Clothing-Optional Holidays: A First-Timer’s Guide
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A clothing-optional holiday is a trip where you can choose to wear swimwear or go nude in a clearly defined area, such as a pool, beach or resort, and nobody expects you to undress. As a first-timer, start with a clothing-optional pool, stay in swimwear if you like, and follow the venue's rules on consent and photography.
Personally, we are a couple who went from avoiding naturist beaches to seeking them out once we got a bit more comfortable with them. Below you'll find how the different settings work, how to feel comfortable at your own pace, and the etiquette that keeps everyone relaxed.
We'll also point you to one of the gentlest ways in we've come across: a gay men-only guesthouse in the hills near Sitges, where only the pool area is clothing-optional and swimwear is just as welcome. Skip ahead to Casa Brisa if you're curious.
What Does "Clothing-Optional" Actually Mean?
Clothing-optional means clothing is a choice within a clearly defined area, not a requirement to be nude. For first-time visitors, that distinction matters. You can be curious without being ready to take every layer off, and you can enjoy a relaxed environment while keeping your swimwear on.
For many people, the appeal is simple. Without the usual pressure around what to wear, a poolside afternoon can feel more relaxed and less performative. Others are drawn to the sense of body confidence that can come from spending time around people with different shapes, ages and bodies. There is no single right reason to try it... and no particular way you need to look, behave or feel.
The most important principle is choice. A thoughtful clothing-optional setting makes its rules clear, respects personal boundaries and allows every guest to decide what feels comfortable for them.
It's also how it works for us. Fabio is generally more comfortable with nudity, while I'm a bit more apprehensive. A clothing-optional place is lovely for easing into it: you don't feel you have to be completely naked when you don't want to, but you obviously can when you do.
Clothing-Optional Pool, Naturist Beach or Naturist Resort?
The three main settings are a clothing-optional pool, a naturist beach and a naturist resort, and a pool is the gentlest place to start. Before you book or visit, check exactly where nudity is permitted, what facilities are available and whether the setting suits the kind of holiday you want.
| Setting | Where nudity is allowed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing-optional pool | Only the designated pool and sunbathing area | First-timers who want a contained, clearly defined space |
| Naturist beach | Depends on local rules and the beach's status | Open-air freedom, with varying privacy and facilities |
| Naturist resort | Many outdoor areas, sometimes more, depending on the resort | A dedicated stay, from quiet wellness to social activities |
1. A clothing-optional pool
At a clothing-optional pool, guests may generally choose to wear swimwear or go nude within the designated pool and sunbathing area. The policy may not apply to indoor lounges, dining areas, reception or other shared spaces. This can be a gentle introduction because the setting is contained, and the expectations are usually easy to understand. Always check the property’s specific rules rather than assuming every area has the same policy.
2. A naturist beach
A naturist or clothing-optional beach is an outdoor public or designated beach where local rules and the beach’s status determine whether nudity is permitted. Facilities, privacy and the atmosphere can vary considerably. Some beaches are officially designated for naturism; others may have a more informal clothing-optional area. Check local guidance before you go, bring what you need for sun protection, and respect other beach users whether they are dressed or nude.
We didn't always go near these. In the past we avoided naturist beaches completely, and now we tend to seek them out. In Zipolite, Mexico, we sometimes chose to get naked and sometimes kept our clothes on, and either was fine.
3. A naturist resort
A naturist resort is a dedicated holiday property with its own policies and facilities. Nudity may be common across many outdoor areas, and sometimes in additional spaces, but the rules differ from one resort to another. Some properties focus on wellness and quiet relaxation; others offer organized activities or a more social atmosphere. Read the rules in advance, so you know where clothing is required, whether first-timers are welcome and what the resort expects from guests.
In short, "clothing-optional" does not automatically mean "nudity everywhere." The location, local regulations and the property’s own policy all matter.
What Should You Expect on Your First Visit?
Expect a relaxed setting where guests are there to unwind and nobody should pressure you to do anything you don't want to do. It's normal to feel a little self-conscious at first, and many first-timers wonder whether people will notice them or whether they're expected to undress. In a well-managed venue, the answer to both is no.
Start at your own pace
You might arrive in swimwear, take time to get familiar with the space, and decide later whether you want to go nude in an area where it is permitted. You can also choose to remain dressed for the entire visit. Neither choice needs an explanation.
That's exactly how we approach it as a couple. Some days one of us is happy to strip off and the other keeps their swimwear on, and nobody thinks twice about it.
What to bring
Pack a towel, sunscreen, water and any personal items you would normally take to a pool or beach. At shared seating, place a towel beneath you when sitting directly on a lounger or chair, if that is the property’s custom or rule. If you are unsure about anything, ask the host or staff member rather than relying on assumptions.
Clothing-Optional Etiquette: The Essentials
Clothing-optional etiquette comes down to five habits: get consent, never photograph other guests, follow each area's clothing policy, keep comments to yourself and respect shared spaces. It's less about memorizing rules and more about treating people the way you'd want to be treated.
Respect consent and personal space
Nudity is not an invitation to touch, flirt, comment on someone’s body or start a personal conversation. Ask before any physical contact, respect a "no" or a lack of interest, and give other guests space. Everyone should be free to enjoy the setting without feeling watched, approached or evaluated.
Never photograph people without permission
Privacy is especially important in clothing-optional spaces. Do not take photographs or videos of other guests unless you have their explicit permission and the property allows it.
Even a casual background photo can capture someone who does not want to be identified. If you want a picture of the pool or scenery, check the rules and make sure no other guests are visible.
Follow the clothing policy for each area
A pool may be clothing-optional while indoor shared spaces remain clothed. Dining rooms, kitchens, reception areas and wellness spaces may have different requirements. Follow signs and house guidance, and ask if the boundaries are unclear.
Keep comments and assumptions to yourself
Avoid comments about someone’s body, age, appearance or level of undress. Do not assume that everyone is there for the same reason or wants to socialize. A friendly greeting is welcome; so is allowing someone to read, swim, sunbathe or relax quietly.
Practice ordinary shared-space courtesy
Use towels as requested, keep communal areas tidy, follow pool safety guidance and respect quiet hours. These everyday considerations are part of making the experience comfortable, whether you choose to wear swimwear or not.
How to Feel Comfortable in Your Own Body
You don't need body confidence before trying a clothing-optional experience, and it isn't a test you have to pass. You do not need to feel completely confident, love every part of your body or compare yourself with anyone else. Confidence can simply mean giving yourself permission to be present without making your appearance the focus of the day.
Try to notice how you feel rather than how you imagine you look to others. Choose a comfortable place to settle, take a swim, read or enjoy the sun. If you feel more comfortable keeping your swimwear on, do that. If you decide to try being nude in a permitted area, let it be your decision—not something you do because you think everyone else expects it.
Can nudity improve body confidence?
It can, and my own experience is a good example of how. Our first real experience with nudity was in 2024 at a yoga retreat in Greece, which was a fully nude retreat rather than a clothing-optional one. It takes a little while to get used to. But being nude that much did something I didn't expect: my body confidence started coming back quite quickly. We don't spend much time nude in everyday life, so being around it constantly made me appreciate myself in that setting.
A respectful environment makes room for all of these choices. The goal is not to achieve a particular version of body confidence, but to have a holiday where your boundaries are understood, and you can relax.
If a naturist beach feels like too big a step, other shared spaces follow similar rules about privacy and respect. Our guide to gay saunas and bathhouses covers what to expect, if you'd like to get used to being undressed around other people in a more contained setting.
A Clothing-Optional Stay Near Sitges
For travelers who would like to try a clothing-optional pool without committing to a fully naturist resort, Casa Brisa, a gay men-only boutique guesthouse near Sitges, offers one example of a clearly defined and flexible setting. Located in Olivella, in the Garraf hills near Sitges, Catalonia, the guesthouse combines a quieter countryside atmosphere with access to Sitges by car.
Casa Brisa has four suites, a saltwater swimming pool, a garden and sunbathing areas. Clothing is optional only around the pool and sunbathing areas. Swimwear is equally welcome, and there is no expectation that guests should be nude. Shared indoor areas remain clothed. This distinction means guests can choose the level of comfort that suits them while knowing what to expect before they arrive.
For a first-timer, clear boundaries can make all the difference: you know where the policy applies, you can decide for yourself how to enjoy the pool, and you do not have to treat nudity as an all-or-nothing decision. To learn more about the guesthouse and its rooms, visit the Casa Brisa accommodation page or explore the Casa Brisa website.
If you're visiting in summer, Sitges Pride is one of Spain's biggest, so check the dates in our European Pride Calendar before you book.
Questions First-Timers Often Ask
Do I have to be nude at a clothing-optional place?
No. Clothing-optional means you choose. You can keep your swimwear on for the entire visit, and neither choice needs an explanation.
Is a clothing-optional pool the same as a naturist resort?
No. A clothing-optional pool policy may apply only to a specific outdoor area. A naturist resort may have a broader policy covering several areas. Always read the property’s rules to understand where clothing is optional or required.
Can I take photos?
Follow the venue’s photography policy and never photograph or record another guest without their explicit permission. Privacy should always take priority over getting a picture.
What if I change my mind after arriving?
That is completely fine. You can keep your swimwear on, leave a designated area or decide that the setting is not for you. Your comfort and boundaries matter more than following anyone else’s idea of the experience.
What should I check before booking?
Ask which areas are clothing-optional, where clothing is required, whether swimwear is welcome, what the photography rules are and whether there are any specific house policies. Clear answers are a good sign that the property takes guest comfort seriously. For how we vet stays more generally, see how we book LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and accommodations.
Freedom Means Having a Choice
A clothing-optional holiday does not need to be bold, intimidating or complicated. It can be as simple as spending an afternoon by a pool, discovering a different kind of beach or choosing a resort whose approach matches your interests. The key is to understand the rules, respect other people’s privacy and boundaries, and give yourself permission to choose what feels right.
For a first visit, look for clear information and a setting where swimwear and personal comfort are respected. Near Sitges, Casa Brisa offers a defined clothing-optional pool and sunbathing area, with clothed indoor shared spaces and no expectation that guests should be nude. Find out more at and choose the kind of stay that feels right for you.
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About the Author
Ryan Kretch
Blogger and Co-Founder of The Fabryk
A British/Italian-American from humble New Jersey roots, Ryan's study abroad to China in 2012 turned into a decade-plus of immigrant life across China, India, and Germany... with no plans to slow down.
As co-founder of The Fabryk, he writes as a gay traveler who has navigated LGBTQ+ life in some of the world's most unexpected places, with a particular focus on deep, up-to-date China travel content that's hard to find anywhere else in English.
In his spare time, you'll find him nursing a campari spritz or convincing himself he could absolutely make it as a DJ.
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