Tuesday 26 February 2013

Croatia - Lokrum (Dubrovnik)

Lokrum


This official nudist beach is located on the island of Lokrum located less than 1km from the old town of Dubrovnik in the far south of Croatia. 

Getting there


From Dubrovnik old port there is a boat that takes only 10 minutes to reach the island. Timetables and tickets can be obtained at the old port from a desk clearly signposted "Lokrum". Don't make the mistake of buying a ticket for a boat excursion as these are much more costly (unless you are looking for an excursion of course!). 

Once at the harbour on Lokrum, it is a further 10-15 minute walk to the nudist area (keep to the left hand path), clearly marked by the "FKK" signposts. There is a public toilet 5 minutes from the harbour (there are no such facilities in the naturist area).

There is a small refreshment kiosk (serving cold drinks and sometimes sandwiches) and limited seating at the entrance to the naturist beach 


Nudist beach is somewhat of a misnomer, the sunbathing areas consist of large rock platforms, some more even than others. The area nearest to the refreshment kiosk is mainly used by (straight) couples but this is not exclusively so. 

It is a bit of a scramble across the rocks to more secluded sunbathing areas - be careful, it is easy to lose your footing here and having a broken ankle is not the best way to enjoy the rest of your holiday. The area furthest away is popular with gay travellers.

The beach is popular with locals but also frequented by plenty of other nationalities, not surprising given Dubrovnik (and Croatia's) tourist appeal. A peacock or two is not an uncommon sight either!

A small number of ladders have been installed to help enter the water which is exceptionally clean (and sometimes quite cold).

Boats sometimes pass pass the beach (often full of Japanese tourists) who take delight in taking pictures and giggling like schoolchildren. Even more amusing for the sunbathers I often think.

Websites


Lokrum (Dubrovnik tourist website)

Lokrum map (pdf)

Lokrum website

Croatia - Cavtat - Hotel Croatia (FKK)

Cavtat - Hotel Croatia 


This nudist beach is located next to Hotel Cavtat on west side of Cavtat harbour, 20km to the south of Dubrovnik and only 5km from Dubrovnik airport. 

Getting there

From Cavtat bus station or ferry stop follow signs to Hotel Croatia. Walk around the hotel or cut through it to the back, passing the swimming pool and down a step flight of steps towards the sea. 



The FKK "beach" is signposted and like most Croatian beaches, consists of rock platforms levelled off with concrete. Actually much more appealing than they sound. 

There is a toilet and washroom facility near to the beach. Food and drink can be obtained from the (very nice) hotel.

WebsiteHotel Croatia
Cavtat map (FKK at "22")
Cavtat tourist website

Germany (Munich) - Englischer Garten


Englischer Garten

The Englischer Garten ("English Garden") is a large public park located in the center of Munich. Nude sunbathing in part of the garden has been allowed since the 1960's. The park is only 10 minutes walk from Odeonsplatz or 20 minutes from Marienplatz.


The naturist area is to the west of the Schwabinger Bach stream in the Schonfeldwiese (Schonfeld meadow) and is close to the park entrance nearest to the city centre. Sunbathing even on this side of the stream is not obligatory and a mix of naturists and other sunbathers in various states of undress is the norm.



The Schwabinger Bach and Eisbach ("ice brook") are man made tributaries of the River Isar and both run through the Englischer Garten. It is a fast flowing and ice cool, perfect for a dip on hot summer days. It is possible to surf the Eisbach - there is a 1m standing wave specifically built for surfers. 

There is a beergarden, a 10 minute walk further into the park at the Chinesischer Turm ("Chinese Tower") which also sells typically bavarian food.







Website


Munich Tourism Website

France - Cap D'Agde

Cap D'Agde


To follow....


Montenegro - Hotel Albatross FKK (Ulcinj)

Hotel Albatross FKK "Beach"

This official nudist area is located to the east of Ulcinj town (1 hour, 63km south east of Budva on the main coastal road) in the far south of Montenegro. Follow the pine clad road signposted for Hotel Albatross - it follows the coast for quite some time. Walking from the town beach takes a good 20 minutes or more in the heat. If travelling by car then there are plenty of parking places on the way. The hotel is a 5 minutes walk away but it is much need of renovation. 

The naturist area consists of concrete platforms running into the sea. A towel and mat is essential. There is little shade but you can step back into the pines to cool down or jump into the very clean sea instead of course.

The naturist area is frequented by quite a few locals and seasoned balkan travellers although a few english voices have been heard on the 3 or 4 years that we have been visiting.

There are shower facilities but no toilets.

Monday 25 February 2013

Montenegro - Ada Bojana Beach

Ada Bojana FKK Beach

This official nudist beach is located on the delta of the Bojana river near Ulcinj (1 hour, 63km south east of Budva on the main coastal road) in the far south of Montenegro. There is a hotel and campsite. 

Getting there
The beach is half an hour (15km) drive south east of Ulcinj and is well signposted from the main road. The journey from Ulcinj passes parallel to Velika Plaza ("long beach") the 10km long stretch of sands that stretch from Ulcinj to the Bojana River. 

The beach 
Access to the beach, hotel and campsite is controlled by a barrier and a couple of (friendly) guards. A day visit to the beach costs in the region of 8 Euros. Once past the barrier, there is a small shop (serving the campsite) selling drinks and snacks. It is then only a short drive to the parking area.

It is possible to stay in the hotel which is situated in the nudist area but when we last visited it appeared that the accommodation was in need of a great deal of TLC. We decided to stay in Ulcinj due to the nightlife on offer there.


Nudity on the beach itself is strictly observed by the patrolling lifeguards. There is a good mix of singles, couples and families who visit the beach and carplates suggest that the beach is popular with italian, swiss, french and german tourists in addition to locals and those from other balkan countries.

There is a (reasonably priced) restaurant located on the beachfront serving typically local cuisine and drinks.

Sunloungers and umbrellas are available for a small daily charge. There are also toilet and (basic) shower facilities on the beach edge.

Links

Ada Bojana Hotel
Visit-Montenegro