Location
Italy
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
May to October
About Spiaggia naturista di Marianelli
Marianelli is a wild beach on the south-east coast of Sicily, inside the Vendicari nature reserve in the comune of Noto, between Calamosche and the ancient site of Eloro. It is a long arc of fine golden sand backed by dunes and Mediterranean scrub, with clear shallow water and no buildings or services. Naturists have used it for around forty years, making it one of the best-known nude beaches in Sicily. In July and August visitors informally divide the beach into three: the northern end is used by naturists, the central part by clothed bathers, and the southern part is mainly a gay meeting area. In recent years more non-naturists have come, so expect a mixed crowd near the access path, with nudity more common on the stretches furthest from it. Naturists also come in autumn and even in mild winter weather, many of them staying in Noto. It is a beautiful but unsupported place: bring water, shade and food.
Getting there
From Noto, follow signs for the Vendicari reserve and the Marianelli entrance. A guarded car park has been set up near a forestry nursery; from there a dirt road and a path through the dunes of about ten minutes lead to the beach. Entry to the reserve requires a ticket (a fee of about €3.50 per adult was reported, check current price). There is no public transport to the beach and no step-free route over the dunes.
What visitors say
Visitors praise the beach's natural beauty, fine sand and calm water, and the relaxed tolerance of nudity. Many note the informal zoning, with naturists at the northern end and a gay section to the south. Complaints include the reserve entry fee, the walk with no services, and growing numbers of clothed visitors near the access. Some reports say nudity is more comfortable on the far stretches.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Marianelli is not officially a naturist beach: despite decades of use, the comune of Noto and the regional forestry service (which manages Vendicari) have not formally designated it, and a local association is lobbying for authorisation (Balarm, 2021). Nudity is tolerated in practice; it is not on FENAIT's list.
Naturism at Spiaggia naturista di Marianelli 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. 36.8338, 15.1057
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 Marianelli a legal nude beach?
Not officially. Nudity has been tolerated for decades, but no formal authorisation has been issued.
Where is the nude section?
In summer naturists mostly use the northern end; the central part is mainly textile and the south end is a gay area.
Do I have to pay?
Entry to the Vendicari reserve requires a ticket, and there is a guarded car park.
Are there facilities?
No. Bring water, shade and food.
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…