Or do you just love the feel of the sun on your skin – and on as much skin as possible. Or do you feel that being naked isn’t shameful – after all, we came into the world naked didn’t we?

According to the law, it's not an offence to be naked in public, but it can be an offence if you cause distress or alarm to others. That means you're perfectly fine to sunbathe in the nude in your own garden - as long as it doesn't upset your neighbours, but doesn’t mean you can wander round the supermarket with your shopping cart, stark naked, picking up your weekly shop.

Like most countries in Western Europe, Portugal has a fairly relaxed attitude to nudism on its beaches. As such there are many spots along the Portuguese coast where naturism is allowed.


So what is Naturism, exactly?


It’s not just about getting naked. We are all naked under our clothes after all. Naturism, sometimes referred to as nudism, is a way of life that involves non-sexual social nudity. A cultural movement, naturism defends the idea of clothes-free living and living in harmony with nature. Although a single naturist ideology does not exist and people have diverse backgrounds, most advocate for the environment and seek to demystify human nudity. Naturists believe that enjoying nature without clothing is a healthy lifestyle that helps us be in tune with mother earth.


History of Naturism in Portugal


It started in Portugal in 1920 with the Portuguese Naturist Society. At that time, nudity was common on beaches in Costa da Caparica. However, by the beginning of the dictatorship, nudity was banned and the naturist movement went into decline.

However, at the end of the dictatorship, the naturist movement re-emerged, and in 1988 the first Naturist Law was approved by the Government here, essentially recognising naturism as a practice. The law now recognises 19 beaches as official naturist spots. There are even naturist tourist accommodations that have been created, and at least one hotel - a naturism optional adults only spot, that has only 5 rooms and offers an intimate getaway, and is much the same as any other hotel, but clothes are optional, and they offer the same services – pool, bar, jacuzzi, sun-loungers, and of course good food options.


Naturism Ethics and Rules in Portugal


The Portuguese Naturist Federation has a set of ethics that members commit to complying with when going to naturist spaces such as beaches and states that you should use a towel when sitting down for hygiene, motivate others to join the movement through respect and kindness, respect the spaces and privacy of others, and be kind when others are trying to learn more about naturism.

And do not discriminate against others, cause damage to the public image of naturism, pollute or litter beaches or other spaces, no sexual behaviour, no verbal or physical violence, no intoxication, no loud music that bothers others, no peeing in public and definitely no photography of other naturists.


Naked Olympic Games


If the modern Olympic Games ran true to the strict customs of ancient Greece they might well today have been called the ‘Naked Games’. From the early 8th century BC, Olympic athletes competed in the nude - the word ‘gymnastics’ deriving from the ancient Greek ‘gymnazein,’ meaning ‘to exercise naked’.

You could even have a go yourself at the potentially dangerous sport of naked gardening, provided you avoid the spiky or stinging plants and don’t upset your neighbour if they perhaps are having a BBQ.

I personally wouldn’t be seen dead with my clothes off in public, whether allowed or not. My only comment is, hats off to you if you are up for it – just make sure you don’t burn your bits, and use your Factor 50 with care.

Author

Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News, and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man. 

Marilyn Sheridan