**WARNING, this article contains discussion about nudity, which is perfectly legal in Spain and many other countries around the world, but which may cause offence to some readers**
As a young go-getter in my 20's based in the UK at the time, I was on one of my first ever work trips to Germany when I was introduced to my new boss, a much older and very commanding German chap. Nice enough, with a strong work ethic and who was keen to show me around our offices in his home country. We met at a hotel in downtown Munich where he said "the hotel has good spa facilities, we should use them". So, I headed down the changing rooms where we, as you'd expect, dispensed with our clothes but were then soon joined by a female, who also duly undressed. I must admit at this point to being both eyes wide but also terrified we had somehow picked the female changing room and I had visions of me and my new boss spending a night in a Germany police cell!
I looked at my boss, who by this time had a towel over his shoulder, totally naked, and wandering out to the pool. The unknown female following close behind. As it turned out of course, spa's and Germany go hand in hand with nudity. And German's actually consider it unacceptable to even think about using a sauna anything other than nude.
Once I had got over my typically British prudishness, I actually found it rather freeing. So this is where I find myself today and one of the many, many, reasons that I love travelling around the Canary Islands. The nude beaches are fantastic and I wanted to share some of my experiences and my favourite nude beach with you. For the avoidance of doubt, I am not featured in any of these photographs!
My Favourite Beach
Gran Canaria, Maspalomas specifically, is the best island in the Canaries for nude bathing. However, all of the islands have appointed nude beaches and my favourite one in Tenerife (featured in the pictures and directions) is Playa de la Tejita.
I like this beach particularly because it's great for the first time nude bather as more than 90% of people here are nude. Other dedicated nude beaches on Tenerife these days can be 0% nude on some days so it's awkward, even the hardened nudists (pardon the expression) would feel awkward
Tejita beach is actually in a cove..from the main beach (where nude bathers can also be found), walk over the small mound and the cove reveals itself.
Nude Etiquette
Here is a simple guide for the dos and don'ts:
- Don't take up close photographs, unless you're invited to
- Don't touch any nude people uninvited
- These are not pick up joints, just because someone is nude doesn't mean they're looking for sexual adventure - in fact, distance your mind from this being a sexual thing
- Try not to stare! You will catch people looking - everyone does - but draw the line at that!
Nudity is Spain, similar to many other countries around the world, is technically legal everywhere. However, if it is deemed to be causing offence, you can be charged with any number of offences. So that's why it's best to stick to beaches designated for nudity, then there can be no debate about your intentions to simply feel free and get an all over tan.
You will see some bathers wearing swimming attire, even on nude beaches. In Germany, they take a slightly different view and in some Germany spa's nudity is mandated. However, in Spain, it's tolerated. I'm not sure why people go to a nude beach and then stay dressed as they're the ones who always stand out, but there you go.
"I didn't like to ask about, erm.."
Body hair - the number one question I get asked when telling people about nudity is: should you remove body hair or not? And it's clearly a question around hair in our nether regions!
In all honesty and in my experience, most people do choose to rid themselves of their pubic hair before nude bathing. Most men decide to go smooth as do most women, the only exception being with women I tend to see they might do Landing Strip. Probably 10% or less don't do any trimming.
Arousal - it has never once happened to me..but anyone who is anyone who has experience of the male anatomy will know that some appear to be in a 'flag raised' position when in reality that's just how they are all the time. Don't assume anything with the male appendage!
On a final note..
Bear in mind that nudists do it for freedom and that all over tan. If you think that the nude beaches of the Canaries are populated by stunning models in their 20's looking to score, then think again! You will see all sorts of body shapes and dimensions here and everyone is accepted for who they are.
Enjoy it!
Directions:
Getting to Playa de la Tejita is simple. You can take bus line 470 or drive from El Medano to Los Abrigos, and on the left-hand side, you’ll find a free dirt parking lot that leaves you just a 2-minute walk from the beach. Alternatively, if you’re in El Medano, you can take a 40-minute walk to the beach.
Don't forget, you'll see some nudists on Playa de la Tejita itself - but the true nude beach is over a small mound where you'll find some steps down.
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