In Portugal there are hundreds of beaches for all tastes and, over the last few years, those who practice naturism have also found their space. In total there are nine official beaches designated for nudism. Although there are those who say that Praia do Meco, in Sesimbra, was the first to be legalised for the practice of naturism, the truth is that the pioneer was Praia da Bela Vista, in the municipality of Almada.
It was 1995, when Praia da Bela Vista officially became naturist. However, the first historical record of the practice of naturism dates back to the 1920s, more than a century ago, according to NiT magazine. At the time, some of the beaches of Costa da Caparica were already filled with naked bathers, however, the dictatorial regime prohibited nudity.
After April 25, 1974, the Portuguese Federation of Naturism was created and movements linked to the practice of collective nudity once again gained prominence. There are currently 55 Portuguese beaches where naturism is tolerated, which means that the practice is common in these areas.
There are nine beaches spread across the country where it is legal to practice naturism and three of them are in the Algarve. One of them is Praia das Adegas, in Odeceixe. Praia do Homem Nu, in Tavira, is also a naturist beach and is accessible from Praia do Barril. Finally, still in the eastern Algarve you can practice nudism at Praia da Barreta, on the Deserta island.