I was just wondering if those of you who regularly visit Fuerteventura would prefer to have sections of beach designated as 'NUDE ONLY' rather than the clothing optional system that's there currently. It could be helpful for newbies like us in September maybe but possibly restrict the freedom of those of you who like to walk long distances uninterrupted , what do you think the advantages or disadvantages of designated areas are & do you think it would ever happen in the future in Fuerteventura & would you be happy if it did?
Fizzy
The current level of freedom seems to work fine. Everybody knows that there may be naked people around, so they generally avoid the area if they don't want to see naked people. Equally, there are some beaches where textiles are normally in the majority, and naturists are generally sensitive enough to avoid these areas.
If you were to promote "nude only" beaches, you'd have to expect "clothed only" areas too, which I think would ultimately work against the interests of naturists.
I don't agree that everybody knows that there may be naked people around, I had no idea until maybe a year or so ago & I'd consider myself pretty well travelled, reasonably regular comments on the likes of tripadvisor about the Grande Playas & El Cotillo like beware the nudists or be prepared to see nudists etc would suggest that many don't expect to see nudity
Your last point is well made though, I hadn't thought of it that way
The "beware of the nudists" reports are because most trippers haven't the foggiest idea about where they're going, and don't bother to research it first. Remember when the first package holidays to Goa were marketed, and people came back complaining about being given Indian food?
I agree with you, I'm the type that plans & researches so I will not be surprised to see a nude body but it's a bit contradictory to say everybody knows that there may be naked people around & then say that most trippers haven't the foggiest & don't bother to research
The vast majority of sun holidayers I'd say don't plan much more than flights & hotel hence their surprise when they come across a nude....since we started planning our trip & knowing that the nudity wouldn't bother us at all I have wanted to stick a post on TA in response to the negative posts on coming across nude people but I decided to wait until after we visited
If the local council put up signs saying you may see nude people beyond this point, then people can't really complain about seeing one
One of the great things about Fuerteventura is that it's a laid back and tolerant place full of people of all nationalities who frankly don't bat an eyelid at the sight of someone ambling along ' sans ropa'...there is no need to change anything.
If a few blinkered Brits get annoyed about it on places Like Trip Advisor then two things will happen. No one who cares will take note of their ramblings and it will be sufficient to put them off coming again.. They're probably more suited to Morecambe or Eastbourne anyway....
Well said Paully !
Quote from: fizzy lemonade on July 01, 2016, 18:52:41 PM
I was just wondering if those of you who regularly visit Fuerteventura would prefer to have sections of beach designated as 'NUDE ONLY' r
The Spanish naturist groups are very much against ideas like that. Designating areas nude mean all the rest aren't. In other parts of Spain they've protested against designating areas and have even torn down signs.
BTW having ghettos doesn't stop people people shocked. I can think of one fairly isolated beach in France. It requires a fifteen minute walk in the woods. Every so often you see signs warning you. I can't believe any body could miss the various signs. But every year we've gone somebody has just "wandered" onto the beach.
I think it also leads to more voyeurs.
@Will196, thanks, good to know the official naturists viewpoint on that
@paully, your description sounds.great, I'm probably struggling slightly with the clothing optional aspect, it's easy to understand rules, that's allowed here, that's not allowed there & you follow the rules so to speak but when it becomes optional,, it's like a kind of grey area & hard to get your head around as it's new to us, I'm probably over thinking it lol, anyway really looking forward to being there in September
My wife & I are there at the same time, so let's both pray for great weather!
Fuerteventura isn't as naturist/nudist friendly as it was in the past.
Due to the influx of Polish, Russian and Italians it's become a bit of a war between clothes and no clothes. Not to mention the backward majoreros.
So I would be in favour of allocated areas or at the very minimum, signs stating that clothes are optional.
Too many people using children as weapons to get rid of the naturists.
Do you really think signs would fix things?
The people you're complaining about would cause problems no matter what. If there is no room on the textile area they'll occupy the naturist section. They'll take short cuts and complain. They won't see the signs and complain.
In addition you can bet the areas labeled naturist will be the worst. You'll end up with the naturist themselves ignoring the signs .
As I understand the law, it is legal to be naked anywhere in Spain as long as it isn't declared as forbidden.
Perhaps what's needed are signs designating areas as "Textile"?
Quote from: hairybiker on July 04, 2016, 09:32:37 AM
As I understand the law, it is legal to be naked anywhere in Spain as long as it isn't declared as forbidden.
In addition you can't commit offence. You'd be in trouble being nude in church for example. But beaches need to be declared textile (ban nudity) or they're all C/O
Personally I don't think the people who are upset about nudity are upset about the legality or the lack of signage. They're just upset by the nudity.
A couple of months back we had two middle aged Italian women next to us. The conversation they had went something like
Woman #1 " There isn't anything wrong with it"
Woman #2 " Ya but"
The woman who was bothered by it couldn't really care about the legality etc. It just bothered her.
I don't think there should be "nude only" areas. The laid back approach is part of what make fuerte such a great place. I would advocate some family only areas.
Quote from: jill tie on July 05, 2016, 09:47:52 AM
I don't think there should be "nude only" areas. The laid back approach is part of what make fuerte such a great place. I would advocate some family only areas.
Agree
Leave things as they are. We do not need anymore officialdom. We will get some advocating naturist beaches should only be available to member of INF or FKK or BN. OK that lets me in but then would miss the company of lots of lovely friends have made on the beach.
Danny
I'm another for leaving things as they are.
Anyone who looks ahead to where they are going will see that there is the likelihood of nudism/Naturism etc.
Most that go on package holidays will rarely venture far from the hotels in any case. Those that do will know where they are going and will have researched their destination.
Have to agree though that some families with kids can come right up to where you are, more or less a slight bit of intimidation to feel uncomfortable with kids around and this happened to us down in the middle of Sotovento Beach hoping we would bugger off.
I didn't and they ended up moving within the hour.
good on you for not moving, dont let the bugggers win,i had the same near el caleton, textile kept on walking right past in front of our towels.they afraid to follow the lead and curiosity gets the better of them, :P :-X
I have seen it on Concha lagoon El Cotillio. Been there and not many folk on the beach so lots of space. Up come Ma Pa and the Weenes and set up camp next to you when they had choice of beach. Then you hear it 'disgusting naked and young kids about etc'. Real reason Pa wants to have a good ogle at the naked women, dirty bugger.
Yes I`ve had the same at the lagoon beach further up..However they are very easy to deal with if British..Yell at them in made up Spanish (very loud and fast)..shouting Playa Nudista, pointing at the ground...add a few `Hilipolas` in for good measure and off they go, their bluff having been called ;D
The last two posts, if it were a common occurrence would as a first timer put me off El Cotillo to be honest.
Those Dan and myself are referring to are people who deliberately try to upset the dynamic and make a particular point of view. I`m sure you are far from that type so would have no problems and be very welcome. The others, we refer to, serve no useful purpose and would be better for all if they holidayed in Bognor instead
No signs please. The beauty of c/o beaches is just that: optional = free = not an issue. What if:
- the weather's a bit unsettled and you don't fancy being naked today?
- one in the party has real problems with stripping off but is OK with others doing it?
- you normally don't strip because your partner's uneasy about it, but today you're on your own?
- your kids are naturists too!!!?
We have a perfectly good "unwritten rule" here and it works well for 99% of cases. Those that didn't do their research and are upset can still use the textile areas.
The "young children" argument frankly sickens me. It's the sign of a sick society, IMHO. All kids are naturist until told otherwise, and naturist kids grow up free of hang-ups and comfortable with the human body and its imperfections. Naturists are naturists. Pedophiles are completely different and fortunately rare; more talked about nowadays but probably no less rare. A pedophile naturist may exist but would be easy to spot. I did hear of one (naked but probably not a naturist) in France once - the police arrived to find him in rather poor condition, and an upset but physically unharmed kid.
Quote from: SheilaW on July 07, 2016, 22:01:07 PM
No signs please. The beauty of c/o beaches is just that: optional = free = not an issue. What if:
- the weather's a bit unsettled and you don't fancy being naked today?
- one in the party has real problems with stripping off but is OK with others doing it?
- you normally don't strip because your partner's uneasy about it, but today you're on your own?
- your kids are naturists too!!!?
We have a perfectly good "unwritten rule" here and it works well for 99% of cases. Those that didn't do their research and are upset can still use the textile areas.
The "young children" argument frankly sickens me. It's the sign of a sick society, IMHO. All kids are naturist until told otherwise, and naturist kids grow up free of hang-ups and comfortable with the human body and its imperfections. Naturists are naturists. Pedophiles are completely different and fortunately rare; more talked about nowadays but probably no less rare. A pedophile naturist may exist but would be easy to spot. I did hear of one (naked but probably not a naturist) in France once - the police arrived to find him in rather poor condition, and an upset but physically unharmed kid.
Great response Sheila, well said.
Sheila you wrote;
The "young children" argument frankly sickens me. It's the sign of a sick society, IMHO. All kids are naturist until told otherwise, and naturist kids grow up free of hang-ups and comfortable with the human body and its imperfections. Naturists are naturists. Pedophiles are completely different and fortunately rare; more talked about nowadays but probably no less rare. A pedophile naturist may exist but would be easy to spot. I did hear of one (naked but probably not a naturist) in France once - the police arrived to find him in rather poor condition, and an upset but physically unharmed kid.
Sheila, Im struggling with this I keep reading it and thinking I'm missing something? your "sickened" because some parents would prefer there children not to see naked people? Thats there choice as parents so to say it sickens you is perhaps a bit strong? Also why do you jump from naturist to pedophiles? As a parent my child possible seeing someone naked on a beach doesn't make me think pedophile. I think no less or more of the naked person. My concern is for my children who may feel uneasy and/or stare and maybe make the naturist uncomfortable at the same time. I do not want to get into a debate about kids having 'hang ups" because they grow up clothed on a beach except to say it is the individual parents choice.
If this island had an all beaches must be clothed policy, then I think it would be only fair for naturist to ask for some designated areas. That is all I suggested in reverse a few areas for children. It was only a suggestion as i do love fuerte's laid back approach it is part of what makes it a great place. I also think there is enough room to share. You often fall in love with a place when you are children and as adults go back there. It would be ashamed if families stayed away.
Quote from: SheilaW on July 07, 2016, 22:01:07 PM
The "young children" argument frankly sickens me. It's the sign of a sick society, IMHO. All kids are naturist until told otherwise, and naturist kids grow up free of hang-ups and comfortable with the human body and its imperfections. Naturists are naturists. Pedophiles are completely different and fortunately rare; more talked about nowadays but probably no less rare. A pedophile naturist may exist but would be easy to spot. I did hear of one (naked but probably not a naturist) in France once - the police arrived to find him in rather poor condition, and an upset but physically unharmed kid.
I am all in favour of supporting naturism, but your intolerance is unattractive, makes you sound like the provisional wing of the Naturist Taliban and reinforces the negative stereotype many people have of us. If allowing parents the choice as to whether or not to expose their children to public nudity sickens you then you are the person who needs therapy not them.
Quote from: helsbelles on July 08, 2016, 21:40:07 PM
If allowing parents the choice as to whether or not to expose their children to public nudity sickens you then you are the person who needs therapy not them.
Why go to a Spanish beach if public nudity offends you?
If those people ever get to a mainland Spanish beach there are plenty with nudity. Almost all frequented by Spanish families. Many of those families would find it strange to hear anybody questioning this.
Going to a well known nudist/naturist area and complaining about nudity is like going to Saudi Arabia and complaining about the lack of it.
Quote from: Will196 on July 09, 2016, 10:04:48 AM
Quote from: helsbelles on July 08, 2016, 21:40:07 PM
If allowing parents the choice as to whether or not to expose their children to public nudity sickens you then you are the person who needs therapy not them.
Why go to a Spanish beach if public nudity offends you?
If those people ever get to a mainland Spanish beach there are plenty with nudity. Almost all frequented by Spanish families. Many of those families would find it strange to hear anybody questioning this.
Going to a well known nudist/naturist area and complaining about nudity is like going to Saudi Arabia and complaining about the lack of it.
If anybody visits a reasonably well known clothing optional beach, I agree they have no reason to complain. However, you completely miss the point, which is whether or not you agree that parents should have the right to decide whether or not to expose their children to public nudity. Everybody would do well to remember that textiles far out number us naturist. Whether we like it or not we are the group deviating from the generally accepted behavourial norm.
Quote from: Will196 on July 09, 2016, 10:04:48 AM
Quote from: helsbelles on July 08, 2016, 21:40:07 PM
If allowing parents the choice as to whether or not to expose their children to public nudity sickens you then you are the person who needs therapy not them.
Why go to a Spanish beach if public nudity offends you?
If those people ever get to a mainland Spanish beach there are plenty with nudity. Almost all frequented by Spanish families. Many of those families would find it strange to hear anybody questioning this.
Going to a well known nudist/naturist area and complaining about nudity is like going to Saudi Arabia and complaining about the lack of it.
No one on this thread has complained about nudity?
You need to read it again, Jill :). Sorry if I didn't make myself clear, but I wasn't responding to your comments or indeed to anyone's in a direct way - I was just voicing my own opinion on the subject. I feel very strongly about the current climate, but I also totally agree that everyone should be free to make their own decisions about how to lead their own lives. Indeed, that's why I feel so strongly! I hope you're hearing that, helsbelles.
A very common complaint made against naturists, and particularly naturist men, is that they are somehow actively trying to shock, and that they "exhibit themselves" to textiles for some sort of gratification (sexual gratification, presumably, in the minds of non-naturists), and that this is some sort of perversion that is going to cause mental harm to kids - and there's often even a fear expressed that kids are actually in danger of abuse from naturists. It's that attitude, one that's really quite recent, that sickens me. Naturism when it was in its early days was seen by most people to be all about "nature" and "natural" - as its name implies. Naturism wasn't everyone's cup of tea, and naturists were considered by many (most?) to be weirdos, but harmless weirdos. It was made clear that the movement was as much about health and fitness, being one with nature, living naturally etc as it was about nudity. And for many of us, that's the way it still is today. Unfortunately, that's far too boring for today's mass media, and even more so for social media. I can handle being teased as a weirdo - my brother teased me about being a "nudie" for 30 years before he suddenly discovered for himself what it was all about at the age of 60. But nowadays it's all about getting an instant knee-jerk reaction, an immediate and strong reaction, and we're a minority that's easy to scream about. "Weirdo naturist" has become a synonym for pervert in the eyes of many, as that's the message they're hearing. That's the only reason why I "jump from naturist to pedophiles" as you say Jill - a reflection of the attitudes I see in the current social climate.
I suppose I was reacting in part to Jill's call for "family only areas" though, when I said "What if [...] your kids are naturists too!!!?" "Family only" presupposes that naturism is something practised exclusively by adults, and never in a family setting. It certainly didn't use to be! And I really don't think it is in many countries today. The campsite in France I used to partially live on until 2012 was teeming with kids. There's nothing more natural in the world for a kid than to be naked in the sand and in the water, although I accept that they can be perfectly happy in costumes too. I guess you're really asking for an "area for parents who don't want their kids to see naked bodies". Well, don't those parents already have an enormous choice? Like, 99.9% of the world's beaches??? Even here on Fuerteventura, you don't see naturists on Corralejo's Town or Waikiki beaches, and I don't think you do in front of the dunes hotels (although I can't be 100% sure as I rarely go there). Apparently, Caleta's beaches are only used by costumed sunbathers too.
No signs.
Unless you are on beaches in the centre of town or surround by bars/hotels then you should expect to find people sunbathing without clothes.
What is more natural - some people, even in the world today, live daily without clothes.
As to children - as a parent - children will always be curious - whether it's about nudity, disability etc - it then comes down to their parents reaction/views on how their children then accept a situation or reacts to it.
Seeing as I started the thread before we visited for the first time, my opinion after returning is that the current situation as we experienced it in September works perfectly fine
Interesting topic I have seen only one person complaining about me being naked on the beach well beyond the sun bed limits near the Riu hotels I was walking towards the sea from the dunes and this uncouth English guy shouted at me for being nude on a public beach. He could only be English with all the hang ups. By the way I am English but I am enlightened to the great feeling and freedom of being naked all the time on holiday.
He may have thought I was German and did not understand is rantings.
It is his misfortune not being able to strip off and enjoy the feelings of freedom that being naked brings.
I would say keep everything as it is no signs or designated cloths only or nude beach areas.
It fine how it is for me.
Cheers Sunpics
Bet you`d no problem spotting him being English... cos he would have been wearing socks with his sandals ;D ;D ;D ;D
Always amazes me why these people come on holiday in the first place and not expect to see people naked on the beach in the sun. He did have a jumper and jeans on .
Cheers Sunpics