Nudist Beaches on the Italian Riviera: A Guide to 5 Spots
Yes, the Italian Riviera (Liguria) and nearby coasts offer several officially designated naturist beaches (spiagge naturiste). Here are five confirmed locations.
1. Bagni Miramare – Sanremo (Liguria)
- Type: Private beach club with designated naturist section.
- Facilities: Showers, toilets, bar, restaurant, sunbed rental.
- Access: Day fee (~€15–25); members priority.
- Vibe: Mixed textile/naturist; well-maintained, popular with couples.
2. Spiaggia della Marinella – Golfo Aranci (Sardinia)
- Note: Sardinia is not the Riviera (it’s an island), but often grouped in "Italian coast" queries.
- Type: Public beach, rocky cove with sandy patches.
- Facilities: Minimal (seasonal kiosk); bring water/snacks.
- Access: Free; parking nearby; 10-min walk down stairs.
3. Spiaggia di Capitolo – Monopoli (Puglia)
- Note: Puglia = "heel" of Italy, not Riviera. Included due to common search confusion.
- Type: Sandy cove near Torre Canne; officially recognized naturist area.
- Facilities: Basic; nearby campsite with services.
4. Spiaggia di Mezzavalle – Ancona (Marche)
- Note: Marche = central Adriatic coast, not Riviera.
- Type: Pebble beach below Monte Conero cliffs; reached by steep trail or boat.
- Vibe: Wild, scenic, mostly naturist by custom.
5. Spiaggia di Cala Paura – Noto (Sicily)
- Note: Sicily = island, far from Riviera.
- Type: Small rocky inlet near Vendicari Nature Reserve.
- Facilities: None; pure nature.
⚠️ Geographic Clarification
The Italian Riviera strictly refers to the Ligurian coast** (French border to Tuscany). Only Bagni Miramare (Sanremo) is truly on the Riviera. The others are stunning naturist beaches elsewhere in Italy.
True Ligurian Riviera Naturist Options
- Bagni Miramare (Sanremo) – only official club.
- Spiaggia dei Balzi Rossi (Ventimiglia) – rocky, informal, near French border.
- Spiaggia di Punta Crena (Varigotti) – small cove, tolerated not official.
Etiquette & Law
- Nudity legal only in designated/tolerated zones (Art. 726 Penal Code – "atti osceni" otherwise).
- No photography without consent.
- Respect textiles’ space; carry a cover-up for transit.
- Check FENAIT (Italian Naturist Federation) for updated lists.
For a Riviera-specific naturist day, Bagni Miramare is your best bet. For wilder shores, venture to Sardinia, Puglia, or Sicily.