Location
Spain
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Playa de El Riuet
El Riuet is the northernmost beach of L'Escala on the Bay of Roses (Costa Brava), at the southern tip of the long sandy arc that runs north through Sant Pere Pescador. It sits just below the walled village of Sant Martí d'Empúries, a short walk from the Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries. The beach has two distinct parts. The southern part, under the village and reached by steps, is known as La Miranda after its viewpoint and is used by ordinary bathers. The northern part is wilder and backed by dunes, and this is where nude bathing happens. It ends at a curved wooden footbridge over the mouth of the small El Riuet stream. The sand is fine and golden, about 300 m long, and the shallow water by the stream mouth is good for small children. The beach can be windy when the tramuntana blows. FEN reports showers, no lifeguard and moderate use.
Getting there
Drive to Sant Martí d'Empúries (signposted from L'Escala) and use the car parks around the village and the Empúries ruins. From the village, take the steps down to La Miranda and walk north along the sand to the natural section by the El Riuet footbridge. You can also come south on foot along the beach from Sant Pere Pescador. The walk is short and flat on sand.
Amenities
Legal context
Spain has no national law against nudity in public, and Catalan practice generally tolerates nude bathing on beaches. El Riuet's northern section is used nude by custom and is listed by the Spanish Naturist Federation; we found no specific ordinance.
Naturism at Playa de El Riuet 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. 42.1474, 3.1159
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 section?
The northern, more natural half of the beach, toward the wooden footbridge over the El Riuet stream mouth. The part under Sant Martí d'Empúries is mostly clothed.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The sand is fine and the shallow water near the stream mouth suits small children.
What else is nearby?
The village of Sant Martí d'Empúries and the Greek and Roman ruins of Empúries are a short walk away.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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