Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Nothing!

Appropriate sunscreen is a must, though.

Most people soon get over any embarrassment and come to realise how wonderful it feels to sunbathe and swim without a costume.

Have a look at “About Naturism” and explore some of my naturist links for more information and guidance.

If abroad, please remember we are guests in another country and you should do nothing to cause offence either to local people or to other users of the beach.

The Captain does occasionally hear stories of naturists who have confused the beach with their bedrooms. Please use your common sense. Inappropriate behaviour could lead to you being expelled – and have consequences for other naturists who just want to enjoy the beach innocently

Genuine naturist photographs can be wonderful souvenirs but, understandably, people with cameras are the object of suspicion, especially when they have long lenses.

Nowadays, everyone has a mobile phone and the vast majority of them feature cameras. If you want to take photos, respect others’ privacy. Keep it carefully pointed at yourselves or at the landscape rather than at other people unless you have their consent.

Above all be careful not to offend.

It cannot be denied that some do. Naturists are generally left in peace.

The Captain cannot imagine what gawpers are so fascinated about. Perhaps they are sad people who don’t know what naked people look like and so have to go to the nudist beach to find out.

There is no reason that you should do as naturism is a non-sexual activity.

If you find it happening to you then move yourself away from what may have caused it. Sometimes a cold dip in the sea can help.

Men: not having a full bladder can also help.

Naturist beaches in Cyprus are rare; however the Captain now has some information – click here to see it.

Cyprus has many attractions but if naturism is your priority the Captain advises you to stick with the Greek Islands

The previous Cap’n, although a regular visitor to Greece, has not set out to collect this kind of information because it is widely available in ordinary travel guides. Large numbers of web sites about individual islands are springing up on the Web, too. Matt Barrett’s Greece Guide is an example of an independent site

Not all Greek islands have established or reputed naturist beaches. But the fact that an island does not appear in the Guide does not mean there would be nowhere to enjoy nude sunbathing or swimming, it simply means that the Captain does not have any reports.

If you have found one, tell us!

Naturism is practised widely in the Greek Islands. Everybody has their own likes and dislikes and saying which is best could only be a matter of personal preference.

Bear in mind that the situation can change according to the season: in some places naturism is less common in high season.

Follow the Captain’s 4-point guide to visiting a nude beach in Greece:

1. Find a suitable beach
2. Take off your clothes
3. Er …
4. That’s it.

Be like Douglas Adams and don’t forget your towel

Be like the Baz Luhrmann song and remember that Everybody’s free (to wear sunscreen)

Strictly speaking only in the (few) officially designated nudist beaches and resorts.

One occasionally hears tales of beach invasions by the tourist police with sunbathers being dragged off to the cells and fined heavily. In practice, however, there are large numbers of beaches which, by custom, have become adopted as nudist beaches.

The Greeks turn a blind eye and, in many cases, actively encourage nudists who do, after all, contribute significantly to the tourist market and thus to the local economy.

There are also large numbers of deserted places where naturism may be practised safely. The best advice is to be sensible. Avoid beaches which are overlooked by roads or houses. Bear in mind that the character of beaches may change according to the day of the week (the Athenians flock to the islands at weekends) and according to the season (huge numbers of textiles invade the islands in high season). Be sensitive to the locals and, above all, do not offend.

Turkey is an increasingly popular holiday destination and has many beach resorts. It is, however, an Islamic country and covering up is the rule.

Away from the tourist areas, women (in particular) should dress modestly and avoid bare legs or shoulders.

There are, so far as we are aware, no naturist beaches and practising naturism on beaches there is risky