Many countries in Europe have beaches where nudists can go for sunbathing and privacy, and if you are planning a holiday abroad in the sun then the odds are there will be somewhere local to get that all over tan you so desire. Spain is no exception, there are no laws stating nudism is illegal here which means there are bare beaches to be found all over the country.
Although there are no laws, which means you could actually go naked on any beach if you want, you still have to be aware of the kind of beach you head to, if it is full of families with young children then the odds are that you will attract a lot of unwanted attention and might even get into a spot of bother. It s best to avoid any hassle and instead find somewhere that is either known to be popular with naturists or is secluded enough that you will not be noticed.
In nearby Sitges is Platja Balmins, anyone who likes to feel the sand on their bottom is welcome, and Cala del Home Mort, which literally translates into Dead Man s Beach, mainly draws a gay clientele to its warm waters. Sitges is well known for being gay friendly and the beaches in the area are either mixed or inclined more to those seeking a gay scene.
In Barcelona city itself there are a couple of naturist beaches, the designated one is Mar Bella, stretching 500m it has a nautical base in the vicinity and is popular with the locals. There s another fashionable place for bathing at St. Sebastiá Beach, one of the oldest and most traditional stretches of sand around the city as well as the longest at 1,100m.
Nudity is nothing new in Europe and views are pretty liberal with regards to taking your clothes off when sunbathing and swimming in the ocean, however most of the beaches that attract nudists are secluded and away from prying eyes. Recently Barcelona s city council passed a law that makes it illegal to be found naked or nearly naked in public spaces, this isn t only to prevent people from appearing in the city streets completely starkers, it s really an attempt to stop holidaymakers from walking around the centre and entering public buildings with no shirt, or just wearing bikini s or swimsuits in any other place apart from the beach or other swimming area.
The reason behind this new law is due to the large numbers of tourists who seem to think it s completely acceptable to wander around the city after a day at the beach with little on. What s more important is that they often visit the local sights, including churches, the Cathedral, art galleries and museums dressed improperly. The church is still a fundamental component of Spanish life and wearing scanty clothes when visiting is not acceptable.
The Barcelona Tourism Board is initiating an awareness campaign to dress accordingly when in the city and other public places shorts, bare chests and swimming apparel is all very well on the seashore but once away from these areas then common courtesy towards Barcelona s locals and its institutions ask them to cover up.
As well as saving everyone s blushes, the opinion amongst locals are that the tourists are disrespectful and as resentment grows it could become a problem as thousands of tourists arrive every week. Although a multi ethnic and bohemian city modesty is still valued in this country and the Spanish are inclined to dress in a conventional manner, although smart and stylish. Many local people steer well clear of popular tourist spots frequented by visitors, the authorities also worry about the image it portrays of the Catalonian capital as a tourist destination, there are enough cheap beach destinations in Spain without Barcelona being added to the list.
Respecting the dress code is not only for other people s sake it will also benefit tourists who will merge into the crowds and not stand out as an obvious holiday maker, this will deter pickpockets and cheeky merchants from asking for inflated prices, as well as offering you the chance to have a more authentic experience on your trip abroad. Book your holiday apartment online and have fun!
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