Bare it all this summer at the world's 10 best 'naturist' beaches

Are you looking for a thrill this summer? A chance to test your boundaries with radical self-love and feel at one with nature? Then it might be time to try out some "naturist" beaches! Yes, that's right, enjoying the sand, the sea, and the sun in the buff!

However, suppose you decide to be brave and bare it all at a beach. In that case, you will need to do a bit of research first. Obviously, going clothes-free at the beach is not something you can do just anywhere, or else your first experience of a n a k e d swim and lying on the sand might not be too pleasant!

Don't worry, though, we have you covered! We've compiled a list of the ten best "naturist" beaches in the world thanks to data from CNN and Lonely Planet. Click on to read about the best place to enjoy the sand and the sun au naturel!

Both Lonely Planet and CNN recognize this Canadian beach as one of the best beaches to rip off your clothes and enjoy some quality time with mother nature.

Wreck Beach, Vancouver, descends from a nature trail near the University of British Colombia campus. Despite its proximity to plenty of students, this beach is still secluded.

And you will have plenty of space to let it all hang out, too -Wreck Beach is 7.8 km or 4.9 miles long, making it one of the longest clothes-free beaches in the world. Add in the gorgeous pebbled beaches and views of the snowy mountains, and you have a winning combination.

Photo: Zsinj / Wikimedia

Once upon a time, Black's Beach, located in La Jolla, California, was the only legal beach in the whole of the United States of America.

Fortunately, things have changed; however, even with more options, Black's Beach is still a favourite among those who prefer to swim without the constraints of a swimsuit.

This secluded beach is located near the Torrey Pines cliffs, and to access it, you must hike down a half-mile-long steep trail, making it less likely you will encounter clothed "spectators" while enjoying your time in your birthday suit.

Stripping down and enjoying some time clothes-free at the beach is a challenging task in South Africa. In fact, Mpenjati Beach is the only legal clothing-optional beach in the country! 

However, this wonder is a fantastic place to commune with nature, as it is found in Mpenjati Nature Reserve south of Durban. According to CNN, South Africans weren't too sure about making a "naturist" beach legal in 2014. 

Photo: Waynejayes / Wikimedia

However, the strict rules that the government put in place at this beach mean you can strip down with peace of mind because taking photos, staring and "suggestive" behaviour are all strictly prohibited. 

Samurai Beach, located near Port Stephens in Tomaree National Park in New South Wales, Australia, come highly recommended by Lonely Planet. 

Photo: @drinkbob / Instagram

Fans of the clothing-optional beach claim it is "secluded but not deserted" and family-friendly to boot. 

Photo: @iammasterrey / Instagram

In addition, Samurai Beach is known for its pristine waters and excellent surfing, and there is a campground a short hike away, making it convenient for those who want to stay nearby, as Samurai Beach is a day-use-only site. 

Photo: Wiki Media Commons

In New Zealand, legally, you can bare it all on any beach in the country; however, according to CNN, Little Palm Beach, located on Waiheke Island, is one of the most popular places for those who like to bare it all.

Photo: @palmbeachhousenz / Instagram

Perhaps Little Palm Beach is popular because of its seclusion - to get there, you must take a nearly hour-long ferry ride from Auckland, then take a cab to the island's north shore, and then hike to the beach.

Photo: @gerbrandvanmelle / Instagram

Your efforts to get to Little Palm will be rewarded though, as the beach offers stunning views, clean waters, and plenty of space to spread out and enjoy nature. When you've had enough of the sun and sand, Waiheke Island also offers plenty of good eats and cultural attractions as well.

If you find yourself in Europe during the summer and have the dying urge to shed your clothes and enjoy a day at the beach 'au-naturel', then you simply must check out Spiaggia di Guvano in Vernazza, Italy.

Photo: Uomo Ubriaco / Wikimedia

CNN claims Spiaggia di Guvano is one of the most beautiful clothing-optional beaches in the world. Like many of the beaches on this list, the seclusion of its location is part of the draw. To get to Spiaggia di Guvano, you must traverse an abandoned railway tunnel with a flashlight on a trail from the village of Corniglia.

Fans of this beach rave over its simplicity. You won't find public bathrooms or beach-side bars, only a raw, natural beach with crystal clear waters and stunning pebble shores.

Photo: @jeanchristinec / Instagram

This beach is another European gem for those who like to hang out with it all hanging out! Cap d'Agde Beach, according to CNN, is often referred to as 'N a k e d City' because it is the biggest n u d e beach resort in the world!

Anyone who visits Cap d'Agde Naturist Village can choose to wear clothes or not anywhere on the premises. That's right, and if you really love being in the buff, in Cap d'Adge, you can even go to restaurants or shops without anything on! 

In fact, at the beach in 'N a k e d City', bathing without clothes is mandatory for all, even visitors! If you want to go to Cap d'Agde but are still determining if you want to be surrounded by flesh 24/7, don't worry, there are campgrounds and hotels nearby where you are allowed to wear clothes, so you can escape if need be.

You might think that you can only find beaches where sunbathing undressed is permitted in the south of Europe, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Case in point: Zandvoort Beach!

Zandvoort Beach is a fan recommendation from Lonely Planet, and it looks very promising. This beach is open all year round for n a k e d frolicking in the sand and sun but is particularly well-known for its annual New Year's Day Full Monty polar bear dip!

It is also easily accessible even for those with limited mobility because, hey, everyone deserves the chance to skinny dip, after all!

Now we move on to warmer waters with Playa Zipolite in Mexico. According to CNN, this 2km long beach was "Pioneered by Mexican and American hippies during the 1960s." 

It is well known as a naturist-friendly beach where clothes are optional. However, bathing n a k e d in public is technically illegal in Mexico. 

Those who love to swim without clothes recommend going for a walk towards the east side of the beach where Playa del Amor can be found, which offers a bit more privacy.

Brazil is known around the world for its spectacular beaches and spectacular Brazilian bikinis! Even if the bikinis seen on Brazilian beaches leave very little to the imagination, for some, being clothes-free is still the only way to go. If that's how you feel, be sure to check out Praia Massarandupió!

Photo: Joaninha / Wikimedia

Located on the Bahia coast, Praia Massarandupió is just a two-hour drive to the north of Salvador and a quick 1km walk from the beach parking lot, and very much worth the effort.

Photo: @praiasdabahiaoficial / Instagram

This picturesque beach is a favourite among the naturist community for its beautiful dunes, coconut trees, and excellent surfing waves.

Photo: MBPassos / Wikimedia