Is Public Nudity Legal in Portugal?
OfficialLegal in designated areas· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
Only in authorised naturist spaces, which a municipal assembly approves under Lei n.º 53/2010, plus public spaces where naturism was already established and later recognised by government order. Outside them the law sets no specific penalty for simple nudity, but exhibitionist acts that importune another person are a crime (Penal Code art. 170).[1][2]
Main provision: Lei n.º 53/2010 (regime da prática de naturismo); Código Penal, art. 170 (importunação sexual)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
Naturist beaches are authorised by the municipal assembly on the proposal of the municipal council, must normally be at least 750 m from towns, schools and places of worship, and must be signposted at least 100 m from their limits. The federation FPN reports 9 official naturist beaches.[1][3]
Private naturist clubs and resorts
Tourist accommodation, restaurants, pools, spas and gyms can also be authorised as naturist spaces. The FPN lists four federated clubs.[1][3]
Penalties
Art. 170: importuning another person with exhibitionist acts carries up to 1 year in prison or a fine of up to 120 days. No penalty specific to simple nudity is documented in the sources we found.[2]
Official naturist places in Portugal
Places NudistMap lists as officially designated or naturist-only. Status comes from open data; check each place page.
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Portugal?
Only in authorised naturist spaces, which a municipal assembly approves under Lei n.º 53/2010, plus public spaces where naturism was already established and later recognised by government order. Outside them the law sets no specific penalty for simple nudity, but exhibitionist acts that importune another person are a crime (Penal Code art. 170).
Are there official nude beaches in Portugal?
Naturist beaches are authorised by the municipal assembly on the proposal of the municipal council, must normally be at least 750 m from towns, schools and places of worship, and must be signposted at least 100 m from their limits. The federation FPN reports 9 official naturist beaches.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Portugal?
Tourist accommodation, restaurants, pools, spas and gyms can also be authorised as naturist spaces. The FPN lists four federated clubs.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Portugal?
Art. 170: importuning another person with exhibitionist acts carries up to 1 year in prison or a fine of up to 120 days. No penalty specific to simple nudity is documented in the sources we found.
Sources
- Lei n.º 53/2010, de 20 de Dezembro (Diário da República) (statute)
- Código Penal, art. 170 (PGD Lisboa) (statute)
- Federação Portuguesa de Naturismo (FPN) (federation)
This page summarises the law for travellers and is not legal advice. Laws, local bylaws and enforcement change; follow local signs and check the sources below. Last checked 31 October 2026.