Either way, check out the Inspirations Algarve Exclusive Travel Club, who can put together tailor-made itineraries, make all the necessary travel arrangements, and recommend the best beaches.
And if you just want to meet fellow naturists for an enjoyable day out, come along to one of the beach days organised throughout the summer by Naturist Portugal. Events are planned at a variety of naturist-friendly beaches on the following Sundays in 2012: 1 July, 5 August, 2 September, 7 October, and everybody is welcome. Just bring a picnic, some wine and a bottle of sun lotion. Contact info @ naturistportugal. com for more details on times and locations, or to sign up for the regular Naturist Portugal email newsletter.
A naturist holiday might not be for everybody, but if you do dare to bare in Portugal, you’ ll find it accepted as being perfectly natural, in every sense. And just think- no more white lines, clinging bathing costumes or that most ridiculous of beach pantomimes, trying to get undressed behind a towel. Go on: what have you got to be shy about?
72 | Summer 2012 | www. portugal-life. net |