Nudists form human chains to defend naturism in around 20 Catalan beaches

Dozens of nudists in Catalonia have been part of long human chains to defend naturism in around 20 Catalan beaches on Sunday midday.

Recently, many activists have complained that the number of clothed swimmers on nudist beaches has increased, so they are calling for respect for the activity and clothed visitors not to judge them.

In Tarragona's Savinosa beach, south of Barcelona, around 60 people held hands on the shore. This is one of the most prominent examples of naturist beaches that has now seen dozens of clothed swimmers.

"Nudism is not forbidden, but socially is not very well accepted," Segimon Rovira, president of the Catalan Naturism Club Association, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

"Generally, across the world, society is becoming more and more conservative, and we see that many and many more people are having more problems in doing nudism on the beaches," he added.

The performance took place at midday on 24 different beaches for the third non-consecutive time that this event occurred after one in 2019 and then in 2023. In one of the most attended nudist beaches in Spain, Torn beach in Hospitalet de l'Infant, they postponed the performance to August 4, as it was cloudy in the morning.

The activity also wanted to highlight that the number of nudist activists has "halted" during the last years, and those who follow it are older than average, as "youngsters, with social media and photos, tend to be more reluctant to do nudism," Rovira said.

They are not calling for more space but for "respect."

"Personally, I think it holds you back from having people or families next to you who can feel bothered," Ramon Canyelles, a naturist at Savinosa Beach, told ACN. One of the things they praise is the freedom that naturism offers.

In the past, the Savinosa beach was divided between clothed swimmers and nudist ones, who tended to occupy most of the area. However, after many controversies and arguments, the city council opened the door to welcome both kinds of swimmers.

Best beaches in Catalonia

Catalonia has many excellent beaches along its almost 600 kilometers of coastline, and those looking for a bit of sea, sun and sand are spoilt for choice.

With its castles, cliff walks, and water sports, Catalan beaches offers the visitor much more than just sunbathing on the fine golden sand.

Coming up with a top 10 list of the best beaches in Catalonia is an almost impossible task, but below you will find our pick of some beaches along the coast that are worth a visit.

From north to south, Catalonia has four main coastal areas: Costa Brava, Costa Barcelona, Costa Daurada and Terres de l'Ebre. Below you'll find three beaches for each one.