While Europe is generally a good place to practice naturism and has a higher percentage of nudists than any other region, Italy is one of the few exceptions. Our insider and contributor in Italy, Pierantonio, related to us the hard facts about nudism in his country…

“Naturism isn’t very common in Italy”, begins Pierantonio, “…because it is often considered a shameful way of life by a lot of people, especially by old people linked to Italian traditions…(particularly) older catholic people”. He goes on to tell us that there are some beaches in Italy where nudism is “tolerated”, but nowhere is it legal, except at two in the Emilia Romagna region, the only one has a law protecting naturist from prosecution. That bill was passed in 2006, thanks to persistent lobbying by ANER (Emilia Romagna Naturist Association).

Thus, Pierantonio tells us, you practice nudism in most of Italy at the risk of being arrested or fined. He points-out, however, that most Italian courts will show lenience towards nudists charged with public lewdness, often acquitting them. He estimates there are approximately 500,000 nudists in Italy, and the vast majority must travel abroad to enjoy their lifestyle.

One of the problems facing the acceptance of naturism in Italy are the hordes of voyeurs and other sexual deviants who invade nudist beaches, he says. This is a common problem at any public nudist beach the world over, but more so where public nudity is uncommon.