Nudism and Naturism in Croatia
Croatia's Adriatic coast has a long tradition of providing hospitality
to naturists seeking a friendly place to vacation textile-free. The first
naturist beaches opened on the island of Rab in 1934 and over the ensuing
decades were joined by numerous others. Naturism continues to flourish today,
playing an important part of Croatia's tourism industry.
With 30 official naturist resorts and beaches, plus numerous unofficial ones
found all along the long Adriatic coast, Croatia welcomes
visitors who prefer to vacation nude.
Croatia is one of Europe's sunniest countries, with 2600
hours of sunshine annually. It's no surprise then that Croatia was Europe's
first country to offer commercial naturist resorts to visitors. By the 1960s,
naturist camps opened in Istra and Dalmatia.
Today's naturists can still find campsites, but also hotels, resorts, beaches,
and apartments. Naturist beaches are marked with signs saying "FKK"
for "Freikorperkultur," German for Free Body Culture. Unofficial
beaches are sometimes called free beaches.
Croatia's naturist facilities often focus on different visitor categories, including families, adults, gays, and those where everyone is welcome. Beaches also often are sectioned into these categories.
Well-known Croatian Naturist Centers
Valalta
This naturist site is located near a nature reserve in Istra,
on the northern section of the Adriatic coast, near the ancient
town of Rovinj. The modern facilities include a campground,
bungalows, apartments and caravans. Restaurants and recreational opportunities
are part of the attraction of this site.
Monsena
Also located near Rovinj, Monsena offers camping, bungalows,
and apartments for up to 2,000 guests. Two restaurants, a supermarket, swimming
pool, and children's area are included in the complex.
Koversada
Croatia's oldest naturist resort, Koversada is located near
the charming village of Vrsar. With space for 820 guests, the resort offers
rooms in pavilions, restaurants, supermarkets, and a sports center.
Ulika
Located near Porec in Istra, the Ulika resort has capacity for 3,800 guests.
The modern camping facilities have space for caravans.
Not every visitor to Croatia comes to take off their clothes.
Naturists make up about 15 percent of annual tourists, so anyone who prefers
to visit and keep their clothes on will still have plenty of company.