Location
Italy
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
May to June and September
About Spiaggia di Marinello (naturist section)
Marinello is the long, curving sand spit that runs out below the cape and sanctuary of Tindari on Sicily's Tyrrhenian coast, between Oliveri and Patti in the province of Messina. Behind the spit lie the Laghetti di Marinello, a set of small brackish lagoons whose shape changes with the sea, protected as a regional nature reserve. The beach nearest Oliveri is partly occupied by a holiday resort, but the shore becomes wilder the further you walk towards the cape. Nude bathing happens at the far, quieter end of the spit near the lagoons, at the foot of the Tindari promontory, and is done discreetly: the regional tourism department mentions Marinello in its guide to naturism in Sicily, while a 2017 regional newspaper summary described naturist use there as sporadic. The spit is sand, with no shade or services, and reserve rules apply: keep off the lagoon edges and dunes. Expect clothed walkers and swimmers, especially in August.
Getting there
Park in the paid parking at the Oliveri end of the beach (Marinello locality), off the coast road. From there it is a walk of roughly 1.5 to 4 km along the sand, depending on how far towards the Tindari cape you go; allow up to 45 minutes to the quiet far end. The walk is flat but entirely on soft sand, with no paths suitable for wheelchairs.
What visitors say
Sources describe Marinello as one of the most scenic beaches in Sicily, with the lagoons and the sanctuary above, and say nude bathing is possible only at the far end with discretion. The long walk on sand keeps that end quiet, though it can feel busy in August. Visitors advise bringing water and shade and respecting the reserve.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Sicily has a regional law allowing naturism on designated beaches, but Marinello is not one of them; according to a 2023 report, San Saba (Messina) is the only authorised naturist beach currently usable in Sicily. Nudity at Marinello is customary and discreet, inside a nature reserve whose rules apply. Italy has no national naturism law; nudity where naturism is customary has generally not been treated by the courts as an offence against public decency, but elsewhere it can draw an administrative fine under art. 726 of the Penal Code.
Naturism at Spiaggia di Marinello (naturist section) sits under Italy's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Italy public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 25 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 38.1235, 15.0608
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Italy
Frequently asked questions
Is nude bathing allowed at Marinello?
It is tolerated at the far, quieter end of the spit near the Tindari cape. It is not an authorised naturist beach.
How long is the walk?
Roughly 1.5 to 4 km on sand from the Oliveri parking, depending on how far you go.
Are there facilities?
Only at the Oliveri end, where there is a resort and parking. The spit itself has no services or shade.
Are there rules because of the reserve?
Yes. Keep off the lagoon edges and dunes, take rubbish home, and do not light fires or camp.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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