Compares nudism acceptance across Europe: Spain is fully legal; Belgium has limited tolerance.
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Belgium has only one official naturist beach, while Spain boasts 400. Despite a rich history, nudity remains a controversial topic in Croatia. In Kostrena, local council discussions addressed nude people on beaches, with some officials expressing discomfort regarding women without bikinis near children. While municipal workers will not fine nude individuals, the discussion reflects a growing societal conservatism impacting body acceptance, contrasting with its past as a nudist tourism hub. Efforts to protect historical naturism spots like Koversada beach have been unsuccessful, and statistics show a significant decline in the usage of naturist camps compared to previous decades.
In Spain, nudity is completely legal in any public space; over 400 official naturist beaches exist, supported by constitutional rights protecting freedom of expression, making nudity not a crime unless associated with sexual acts involving minors or vulnerable persons. While some pressure from conventional tourism exists, the societal attitude towards nudism remains tolerant.
In Italy, naturism is present but not widely established, with only 13 officially designated naturist beaches and limited regulation at the national level.
In the Czech Republic, naturism experienced a peak in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly on lakes and rivers, but its popularity has declined since 2000, with older generations dominating visitors to established spots.
Belgium maintains a policy of quiet tolerance without formal recognition for public nudity; it operates largely in a legal gray area where nudity can fall under indecent exposure laws unless within defined private or officially recognized areas like the single official beach in Bredeneu.
