The president of the CNA, Álvaro Campos, told the Algarve Observer that the club is seeking to make the Praia das Furnas in Vila do Bispo an official naturist beach. In the coming weeks, the request will be made to the president of the local authority, Gilberto Viegas, who has also been invited to an anniversary dinner to be held by CNA in the municipality.

Álvaro Campos said that last year they had made an attempt through the Portuguese Naturist Federation, but the request was rejected by the council. He said that they would push for it this year, but through the CNA.

If it comes about, it will be the third Algarve beach where the practice of naturism is officially permitted, along with Barril (Tavira) and Adegas (Aljezur).

Meanwhile this long weekend, the CAN is organising a get together for its members at the campsite Quinta dos Carriços, close to the Praia da Salema in Vila do Bispo. This is a mixed site, with an area for naturists and “textiles”, i.e. people who prefer to wear clothes.

The event started yesterday and continues until Saturday, with barbecues, a campfire and orienteering. The next day, Sunday, the group moves to the Praia dos Pinheiros in Lagos, one of the beaches where this philosophy of life is tolerated.

If you are interested in participating in the initiative, you can consult the club’s new site on http://www.clubenaturistaalgarve.com/.

Algarve Beaches where naturism is officially permitted, or tolerated

Praia do Barril – Tavira (official)

The naturist area consists of 700 metres facing the sea on the Ilha de Tavira. Part of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, the naturist beach is 1500 metres from the last beach concession, in the direction of the Praia do Homem Nú. The island is accessible by boat from the quay in Tavira.

Praia das Adegas – Aljezur (official)

Made official in 2004 by a decision of the Municipal Assembly of the municipality of Aljezur. The beach where naturism can be practised (all year round) is located on the cove to the south of the main beach of Odeceixe. There is a tar road as far as the top of the cliff (viewpoint). Plenty of space for parking. Footpath requiring a degree of care, but worth it because of the special setting. Rubbish is collected during the official bathing season.

Praias da Carrapateira – Aljezur (tolerated)

Near the village of Carrapateira there are a number of beaches where nudism is tolerated and practised. Bordeira, Amado and Murração are the favourites. Accessible from the EN 268 to or from Vila do Bispo, these beaches on the west coast of the Algarve can be reached along a windy gravel road, in front of a series of windmills used for the generation of electricity.

Praia do Zavial – Vila do Bispo (tolerated)

On the southern coast of the western Algarve (barlavento), Praia do Zavial, in a cove at its western end, is very popular with naturists. At high tide there is little sand and you have to get there along paths over the rocks.

Praia dos Pinheiros – Lagos (tolerated)

This beach is between Praia do Camilo and the Ponta da Piedade. Access is provided by steps cut into the sandstone, strengthened by boards and also with signposts referring to the practice of nudism. The beach is 30 to 40 metres wide at high tide and is surrounded by steep rocks in the shape of a shell.

Ilha de Armona and Fuzeta – Olhão (tolerated)

Located southeast of Olhão in the eastern Algarve (sotavento), Armona consists of a long spit of sand where, in a village that has been somewhat disfigured by illegal building, you can find curious pre-fabricated houses. Along the length of the beach, you can find many lovers of naturism. The island is accessible by boat from Fuzeta and also from Olhão.

Quinta dos Carriços Campsite – Salema, Vila do Bispo

The facility is shared by “textiles” and naturists. A large area is reserved for the latter, to which other clients of the campsite do not have access.

Praia do Beliche – Vila do Bispo (tolerated)

Praia da Cordoama – Vila do Bispo (tolerated)

Praia das Furnas – Vila do Bispo (tolerated)

source: Algarve Observer