Location
Italy
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
May to September
About Spiaggia dell'Arenauta
Spiaggia dell'Arenauta is a long sandy bay on the Riviera di Ulisse in Lazio, on the stretch of the Via Flacca (SS213) between Gaeta and Sperlonga in the province of Latina. It lies below a steep wooded hillside, with fine golden sand, clear water and the promontory of Monte Orlando and Gaeta in view to the south. Part of the bay is occupied by beach clubs (stabilimenti), while other sections are free public beach. Naturists have used the wilder, free stretches for decades, and Italian beach guides describe it as a historic spot where nudism is tolerated rather than designated; according to spiagge.it, the naturist part is now confined to the wildest section, away from the beach clubs. Expect a mixed crowd: clothed bathers, families at the stabilimenti and nude bathers in their own area. The long staircase down from the road filters out some visitors, and the beach is quieter outside August.
Getting there
The beach is reached from the Via Flacca (SS213) between Gaeta and Sperlonga. From the road a staircase of roughly 300 steps descends the hillside to the sand, which is tiring on the way back up and unsuitable for anyone with limited mobility. There are private paid car parks along the Via Flacca in summer; roadside space fills early. By public transport, take the train to Formia-Gaeta and a bus along the Via Flacca, then walk down the steps.
What visitors say
Guides praise the bay as one of the most beautiful in Lazio and note its long tradition of tolerated naturism on the free stretches. Visitors warn about the long staircase and the need to bring shade, food and water if using the wild section, as services are at the beach clubs. Sources disagree on exactly where the naturist area begins, so look for where others are nude.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Italy has no national naturism law; the Court of Cassation has held that nudity is not an offence where it is an established custom, but nude bathing is only formally permitted where a municipality or region designates an area. Arenauta has no designated naturist area: nudity is tolerated by custom on the free stretches, and the bay also hosts textile beach clubs, so it is a tolerated rather than authorised spot (as of 2026).
Naturism at Spiaggia dell'Arenauta 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.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 41.2217, 13.5267
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 Arenauta an official nudist beach?
No. Nudism is tolerated by long custom on the wild, free stretches, but there is no designated naturist area.
Where is the nude section?
In the wildest part of the bay, away from the beach clubs; ask or look for where others are nude.
How do I get down to the beach?
By a staircase of about 300 steps from the Via Flacca between Gaeta and Sperlonga.
Is there parking?
Yes, private paid car parks line the Via Flacca in summer; arrive early.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…