Are there nude beaches in Tuscany? The answer is yes! Naturism is gaining popularity in Italy, with more and more visitors, particularly from abroad, enjoying the freedom of sunbathing in the nude. To cater to this interest, Tuscany’s coastline features five legal nudist beaches.
While topless sunbathing is generally accepted across the country, being completely naked is different. In Italy, nudism is only permitted in designated areas, and failing to adhere to this can result in fines.
One of the great advantages of naturism in Tuscany is the opportunity to enjoy pristine, undeveloped beaches or secluded bays, away from the usual summer crowds and beach clubs. Some nudist beaches are even nestled within national reserves, like those in Viareggio and San Vincenzo, which I consider a significant advantage.
Scientific studies suggest that spending time naked boosts self-esteem, so why not embrace naturism on a beautiful Italian beach?
Legal Nudist Beaches in Tuscany
Below is a brief overview of the five approved nudist beaches in Tuscany, starting from the northern part of the region, along with directions on how to reach them.
Lecciona, Viareggio
Lecciona is often regarded as one of the most stunning beaches along the Tuscan coastline. Situated in a natural reserve and shielded by sand dunes and trees, this expansive beach features a designated nudist area between poles 13 and 15.
To access the nudist section, the easiest route is from Torre del Lago. After parking in the paid parking spaces marked by blue lines along the promenade, take a short 10-minute walk through the woods to reach a wooden boardwalk that leads to the beach at Pole 13. Alternatively, you can walk along the beach and head right for five to ten minutes until you arrive at the designated area.
The Marina di Torre del Lago has long been a popular LGBTQ+ summer destination in Italy. The Lecciona naturist beach also warmly welcomes the LGBTQ+ community, particularly around pole 13.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR LECCIONA BEACH
Sassoscritto, Punta del Miglio, Livorno
Located just outside Livorno along the picturesque coastal road to the south known as Romito, there are two designated naturist spots: Sassoscritto and Calignaia, which are only a few hundred meters apart.
Sassoscritto lies between Sassoscritto Restaurant and Restaurant Romito, with a sign marking the entrance to the path. Trail No. 12 descends to the sea, where you can relax on the large rocks that meet the clear waters of this beautiful Tuscan coast. For safety reasons, it is advisable to wear sturdy shoes instead of flip-flops while navigating the steps. You can dive into the crystal-clear waters and enjoy snorkeling among the stunning rocky seabed.
Practicing naturism is about expressing yourself freely without judgment, and the rocks at Sassoscritto are indeed LGBTQ+ friendly.
Calignaia, Punta Combara, Livorno
Calignaia is the second nudist location along Livorno’s rocky coastline. Heading from the north, just past the large Calignaia bridge, a set of stone steps leads down to a secluded cove, making it a favorite among naturists.
To reach both locations, parking is available along the roadside, but be cautious of passing cars and motorcycles. The coast tends to get quite busy during the warmer months of July and August, especially on weekends. Many locals arrive on scooters, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning to secure a safe parking spot.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR SASSOSCRITTO AND CALIGNAIA
Nido dell’Aquila, San Vincenzo
The Rimigliano National Park, located between San Vincenzo and Piombino, features the Nido dell’Aquila nudist beach, positioned south of Livorno. On a map of Tuscany, it can be found along the central stretch of the coast.
This park boasts a stunning green expanse of Mediterranean flora stretching down to the sea. The area merges bushes and trees with dunes and soft, golden sands. The cool sea breezes sculpt the foliage of the holm oaks and pine trees, creating a unique environment within Rimigliano Park.
To reach the nudist beach, drive along the Strada Provinciale della Principessa, a picturesque road shaded by dense pine trees. The entire coastline can be bustling during summer; the abundance of parked cars along the roadside attest to its popularity. However, the nudist beach offers greater space compared to other nearby beaches crowded with chairs and umbrellas.
The southern part of the beach is particularly popular among the LGBTQ+ community and their friends.
The Spiaggia Naturista Nido dell’Aquila is easily located on Google Maps. Park your car along the stretch between Oceano Mare Restaurant and Bar Pizzeria Ristorante Al Tramonto, and follow one of the many trails through the woods that lead to the beach. Both restaurants make for excellent dinner options if you decide to stay until sunset.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR NIDO DELL’AQUILA
Nude Beaches in Tuscany: Acquarilli, Elba Island
The only authorized nudist beach on Elba Island, one of the seven jewels of the Tuscan Archipelago, is Acquarilli Beach. It offers a breathtaking location, but reaching it can be a bit challenging, making it a popular choice for naturists.
The beach features stunning black sand and small dark pebbles. The waters are a clear green, allowing you to admire the seabed from above. The high, rugged coastline presents a steep path leading down to the beach, with about a 100-meter drop, so caution is essential during the descent. This beach is entirely wild, without amenities, so it’s advisable to bring your own food, drinks, and an umbrella for sun protection, as the dark sand can heat up quickly.
Acquarilli Naturist Beach is located between Lacona and Porto Azzurro. Continue past the signs for Norsi Beach until you reach a headland where you will find a paid parking lot. There are limited parking spots available along the road and around 20 spaces in the paid lot. To get to the beach, take the path on your right when facing the sea.
If you’re planning a beach vacation in Tuscany, our comprehensive guide to activities on Elba will undoubtedly be helpful as you discover more to enjoy on the island when you’re ready for a break from sunbathing.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR ACQUARILLI
Tolerated Nude Beaches in Tuscany
While the five nudist beaches mentioned previously are officially recognized by Italian law, there are also unofficial locations where naturism is generally accepted. Notably, the beaches of Marina di Bibbona and Capalbio are worth mentioning.
Marina di Bibbona, Etruscan Coast of Tuscany
Close to the Bolgheri wine region and the town of Cecina, Marina di Bibbona boasts a beautiful stretch of sandy beaches shaded by a lovely pine forest. This area is among the top summer destinations on the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany.
Naturism is particularly prevalent in the southernmost section of Marina di Bibbona beach, a gorgeous spot with fine sand and dunes that provide privacy from those who prefer to wear swimsuits—referred to as “textiles” in naturist lingo. Those enjoying the public beach next to the town often crowd these areas.
To find the naturist beach at Marina di Bibbona, park your car in the area in front of Camping Village del Forte, follow the path to the sea, and then continue south for about 15 minutes until you encounter other naturists.
WHERE TO STAY ALONG THE ETRUSCAN COAST OF TUSCANY
Capalbio, Spiaggia Naturista di Macchiatonda
Located in the wild Maremma region of southern Tuscany, less than a two-hour drive from Rome, Capalbio boasts some of the best waters in the region, and even some of the best in Italy.
The nudist beach at Capalbio is easily accessible, although it requires a bit of walking. This location is perfect for nudism due to its secluded nature. The shoreline is pristine, with various wooden remnants, while the surrounding bush is dense and impenetrable. The water is spectacular, especially when calm, with clarity comparable to that of a swimming pool and a gentle slope into the shallows.
To access the Spiaggia di Macchiatonda, you can drive to an area with two parking lots. From there, walk along the beach heading south (to the left when facing the water) for about 2 kilometers (0.62 miles) to reach the main access point of a natural oasis. A further 100 to 200 meters brings you to a nearly empty beach frequented mainly by naturists. Even during peak times, the crowd usually consists of about 20 to 40 people, making it feel like a paradise!
Remember to bring food and cold drinks, as there are no facilities in the area.
WHERE TO STAY IN CAPALBIO, MAREMMA
Further Reading
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