The Nude Beaches of La Gomera
La Gomera island, Canary Islands, Spain
Wild volcanic coastline with clothes-free beaches that reward hikers and slow travellers.
snapshot
La Gomera, in Spain’s Canary Islands, offers several clothes-free beaches across a wild volcanic coastline. Although nudity is legal on all Spanish beaches and widely accepted here on this island, some beaches are known to attract nude bathers. The island rewards effort: some beaches require long hikes or boat access, and none have organised facilities. For travellers who want raw nature, solitude, and swimming without swimwear, La Gomera delivers in a way that the larger Canary Islands cannot.
season
Year-round
LEGAL STATUS
Nudity legal
GETTING THERE
Car Essential
Vibe
Wild, unhurried
where we are
REGIONAL orientation
La Gomera is one of the smallest Canary Islands, reached by a 50-minute ferry from Tenerife’s Los Cristianos port. The island has no highways and no mass tourism. Instead, it has steep volcanic valleys, terraced hillsides, and the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park, home to ancient laurel forest.
The coastline is rugged. Beaches are few, mostly black sand, and often require a hike, a boat, or both to reach. The island’s main tourist hub is Valle Gran Rey on the west coast, which has a faded bohemian atmosphere from its 1970s hippy era. San Sebastian de La Gomera, the capital, is the ferry arrival point on the east coast.
Roads on La Gomera are narrow and winding, carved into the sides of steep ravines. Distances are short on the map but slow to drive. A rental car is essential for getting around, and some tolerance for mountain roads is helpful. Over 600 kilometres of marked hiking trails criss-cross the island.
the nude beaches
ONE BY ONE
Playa del Ingles
28.1006, -17.3475
At the northern edge of Valle Gran Rey is Playa del Ingles (not to be confused with its namesake on Gran Canaria), a broad stretch of black sand broken by rock shelves and stone windbreakers. The town’s bohemian heritage is still present. Access is easy: a short footpath from a small car park. The ocean can be powerful, with strong breakers and a steep beach slope, so choose entry points carefully.
LivelyAccessibleSandyPebblesNo facilities
Bay of Pigs
28.0795, -17.3245
Visible from Valle Gran Rey’s port, this cove looks striking from a distance. Rockfall closed the access path during the most recent visit in early 2025, with warning signs along the approach. When the trail reopens, it will be a strong addition to a clothes-free day in Valle Gran Rey. The view of the cove framed by volcanic walls is worth the pause even if the path is closed.
RemoteNatural settingPebbles
El Cabrito
28.0626, -17.1437
A rarity in the Canaries: the settlement behind this beach has no road access. One small hotel operates here, with guests arriving by shuttle boat. Everyone else earns their swim on a mountain trail of roughly ten kilometres. Smaller coves appear below the cliffs along the way, where clothing is uncommon and solitude comes easy. An intermediate hike due to length and elevation changes. Remember you must hike back the same way.
RemoteNatural settingPebbles
Playa del Medio
28.0377, -17.1811
East of Playa Santiago, where La Gomera’s bohemian spirit is most alive. The coastline is dotted with caves where people live for months, disconnected from the outside world. A pebble beach with simple charm against a backdrop of raw rock. From here, two more small beaches are reachable on foot, both popular with nude swimmers.
RemoteNatural settingPebblesNo facilities
WHO THIS IS FOR
WHO SHOULD GO & who should not
Great for
- ✓ Clothes-free travellers who value solitude over convenience
- ✓ Hikers who want to combine trail walking with beach time
- ✓ Those seeking wild, undeveloped coastal scenery
- ✓ Those looking for a genuine escape from tourist infrastructure
not ideal if
- ✕ You want easy, flat access to well-equipped nude beaches
- ✕ You prefer social clothes-free atmospheres with many others around
- ✕ You are uncomfortable with strong ocean currents and remote settings
practical
GETTING THERE & what to know
getting there
Most visitors reach La Gomera by ferry from Los Cristianos in southern Tenerife. Fred Olsen and Naviera Armas operate roughly six crossings per day, taking about 50 minutes. Binter Canarias also flies twice daily from Tenerife (30 minutes). A rental car is essential on the island. Roads are winding and slow, but distances are short.
best time to go
La Gomera is warm year-round, with temperatures in the low 20s Celsius even in winter. February and March (the Canary Islands’ high season) offer sunshine, manageable wind, and good conditions for both beaches and hiking. July and August bring slightly more visitors but nothing like the crowds on Tenerife or Gran Canaria. The sea can be rough at any time of year, so always assess conditions before swimming.
legal status
Nudity is legal throughout Spain. La Gomera has no official nudist beach designations, but the relaxed atmosphere and remote coastline mean nudity is accepted wherever you are away from crowds. One beach on the island had signs prohibiting nudity, which was being openly ignored.
what to bring
None of the beaches have facilities. Bring water, food, sun protection, and a towel. Sturdy hiking footwear is essential for El Cabrito and useful at most other locations. Water shoes help on rocky beach entries. The sun is strong even in winter, and there is almost no shade at any of these beaches. If you plan to hike to El Cabrito, carry enough water for both directions.
WHERE TO STAY NEARBY
virtual visit
SEE FOR yourself
Sometimes a two-minute watch tells you more than a page of text. Our video shows you what the beaches in this overview actually look like.
FAQ
most asked questions
Is nudity mandatory on La Gomera's beaches, or can I keep some clothes on?
None of these beaches require nudity. In practice, you will find a mix of clothed, topless, and fully nude visitors. The proportion of nudity increases the further you get from access points and populated areas. There is no pressure either way.
Are the nude beaches of La Gomera good for first-timers?
Playa del Ingles in Valle Gran Rey is the most accessible option and has a relaxed, accepting atmosphere. The mix of clothed and nude visitors is natural. If you are comfortable with remote settings and a bit of adventure, La Gomera is a rewarding place for a first clothes-free experience.
Are La Gomera's beaches family-friendly?
The beaches are wild and mostly without facilities. Families with older children who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventure will find La Gomera rewarding. Beaches with strong currents (Playa del Ingles) and difficult access (El Cabrito) require caution with young children.
Do I need a car to visit the nude beaches of La Gomera?
A car is essential. Public transport on La Gomera is minimal and does not connect to most beach locations. Roads are winding and steep but distances are short. El Cabrito is the exception: it requires a hike or boat, with no car access at all.
What time of year are La Gomera's beaches at their best?
La Gomera is warm year-round. February and March offer sunshine and manageable wind. July and August are slightly busier but never crowded by Canary Island standards. The sea can be rough at any time, so always check conditions. Winter visitors from northern Europe will find the temperatures comfortable for beach use.
Are there toilets or food available at the beaches?
None of these beaches have any facilities. No toilets, no food, no shade structures. Bring everything you need for the day. Valle Gran Rey town (near Playa del Ingles) has restaurants and shops for resupplying.
Is La Gomera worth visiting just for the nude beaches?
La Gomera is best approached as a nature and hiking destination where clothes-free beach time is part of the experience, not the whole reason to visit. The island has over 600 kilometres of hiking trails, ancient laurel forest, and a pace of life that larger islands have lost. The beaches are the reward after the walk.
