Purple 10: Infinity Pools in Europe
1. Take a look at this stunning infinity edge pool at Hotel Caruso Ravello on the Amalfi Coast in Italy
Purple Pick: Best Nudist Beaches
Here at Purple Travel we’re nothing if not helpful. Whether it’s finding you the best possible price for your holiday, tips on how to pack your bag, or what to wear on the beach this summer, we’re here to help.
Ladies – are you sick of that unsightly bikini tan? Have you got more lines on your body than Mother Teresa? Guys – does it look like you’ve still got your shorts on even when you’ve already taken them off? Is your behind akin to an Alaskan landscape?
Fret not. We’ve got you covered, or uncovered as the case may be.
Whether you just want to avoid unsightly marks, feel like getting down with your primal self or are a fully-fledged naturalist, the best nudist beaches can be a sandy haven for both your inner and outer self. With this list of our top naturalist beaches, you’ll be in the know as well as in the buff. And if you’re a little shyer, or perhaps travelling with your children – consider this a list of places to stay well away from…
Let’s begin our best nudist beaches with an old favourite:
Since the 1990s Spain’s Vera Playa has developed into an important naturism centre. It’s in the lovely region of Andalusia which mixes ancient cities with amazing beaches and deserts with ski resorts! So you should certainly be able to find a spot, to bare all. The infamous dunes of Maspalomas Beach in Gran Canaria provide plenty of coverage for stripping off and designated sections to get used to the new found freedom.
Next up is the Czech Republic; we hear there are over 50 recognized nudist beaches in the country, so you’ll have plenty of chances to get your kit off.
Leucate Plage in France, situated on the Mediterranean coast, just north of Perpignan is a superb bare beach of fine golden sand and warm waters. Three naturist resorts share the coastline, but the beach is open to all so there’s plenty of space for both first-time skinny-dippers and veteran nudists alike.
Greece: there are plenty of options in Greece, if you fancy whipping off your gear. Super Paradise Beach on the frankly, glorious island of Mykonos has nude friendly policy and in some parts “nudism is actually obligatory.” Another good one is on Skiathos, near Koukounaries on the south-west coast, where you’ll find Banana Beach – the collective name for three sandy coves, worshipped by naturalist bathers. And before you get any ideas, the name refers to the fact the beaches are yellow and curved…
Croatia’s Vrsar is home to Koversada, which is one of the largest nudist resorts in Europe! According to Wikipedia it can take up to 18,500 guests per day. Better bare (!) that in mind when booking…
Looking towards more tropical climates, daring to bare in the Caribbean has never been more inviting. Seven Mile Beach in Negril Jamaica, is a very nude friendly resort, although the beach itself is public property, so topless is ok, but if you’re losing your bottoms you’ll have to pay extra. The Hedonism resort, also in Negril is as the name suggest open to not only nudist sunbathers, but plenty more besides.
Heading down Mexico Way, you’ll find the Hidden Beach Resort, an ‘au naturel club’ which claims to be the only All Inclusive Nudist Resort in the Mexico Caribbean. A top choice for the best nudist beaches in the world… at least we think so.
The Sunshine State of Florida, welcomes nudity with open arms…well almost. Haulover Beach is an official tax supported public nude beach, with excellent facilities and you don’t need to worry about getting hassled in a state of undress.
Good luck!
One word of caution: While it’s true ‘topfree’ is popular in most resorts, it’s not for everyone. Be sure to check with the local authority to be sure!
Purple Tips: Family Holidays Gran Canaria
Purple Tips: Family Holidays Gran Canaria
It doesn’t really matter what time of year you go, the eternal springtime weather that characterises all the Canary Islands makes it a hot choice for family friendly fun. Choose Gran Canaria for great value family friendly hotels, brilliant sunshine and relaxed beaches and tonnes of activities for you and your tots.
Image via @ Pink Sherbet
Family friendly beaches
The long beach of Playa de Las Canteras is really well organised, with changing rooms, loungers and lots of space. It’s a top choice for families thanks to its calm waters, ideal for children thanks to the shelter provided by a natural reef.
Playa de Puerto Rico is a big favourite too. There are lots of water sports available so it might suit older children who want to have a go at banana boating. There are lots of facilities and the golden sand and clear sea will impress mum and dad too.
Water Babies
Take advantage of the numerous water activities on offer in Gran Canaria for a memorable and fun-filled break with your children. Just try some underwater diving, snorkeling or kayaking.
Natural Swimming pools
A peaceful alternative to the beach, the famous natural swimming pools of the Canaries are a choice day out offering relaxation or diving, sunbathing and splashing. We like Las Salinas Charco de San Lorenzo and Los Charcones, Arucas.
A taste of the wild west in the Canaries
Fancy a wild west experience in the sunshine of Gran Canaria. It might be the other side of the world but Sioux City captures the feeling of being a cowboy with lively shows, zoos featuring snakes, bison, raccoon, meercats and an alligator swamp as well as plenty of BBQ’d treats.
Palmitos Park in Maspalomas allows kids and grownups to get up close and personal with dolphins, birds of prey, flamingos and all sorts of exotic reptiles. A combined ticket to Palmitos and Aqualand gives a 15% discount too.
Image @ Viator.com
Animal Magic
A ride on the back of one of a camel is one of the most fun, exotic experiences you can have while you’re on a family holiday in the Gran Canaria. Head for the Camello Safari Dunas route to admire the stunning landscape formed by the Maspalomas Dunes, a Protected Nature Reserve. Or, why not hop on to a glass bottomed boat, and soak up the undersea view of whalers or dolphins in the waters around the island.
Top Canaries Beaches: Best beaches Gran Canaria
The third part in our guide to the beaches of the Canary Islands. You won’t go wrong with a trip to the best beaches in Gran Canaria.
Finding your perfect beach can be like finding your soulmate; some trawl the Internet, running the risk of only finding the creepy ones, some end up lying down on the first one they see and others try out a few before settling on one that’s not already had every other tourist in sight.
Luckily, the best beaches Gran Canaria has something for everyone: there are the lively and alternative sorts, the quiet and peaceful types and even some nudists, romantics and wild partiers. In fact, finding your sandy soulmate has never been easier. So don’t get caught up in the rat race, just follow this simple guide for a beach life that’s nothing but bliss:
Playa de Maspalomas
Don’t be put off by the fact that Playa de Maspalomas is one of Gran Canaria’s most popular beaches. With 4 miles of desert-like white sands, it can be enjoyed by almost anyone, from families to homosexuals, nudists to quiet types.
This beach is for you if… you’re a bit of a playa yourself.
Playa del Ingles
A continuation of Playa de Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles provides plenty of opportunity to get stuck into some watersports. Enjoy water skiing, jet skiing and windsurfing or take a walk down Paseo Maritimo, a street filled with heaps of restaurants, bars and shops, specially tailored to all your tourist needs.
This beach is for you if… you like an athletic beach, with a good stamina.
Playa de Puerto Rico
A crescent of sand, brought over from the Sahara desert, situated in Gran Canaria’s sunniest spot. This beach is a real paradise for sun worshippers and thrill-seekers alike, doubling up as a subtropical garden of outstanding watersport offerings, such as the eminent dolphin safari.
This beach is for you if… you like exotic types.
Playa de los Amadores: Just 20 minutes from Playa de Puerto Rico is the Playa de los Amadores, a.k.a. the Lovers’ Beach. This well-protected cove boasts half a mile of golden sand and a sea od crystal clear water.
This beach is for you if… you’re a hopeless romantic.
If you fear that you might miss your beach too much during the winter months, remember that Gran Canaria boasts a subtropical climate, with water temperatures lying between 18 and 22 degrees Celcius all year round, so there’s more than enough reason to revisit your holiday fling.
Read more: Best Beaches Lanzarote
Top Tips: Gran Canaria beaches
The third entry in our 4-part series on the best beaches of the Canary Islands highlights the splendor of Gran Canaria beaches, the largest of the group.
Playa de Las Canteras
Considered one of the best beaches in Spain, Playa de Las Canteras boasts 3000 meters of golden sand and calm waters. The beach has a very good range of facilities for the entire family with restaurants, bars, and shopping in the direct vicinity. For the snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, the coral reef protecting the beach is about 2km for the shore. Something for everyone means windsurfers and body boarders will love it as well. Located in Las Palmas, this is the best and busiest beach on the island.
Sand. Miles of sand. This is Playa de Maspalomas, home of the famous sand dunes of Gran Canaria. Stretching for 12km is a nature reserve of soft golden sands that leads down to the sea. This is a very busy beach as well, with different areas for families and nudists. Watersports enthusiasts will enjoy the winds in the as well. Hint: don’t bring anything to this beach you don’t want getting sand on.
If you continue down the coast of Maspalomas, you will arrive at the highly organized and very busy Playa Del Ingles beach. This beach has plenty of facilities for everyone and quite a bit less sand than Maspalomas, which makes it more accessible to the surrounding restaurants, bars, and shops.
Puerto Rico beach is man-made and filled with white sand. Shaped to resist the winds, the waters are turquoise and calm as a result. This beach is very well organized and has all the amenities to make your stay both relaxing and entertaining. Ideal for families.
Playa Meloneras
On the other side of the Maspalomas beach is the beach of Meloneras, home to the outstanding H10 Playa Meloneras Palace. This is also a busy beach with golden sands, calm waters, and characteristically windy for this side of the island.