Thirteen rules for tourists who want to rest and relax on nudist beaches in Europe have been published by British experts. These rules apply both to general safety techniques – such as recommendations not to forget sunscreen and to keep an eye on things – and to specific rules for amateurs and beginners of naked recreation. For example, you shouldn’t confuse a nudist beach with sex tourism.
All 13 rules look like this:
Make sure you are actually on a nudist beach. As a rule, such beaches are marked both on maps and on signs on the beach itself. Either way, it’s best to make sure you’re on one before ditching your beachwear. At the same time, experts advise, if anything, to look at the costumes of others… but it is better to look at the official plates. “Some people can be just as ignorant as you, and you can all end up in trouble,” experts warn. We remind you that in some countries you can be fined for staying “in nature” on beaches that are not intended for that.
Do not cover up with clothes: “If you come to a nudist beach, you should accept nudity and release your inhibitions,” experts write. Therefore, there is no need to cover up with a pareo or outer clothing. However, there are also “clothing optional” beaches where this rule does not work.
Don’t take photos: The expected advice is that it’s generally not a good idea to take photos of strangers, and nudist beachgoers also “love their privacy, even if they’re naked in front of the rest of their beach company.” Experts advise not to even take selfies – there are few places where pictures can “pop up”.
Be prepared: as a rule, a nudist beach is located in a remote location, away from the main roads. As a result, there is usually no usual beach infrastructure – and it is better to take everything you need with you – this, British experts include plenty of water, snacks, a towel, a beach blanket, an umbrella from rain and sun, etc. They also recommend taking care of a first aid kit, just in case.
Do not look at others: “You are all equal, and nudity is the norm, so there is nothing to look at.” In addition to the fact that it is simply brutal, looking at others on a nudist beach is categorically not recommended,” experts say.
Use sunscreen: on a nudist beach, your whole body is exposed to the sun, and getting sunburned in “delicate places” is especially unpleasant.
Avoid barbecuing: In the English-speaking world, it’s one of the favorite beach pastimes, but as well as being a risk factor for bushfires and pollution, experts say the risk of burns on a nudist beach also increases.
Do not cling to conversations with others: “even if you are a self-confident soul, you should not approach people and comment on how good their naked body looks – it may seem a little strange,” experts write.
Respect your personal space: The advice applies to any beach – make sure you give enough space to those around you. “No one wants to wake up while sunbathing because they are being stepped on,” the advisors explain.
Sex on the beach is prohibited: “don’t think that just because you can get naked on a nudist beach, you can take your relationship to the next level,” British experts write. And they remind us that in many resorts, in particular on nudist beaches, you can easily get fined or even arrested for sexual acts in public.
Get dressed before you go: Tourists are reminded that it’s acceptable and safe to be naked “within the confines of a small nudist beach.” But outside its borders, no one, especially the police, will appreciate a tourist in his “natural form”.
Don’t be an exhibitionist is a piece of advice that doesn’t need much explanation.
Take care of your belongings: anything can happen, even on a nudist beach. Even though the places are, as a rule, far from civilization and there are all kinds of visitors. And to discover that the bag has been taken out, including all the clothes, in this case is particularly unpleasant. So tourists are advised to keep an eye on their belongings, leave them under supervision — and those vacationing alone are even advised to get a waterproof bag where you can put all your belongings and take them with you into the sea.