Location
Spain
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Praia de San Martiño
San Martiño is the main beach of the southern island of the Cíes archipelago off Vigo, part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. It is a sweep of fine white sand about 500 m long with calm, clear water. The island is triangular and broader than the northern pair, from which it is separated by the Freu da Porta channel. There are no services, no lifeguards and no regular ferries: the island is only reachable by private boat, which keeps visitor numbers low. The Spanish Naturist Federation lists San Martiño as a nudist-tradition beach, and a Galician directory also describes it as nudist. In practice the people here are mostly sailors who have anchored off the beach for the day. Anyone planning a visit should check current national park rules, as access and anchoring are regulated.
Getting there
There is no public ferry to San Martiño; the only way to reach it is by private boat, anchoring in the designated area off the beach. Anchoring in the national park requires a permit from the park authority, and one German travel article claims landing on the island is restricted for bird protection, so confirm current rules before going. There are no facilities ashore.
Legal context
Nudity is not prohibited on Galician beaches. The beach lies within a national park where anchoring requires a permit and visitor numbers are capped; sources conflict on whether landing on the island is restricted for bird protection (2026).
Naturism at Praia de San Martiño 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. 42.2014, -8.9046
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
How can I get to San Martiño?
Only by private boat; the ferries serve the northern islands only.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, anchoring in the national park requires one. Check current landing rules with the park authority.
Is it nude?
The Spanish Naturist Federation lists it as nudist, and the few visitors are mostly boaters.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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