Naked Society: Where Do Nudists Relax?

When did people dare to shed their swimsuits and surrender their naked bodies to the power of sunbeams and sea waves?

The relationship between humans and clothing began in deep antiquity. In ancient times, it was not customary to wear anything during sports, and the Greek word “gymnos” shares a common root with the words gymnasium and gymnastics. During the time of Alexander the Great, the cult of the naked body was created by the gymnosophist philosophers, who were known as naked wise men.With the advent of Christianity, along with the hope for privileges in the afterlife, many dogmas emerged that made the topic of the human body taboo. Only in 1905 did the French anarchist scholar Jean Reclus dare to publish the book “Man and Earth,” in which he called for a return to nature and shedding tight garments. The mechanism was set in motion.Germany followed France's lead. In the 1920s, German society was swept by a wave of nudist organizations and youth associations promoting a completely different attitude towards the body. Puritans were appalled and, due to their conservative thinking, considered the progressive youth to be debauchees. And although nudism had no sexual undertones, the idea did not find widespread support in the 40s-50s.The situation changed only with the appearance of hippies, along with their motto “closer to nature.” The modern world no longer has the right to impose or deny anything, so nudists are now simply a group of people with shared interests, not finding widespread public support, but also not condemnation. In general, everyone is free to choose for themselves.

Nudism and Naturism

By calling a naked person a nudist, you risk being called “ignorant.” Both nudists and naturists openly demonstrate their disregard for clothing. However, the difference is that the former do it for their own comfort, while the latter elevate it to the rank of a philosophy.Some go even further and treat nudity as a political act, fighting for the right to self-expression, with the support of UNESCO. It should be noted quite successfully, as the number of “free” beaches and hotels grows every year. So, for those craving inner (and outer) freedom, communication with like-minded people, and, of course, an even tan, I can recommend a few iconic places.

Corsica

On sun-kissed Corsica, there are about 200 beaches, 40 of which are nudist (the term “naturism” has not yet caught on in public consciousness). This place is characterized by decency and tranquility, which might only be slightly disturbed by a few tourists visiting for the weekend. The Riva Bella resort is very popular.Here, on Europe's longest beach, Linguizzetta, naturists from all over the world stay in cozy bungalows and share eucalyptus forests with wild llamas.

Balearic Islands

This place has not yet become mainstream; no trains go here, and no planes fly. The only way to get to this “naturist paradise” is to take a ferry from the southern coast of Ibiza. No high-rise hotels or countless souvenir stalls. Only wild olive and fig trees, bike paths, and almost untouched nature.Since the 70s, hippies often gathered here, attracted by the clean Mediterranean Sea and the almost complete absence of all modern conveniences.

Brittany

The spacious beaches of the French region of Brittany are not just a paradise for those accustomed to relaxing without clothes. This is an iconic place, as it was here that naturism originated in its modern form. The post-war spirit of liberalism gave birth to the “French Naturist Federation.”During World War II, part of the Riviera was occupied by the Nazis, which could not but annoy the wayward French, who in the 50s organized a nudist mega-resort here.

Lesbos Island

At the turn of the 7th and 6th centuries BC, the ancient Greek poetess Sappho, the first woman to sing of same-sex affection, lived and created on Lesbos.Nowadays, representatives of non-traditional orientations and simply curious travelers come to the island to participate in the annual thematic festival, see the Eresos rock, near which Sappho lived, swim in crystal clear water, and enjoy each other's company. The favorite spot for naturists is Eftalou beach.

Croatia

Croatia's rocky coast is more liberal than many Italian beaches. Holidays there are cheaper than in Greece. The calm and picturesque Croatian coast is favored by Germans, Austrians, and Britons.The most photographed beach in the country, called “Golden Horn,” is divided into two sections: one for people in swimsuits, the other for those without. There's always an opportunity to “bail out,” making it a great place for beginners. However, the nudist section is on the islands. You'll have to get there by swimming or by boat. In a word, romance!