Sunscreen instead of swim trunks: For many gay vacationers, nude bathing is simply part of the perfect beach day. The US magazine Out has compiled a list of 29 beaches around the world that are particularly popular among gay travelers, based on a survey of gay men in the US. Some are legendary meeting spots for the community, while others impress with spectacular landscapes or a relaxed atmosphere – often, everything comes together.

The most important thing at a glance

• The US magazine Out recommends 29 nude beaches for gay travelers.
• The selection ranges from Europe to North and South America, Australia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
• Some beaches are classic gay hotspots, while others are notable for their particularly gay-friendly atmosphere.
• Landscape, freedom, and community are at the forefront of all destinations.

Europe offers the largest selection.

There are particularly many recommendations around the Mediterranean and along Europe's Atlantic coast. On the Spanish island of Gran Canaria, the dunes beach of Maspalomas has been one of the best-known gay hotspots for decades. The secluded nudist area between beach kiosks five and six is not only popular for sunbathing but is also known for its cruising scene.

Mykonos also belongs to the classics with the Elia beach. Behind a rock formation with a rainbow flag begins the naturist area, which is predominantly used by gay guests. Those who prefer to travel to Ibiza will find a dedicated clothing-optional section specifically for gay men at Platja des Cavallet.

Not to be missed is Sitges, south of Barcelona. The coastal town has been one of Europe's most popular gay holiday destinations for decades. With Balmins Beach, it also has its most famous nude beach. The magazine also recommends Es Trenc in Mallorca and Mar Bella in Barcelona, which becomes a meeting point for thousands of visitors, especially during the Circuit Festival in August. Portugal is represented by Praia 19. The beach at Costa da Caparica is only accessible by a small beach train and is considered by connoisseurs to be one of the most beautiful gay nude beaches in Europe.

The largest nudist resort in the world

In France, there are two recommendations: St. Laurent d'Eze on the Côte d'Azur impresses with its spectacular rock formations and a well-known cruising area. Even more extraordinary is Cap d'Agde, the largest nudist resort in the world. There, nudity is practically part of everyday life – not only on the beach but also when dining out or going to the bank. Greece also makes the list multiple times. Besides Elia on Mykonos, the remote Red Beach in Crete is among the most beautiful places for nude sunbathing. Those who prefer to travel north will find the beach of Zandvoort in the Netherlands, whose nudist area is located west of Amsterdam. Germany is represented by Buhne 16 on Sylt. Although many beaches on the North Sea island allow nudity, this section is considered the origin of the local nudist culture.

North America lures with legendary gay beaches.

In the USA and Canada, several beaches have been part of gay vacation culture for decades. Fire Island off the coast of New York is one of the most famous meeting places for the community, especially Pines Beach. Not far from Manhattan is Gunnison Beach in New Jersey. On the US West Coast, Black's Beach near San Diego is considered one of the most well-known gay nude beaches in the world. In San Francisco, gay Americans also recommend Baker Beach, while in Florida, Haulover Beach near Miami is one of the few officially designated nude beaches. Canada is represented by Hanlan's Point in Toronto and Wreck Beach in Vancouver – both are popular meeting spots for gay travelers.

Dream scenery around the globe

Even outside of Europe and North America, there are extraordinary destinations. In Mexico, Zipolite Beach is the country's only officially recognized nude beach and has been known for its open, gay-friendly atmosphere for years. Brazil is represented by Praia do Abricó near Rio de Janeiro. This somewhat secluded beach combines spectacular views with a relaxed nudist culture. In Australia, the magazine recommends two destinations: North Bondi Beach and Lady Jane Beach near Sydney. Both are among the most popular beaches for gay naturists.

For those seeking something special, Neve Midbar at the Dead Sea in Israel is one of the few places in the Middle East where nude bathing is legal. In South Africa, Sandy Bay near Cape Town offers tranquility and nature instead of a party atmosphere. Hawaii is represented by Little Beach on Maui. This small cove is considered a paradise for those who want to combine tropical island vibes with a relaxed nudist atmosphere. The selection is completed by Orient Bay on Saint Martin in the Caribbean. The Club Orient Beach Resort there offers guests the opportunity to spend their vacation almost entirely without clothing.

More than just a beach day

What connects all 29 travel destinations is not just the textile-free sunbathing. Many of the beaches have become important meeting points for the gay community over the decades – places where openness, freedom, and community are at the forefront. For many travelers, they are therefore much more than just beautiful vacation spots.