Location
Spain
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Platja de Castell
Castell is a crescent of golden sand about 330 m long on the Costa Brava just north of Palamós, facing south across a small bay and split by a little stream. It is one of the few large stretches of this coast left without development: a local referendum in the 1990s stopped a golf course and housing estate, and the hinterland is now protected woodland with the ruins of a 6th-century BC Iberian settlement on the headland. The beach is popular and gets busy in summer, with a couple of seasonal beach bars, lifeguards and showers. Most of it is a regular clothed family beach; nude bathing happens in a small corner at the right-hand end as you face the sea, near the rocks. The Spanish Naturist Federation lists Castell among Catalonia's beaches of nudist tradition, and the Catalan Naturism Club's list describes it specifically as a little corner on the right looking out to sea. The seabed shelves gently over sand, though the bay can be windy with moderate swell.
Getting there
Castell lies just north of Palamós and is signposted from the town; there is a car park behind the beach. Alternatively, walk the camí de ronda coastal path north from Palamós or from Calella de Palafrugell; between Castell and Calella the path passes Cala Estreta and other coves. For the nude corner, walk to the right-hand end of the beach as you face the sea and look for the rocks. The main beach is flat sand; the rocky end is not wheelchair accessible.
Amenities
Legal context
Spain has no national law against public nudity, and nude bathing is lawful on any beach unless a municipal bylaw restricts it. Palamós has not designated Castell as a nudist beach; nude use is a tradition confined to the corner by the rocks at the right-hand end, listed by the Spanish Naturist Federation and the Catalan Naturism Club (2026 list). No enforcement conflicts were found.
Naturism at Platja de Castell sits under Spain's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Spain public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 41.8630, 3.1568
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 Spain
Frequently asked questions
Where is the nude area at Castell?
In the small corner by the rocks at the right-hand end of the beach as you look out to sea. The rest of the beach is mostly clothed.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is a car park behind the beach; it fills on summer weekends.
Are there facilities?
Yes: lifeguards, showers and a couple of seasonal beach bars.
Is it suitable for children?
The sandy, gently shelving seabed makes it a family beach, but families seeking a nude-friendly spot should note the nude corner is small and close to the general beach.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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