by John Bryant

Created on: July 10, 2008   Last Updated: July 12, 2008

Even when it was part of Yugoslavia, Croatia was very friendly to Europe's naturists, taking advantage of the warm and calm waters of the northern Adriatic Sea to offer its nude beaches, full service campgrounds, and nude cruises at remarkably good value (see the comprehensive/excellent website: wwww.cronatur.com). Today, almost two decades after gaining its independence from Yugoslavia in a bloody war, Croatia is back as a prime vacation place for Europe's - and now the world's - naturists.

My wife and I recently enjoyed a few days in Croatia, including visits to two fantastic naturist campgrounds along the country's northern coastline, just the first two campgrounds of eighteen and many, many nude beaches which dot the entire length of the nation's coast. Knowing these two are representative of all eighteen, a description of our experience may encourage American naturists to add Croatia and one - or more - of its naturist campgrounds to their future vacation plans.

The major airport closest to the northern Croatian coastline is Trieste, Italy, a wonderful city for a visit in its own right. We flew into Trieste having redeemed Delta Skymiles with flights on Delta and its partners', Alitalia and Air France. Rental cars are available (see AutoEurope's good value at www.autoeurope.com/affil.cfm?aff=JOHNBRYANT) or the travel agent whom I will recommend below can arrange a van to transport groups. Those expecting to spend most of their time on a campground's beach to enjoy their many amenities may find prearranged transport as sufficient with the knowledge day trips can be arranged. Those who expect to get into the countryside in a foreign culture often may prefer a rental car, though. It could certainly be less expensive for one or two couples with lots of day trips in mind.

The two naturist campgrounds we visited were Kanegra and Ulika. Kanegra is 3kms east of Umag, Croatia's most northwestern town and one so old the Romans called it Umacs. My wife purchased beautiful, handwoven table linens in the town square for a wonderful price while I was intrigued by the church which offered three services each Sunday, one in Italian and two in Croatian. There was a row of what appeared to be excellent restaurants with indoor or outdoor dining overlooking Unmag's bay. Kanegra Naturist Campground is located directly across a small bay from two towns in Slovenia, Piran and Portoroz. Slovenia was also part of the former Yugoslavia and secured its independence at the same time

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>