The name translates to “Naked Man Beach,” and it’s said that it originated with a shipwreck with just one survivor, who reached this beach naked. Either because of the name or due to the location on the wild deserted western end of Tavira Island, this beach became an unofficial nude beach in the 1980s, and officially so in 2004.
Its white sand stretches for over 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), so there’s plenty of space between sunbathers and even in the summer it can look deserted. It’s mostly frequented by Northern European tourists, who walk all the way here from Praia do Barril. At the end is a small lagoon surrounded by sand, and you can see the island of Fuseta, with a more popular beach. Sometimes this western tip is referred to as Praia da Barra Velha.
There are no facilities of any kind or lifeguard supervision. If you want to avoid the sun, you need to bring an umbrella, and don’t forget water and snacks.
Beach for: Naturists
Lifeguards: No
Bathrooms: No
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: By the access to the train to Praia do Barril
How to Get to Praia do Homem Nu
Homem Nu Beach is 1.5km (about 1 mile) west of Praia do Barril. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk from there (walk to the right when facing the sea). The long walk is what detracts people from coming here, but the reward is peace and seclusion. To know how to reach Praia do Barril, see the guide on the link above. There are also water taxis from Fuseta (a village between Olhão and Tavira), operated by a private company, but these can be expensive.
Beaches by Praia do Homem Nu
As mentioned above, to the west is the island of Fuseta. Its wonderful beach is growing in popularity, but remains fairly quiet, although it certainly attracts many more people than Homem Nu.
To locate these beaches, see the Tavira beaches map.
Hotels by Praia do Homem Nu
Pedras d’el Rei
Due to the remote location in a protected area, there are no hotels on or around Praia do Homem Nu. However, if you’d like to spend a day or two at this nude beach, stay at this budget resort, which is just a 5-minute walk from the footpath and the tourist train to Praia do Barril. It’s made up of apartments and villas, and all guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool. Those who don’t wish to prepare meals in their kitchens, have the choice of a handful of restaurants serving international cuisine.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Pedras d’el Rei