Having very reluctantly left our beach parking after a glorious week, we were on our way down the coast an hour to spend a few days at Vila Joiosa. We also needed a few days at a campsite with facilities so that I could fix a broken water valve connection on the boiler.
We stayed at Alicante Imperium which was a nice, clean and reasonably priced retirement home and repaired the van whilst taking the bikes along the coast to L’esparrel naturist beach. This lovely beach would have been perfect except for the constant wave strange men once more just ruining these amazing locations. Leela was so uncomfortable that she had to cover up and we left soon after when we would have liked to have stayed much longer there as the weather and ocean was beautiful.
The next days were a little cooler so we took the train to Benidorm to see what the fuss was about and we were quickly re-assured that we did not belong there! Wow what a place… Jam packed on a damp Tuesday at the end of October. Pissed up people stumbling around the streets before midday. Shop after shop selling complete tat followed by bar after bar offering alcohol deals and all day English breakfasts starting from 11:00am…
We walked around the old town which we were advised is absolutely charming but in reality is filled with knock-off shops and Burger Kings and after a walk along the very nice promenade avoiding stepping in the previous nights puke and dog crap, we eventually had a beer and just watched this surreal world of obese, loud, drunks go by as well as the constant stream of mobility scooters.
Both feeling quite dirty from the experience, but not in a good way, we were back on the train and heading for the relative normality of the campsite thinking what the hell we had just witnessed and both vowing never to go back there again!
Backtracking slightly when leaving Joiosa we visited Altea for a day and really enjoyed this charming old artists town with its tiny streets and rooftop views. There were lovely arts and crafts shops to browse through and some nice bohemian clothing stores all hidden away and overlooking the pristine Mediterranean ocean. Quite a stark difference from the filth we had witnessed a few km down the road.
Driving south again we spent some time at the very quiet parking at Carabassi naturist beach and some nice days mountain biking and on the sand. The biking was very good along the hill tops of Monte Faro to the Santa Pola lighthouse and back along this wonderful coastline. The naturist beach was also very nice but the only problem was that we were being hassled constantly once more by the men lurking in the dunes masturbating, which is becoming very tiresome for Leela to be constantly uncomfortable in these locations and causes unnecessary tension. We spoke in depth about it but we could not work out why these men, and its only men, behave in such a pathetic way.
Moving south 30 minutes to Guardamar we met up with Sean and Heidi who we met back at camping Sierra Natura and enjoyed a few days in the area and at the naturist beach Playa Tossals. This really is a beautiful stretch of sand with an impressive pine and sandalwood forest backing the dunes. The weather wasn’t too good for a few days when we were there but we made the most of the beach and lovely walks through the forest.
We did experienced a full 24 hours of relentless 60 kmh wind and constant rain but where we were parked it didn’t actually seem so bad. Then the next day news started to filter through of the horrific devastation that had taken place in the Valencia region exactly where we had been just days before. We were so fortunate to be where we were during this time but hundreds were not. There was nothing that we could really do to help so the next dry and calm day we went to the beach and tried our best to clean-up as much as two people could.
We spent another couple of days at the beach in very nice weather over Halloween before bringing our somewhat strange Costa Blanca adventure to an end and moved South to Andalusia which we hope will be the highlight of our journey and where we have been most looking forward to visiting.
Leaving Catalunya we headed into the mountains surrounding Valencia for a week of hiking and searching for rivers and beautiful swimming pools.
The first stop after a tortuous drive was Fuente de los Baños in the town of Montanejos. This is a natural (luke) warm spring favoured by the locals of the valley and has magical youth capturing powers that we were both keen to try out! The pool is quite spectacular and as we arrived late in the afternoon after the sun had gone we pretty much had it to ourselves. The water was not so warm and the powers not so strong but a very enjoyable natural phenomenon to experience.
We found an incredible location to park for the night overlooking the village and were enjoying a bottle of wine when a psycho local woman started slamming the van and screaming at us in the pitch black which was quite alarming, and after calmly explaining that we were doing nothing wrong she drove off still screaming. Deciding that discretion would be best we left and parked in a lay-by on the main road, but it was our first negative parking experience of the trip so far.
We next drove cross-country on very picturesque and completely empty roads to our next destination of Calles. Finding a lovely parking spot next to the river we left the van and headed out to find the Roman Aqueducts for which this area is famous. The hike takes you deep into the mountains and high above the twin towns of Calles and Chelva until you get to the aqueduct and waterways. Its an incredible feat of engineering with deep walls, tunnels, and a very impressive bridge all hand worked in the middle of nowhere and in times when you cant imagine creating such structures. We followed these amazing waterways and dropped back to the very quiet town of Chelva with its labyrinth of crazy tiny streets and sleepy cats before following the river back to Calles for a deserved beer.
Next on our itinerary was the highlight of this area and a visit to the hilltop town of Chulilla with its gorges, oasis, and hanging bridges. The drive there was again testing but we found the most amazing parking once more and set off on our pre-planned and very long hike to try and see everything on offer in one day!
First heading out of town there are some outstanding views of Charco Azul which would be last on the days itinerary, and then paid the attendant the 1€ each to enter the gorge of Turia. This is quite an amazing natural oasis and almost looks like it has been created by Disney as it is almost too good!
The hike takes you back and forth across the river on high hanging bridges and wooden paths and follows the river to the end of the gorge where most turn back, but after a break we headed on to take a look at the Loriguilla reservoir and then the tough and exposed hike which brings you to Pinturas Rupestres.
These prehistoric 5000 year old cave paintings were first discovered in 1998 and even though natural decay has eroded nearly all of the frescos, it was still worth the effort to witness and to be so close to such amazing history.
Back on the path it was another decent hike to the village but after a break we headed this time back up the gorge to the truly beautiful Charco Azul and after a very hard 20km in hot weather we were ready to finish the day with a swim in this breathtaking location.
Moving on from Chulilla, the final water stop for this section would be the town of Buñol. This town is not famous for the natural pools but more so for the crazy Tomatino festival held in August each year where for 1 hour, 10 thousand people decide to throw tomatoes at each other and then wallow in the sauce filled streets before being hosed down and leaving this sleepy village to get on with its business for another year.
But we were there for the river and cave pools this time and although the larger of the two caves was closed for needed path repairs, we soldiered on to the upper cave which was just an amazing natural experience. As we were there on the Spanish National Holiday, it was a little overrun so we didn’t get in, deciding instead to follow the river back down and away from the crowds.
This turned out to be a great move as we not only saw some wild Ibex but also found some beautiful small pools to bathe in alone. Taking a look around Buñol on our return there didn’t seem to be any party planned for the evening and as our parking was nothing exciting we decided to move on for the evening.
Randomly picking a remote village parking which was midway to our next destination we arrived early evening to see that there were banners and plastic chairs placed along the main street so for sure there was something going on later. So we parked under the imposing Montesa Castle, had a quick beer, and headed into this tiny village to see what was going on.
The rest of the evening was a surreal blur of a few beers, wine, and tribes of Christians and Moors in full regalia, make-up, masks and horses all stamping through the town. Each tribe was followed by a marching band pumping out an incredible sound, and they were greeted at the end of the village by a blast of fireworks. It was quite an amazing spectacle and a completely random find where we were for sure the only foreigners there but welcomed in by a local family wholeheartedly.
Leaving through the main street and the clean-up operation the following morning, we headed to our last in-land stop for a while and climbed the 700m mountain road to Sierra Natura Naturist camp nestled deep in the mountains. Here we spent some lovely days in this quite unique campsite wishing that the weather was better so we could have stayed longer. It is quite a random collection of buildings and pitches laid out across the forrest, all surrounding the quite bizarre swimming pool. The facilities were spotless and the owners very friendly and together with the quite wonderful forest walks available we would really recommend a visit if you are in the area and want some complete peace and quiet in total nature.
Returning to the coast south of Valencia we found a perfect place to park right on the ocean where we stayed still for over a week and enjoyed the amazing sunrises each day and time on the wonderful naturist beach of Cullera. It was just incredible to be enjoying full summer days in the middle of October and we were making the most of this lifetime experience that we had given ourselves.
After the excitement of Cap d’Adge we would have liked to have gone a little deeper into the mountains, but unfortunately the weather wasn’t in our favour so we decided to head to Cerét a little earlier than planned. This town has the museum of modern art as well as apparently the best street market in the whole of France. Quite a claim!
We arrived on a dank Friday evening and parked under the Devils bridge. The following day was market day so we set off bright and early to see what the fuss was about. And we have to be honest and say that this was definitely the best street market we both had ever seen. The quantity and quality of local goods and produce on offer was quite amazing. Everything you could want in home grown organic foods and grains, flowers, and some pretty decent clothing as well as a lovely buzz to the town.
After the market we went to the museum of modern art for a couple of hours of stimulation. Cerét is famous for housing a few of the so called greats including Picasso, Chagall and Max Jacob. They were attracted by the bohemian atmosphere and openness to male orientation. Although it didn’t fare so well for Jacob when the Nazis came rolling through. The works on display were very impressive as well as being very priceless and it was an enjoyable current instalment also.
The next days forecast was terrible but fortunately for us it was completely wrong so we went on a long hike to a waterfall which was overtaken by locals and continued deep into the forest and came across an amazing pool where we could swim and have our lunch in the sun in this secret natural paradise. Saying goodbye to a nice few days in the foot of the pyrenees we cleaned and serviced the van so that all 3 of us were respectable enough to head for Spain!
Crossing the crazy border towns of Le Perthus we headed for the Camper Aire of Montmeló, just a stones throw away from the F1 circuit. The park up was absolutely terrible. Full of rubbish, a service point drain full of human waste as the black waste was broken and total and utter morons pour their toilet cassette into the open drain. And a fresh water connection you had to disinfect with a pressure washer. But it was late and we wanted to visit Barcelona the next day so we just closed the doors and blocked everything out which is our way in situations like this.
The next morning we were on the train and very slowly heading toward the city, seemingly stopping in every town in Spain on the way. But after a slight backtrack from missing our stop we were emerging into the crazy Barcelona city atmosphere.
Covering over 26km in the day we pretty much saw everything we wanted and more. The city is really diverse and there is pretty much every cross-section of human there as well as every type of business that you could possibly want. We very much enjoyed the tiny streets, the seafront, and especially La Sagrada Família. Its worth the effort alone to walk around this incredible structure.
Returning back to the van after an exhausting day we were good for nothing and even the thought of making a meal was too much for us, so we had a cold beer and called it a night.
Leaving the filth of the car park the next morning we first had to find a clean camper service and then headed for the beach. This would be our last day together for a couple of weeks as unfortunately Leela had to head back to America to sort some things out once more. So we found a lovely naturist beach near Calafell and spent the day in the beautiful sunshine whilst getting sandblasted in the process as the wind was still haunting us.
Leaving Leela at the Airport again was not easy and the next few days I was a little lost so I just stayed where I was to work out a new plan for myself. It really was a lovely place with an amazing seafront and a wonderful Naturist beach where I enjoyed to run each morning and swim in the afternoons. I also managed a well needed hair cut with Abdul, the charming yet ever so slightly menacing local Moroccan barber!
The next days were spent in the quiet and picturesque hillside town of Prat de Comte in the Serres de Pàndols-Cavalls national park where I done some hiking, visited La Fontcalda (not so) hot springs and rode the impressive Terra Alta bike way before returning to the coast.
Finding a safe and very nice place a stones throw away from Playa del Torm, a quite amazing naturist beach, I stayed still for the best part of a week. Just running, hiking and enjoying the freedom of nature at this incredible beach before driving back up the coast to pick up the returning Leela from the train station so that we could be back on our way together.
We did take a detour to get four new tyres for the van which were much required and with new running shoes on, we then spent some lovely time back at Playa del Torn together which brought an end to our Catalunya adventure.
Leaving the disappointment of Provence behind, we headed south in search of the ocean, sandy beaches and days filled with endless sunshine. And hopefully no wind…
From Aix we drove to the coast at Martigues and finally had some sunshine and a nice beach where we took a walk along the beautifully rugged coastline and laid in the sun finally. Unfortunately even though it was warm enough the wind was still howling which made everything uncomfortable but we made the most of the day. Deciding to move on early the next morning we drove on to the real south of France to begin our adventure.
Arriving at Le Grau-du-Roi we found the camper park full and complete chaos with road closures and cars everywhere. So we drove out of town and found a nice quiet spot next to a canal and read later that the chaos was due to a Bull run that was going around the town later that day. So we had some lunch and then took the bikes in search of a long sandy beach and we finally found what we were searching for and the weather to go with it.
L’Espiguette
L’Espiguette naturist beach is more than 10 km long with the western side being clothing and the more remote eastern side being Naturist. After a decent walk from the parking lot where we left the bikes we found a nice spot out of the wind and enjoyed a few hours on this beautiful beach. Laying there on a busy Sunday we were confused with the constant stream of men walking by with extreme purpose. It really was quite amazing.
Every 30 seconds or so they would stream by with their focus concentrating on the distance. After some google work we did find out that the far end of the beach, which was fortunately out of sight, was a gay and swingers beach, and Sunday was most definitely the day for gay swinging apparently!
We were just glad that they were walking past us with only a few stopping within a few meters of us to “re-arrange” themselves. Theres nothing I can really say but its just a shame that these men cant control themselves and are ruining true naturist locations for others. But we had a wonderful time in the sun finally and after making our way back to the van and getting cleaned up we headed out to see if we could find some Bulls in town!
The ride in was nice in the evening sun but unfortunately with the road closures and masses of people it was impossible to get around on the bikes to where the action was. So we ended up sitting on the beach watching our first real sunset of the trip before heading back.
After another nice and windy day at the beach watching the men marching by and a couple openly having sex a few meters away from us, we decided we had had enough and headed back to move on, knowing that our next experience was going to be even stranger but at least we knew before hand what we were getting into to!
Driving south we eventually passed through the complicated roads of Montpellier and headed to the infamous town of cap d’Agde and the Naturist camping of Rene Oltra.
Cap d’Agde
Getting to the campsite was the first problem. We had to park the van at the heavily secured entry gates, then walk the few hundred meters to the campsite, then book in, then return to the gates, then go to a different office to purchase a totally unnecessary village entry card which is an incredible money maker, and then drive back to the campsite before being allowed to go to our pitch. This process took the best part of two hours and we were frustrated that we were loosing the best part of the days sunshine. But eventually we were on our way to the beach.
I had heard and read a lot about this place over the years and also watched a few videos on Porn Hub showing the goings on, but sometimes you just have to experience things for yourself. The beach directly outside the camp is, in relation to everywhere else, completely empty! Its lovely, sandy, quiet and a very nice naturist beach to enjoy the sun and swim in the calm ocean. And after a few hours we we were ready to take a look around.
First, walking east on this incredible beach and as soon as the campsite ends, you begin to see the other side of humans. After the bar it goes from people sunbathing about 15 meters apart and minding their own business to literally thousands of people laying towel to towel with no room for a fag paper between them. Its quite amazing and very surreal. Complete strangers within touching distance just staring at each others genitals.
There were many having oral sex, many (and only) men openly masturbating and then there were the women with groups of fat men standing in a circle pleasuring themselves over them. All in public, all with no worries about the police and with all the people around filming them. Pretty strange and somewhat pathetic times we live in…
Moving back up the beach there was again more calm with only a few blow jobs to navigate through and then the beach bars before you get to the towns main access roads. It was actually quite nice to be able to walk naked through the streets and bars and something that is not completely new to us, but the really odd thing is that all the shops and markets are located under the apartment complexes and are dark and narrow. There are sex shops and strip clubs next to supermarkets and hairdressers. There are people selling flip-flops on one rack and butt plugs on the next. It’s all just odd, but if you accept it, it is quite amusing.
We enjoyed three nights in the very well equipped campsite and beautiful beach in complete peace and quiet. The sun shone through the days and we could swim and sunbathe without being bothered by anyone. Actually the safest and unbothered we had been so far on the trip. They were all being kept amused by more interesting goings on further down the beach!
We walked along the beach and witnessed the exhibitionism whilst staying at a very safe distance and walked around the village during the day for a bit of fun and enjoyed shopping naked. We didn’t go out after dark and just enjoyed the van so we cant comment on the nocturnal activities of the place but apparently they are even more odd. And at the van, the nights were very quiet and peaceful.
It is in general a very strange place but as a Naturist somewhere that can be experienced safely without having to be part of the nonsense going on. Honestly for us, we would for sure go back as we surprisingly really enjoyed. The camp is better and cheaper than most in Croatia and France, the facilities are excellent, it is spotlessly clean and it’s amazingly quiet and completely safe. The beach directly outside is also amazing, clean and family friendly with calm water to swim. A real naturist paradise. The rest of the nonsense you can take or leave. Its your choice after all…
Cold, wet, windy, unfriendly and frustrating. Not words that I was hoping to describe this beautiful region of France. But unfortunately the truth of our time there.
After a busy and adventurous two weeks alone hiking and biking through the Italian Alps I finally picked Leela up from Milan airport and we made our way to Provence to look forward to some relaxed time in amazing weather and equally amazing naturist camps.
First we visited le Petit Arlane near the small town of Valensole. The day we arrived the weather was decent and still warm but then things started to immediately unravel. We had a stormy night with heavy rain but nothing that was alarming and in the morning having breakfast whilst in the van, we heard a loud crack and looked out to see that the very expensive Thule awning had collapsed. On closer inspection we saw that the support leg had completely sheared off and the awning had dropped and in doing so bent the upper swing arm and sheared off the roof mounted connection. Quite a feat in itself to cause so much damage and thus rendering it completely useless.
The rest of the day was spent trying somehow to retract it back and make it safe to drive and then beginning the insurance claim and source a replacement somewhere along our travel plan. A lot of stress that we could really have done without…
We left that campsite immediately the following day as the people working there were just unhelpful, unpleasant and the camp not much better. We booked online at Naturist Camping Verdon for a few nights as we thought we would have more chance of a replacement if we headed south and after a decent drive and arriving in very windy conditions the receptionist said that they were full. Explaining that we had booked online and had a confirmation did not move her and in a very polite yet completely arrogant manner told us to bugger off. So another unfriendly French campsite owner.
After another re-think we drove back up to les Lauzons naturist campsite after calling and reserving first and arrived whilst everything was shut for a very extended lunch. Waiting patiently we were eventually taken to a terrible pitch whilst perfectly nice ones stood vacant and told that was all they had. Take it or leave it. A pattern was developing here, was it our Austrian number plate? Surely not.
So we parked and then found out that there was absolutely ZERO phone or internet in the whole camp unless you bought their satellite wifi at a cost. Normally this would be perfect for us but as we were waiting for phone calls and E-mails to organise the insurance and replacement awning this was a large problem. I did manage to receive an email on their terrible wifi to say a company could fit a new awning the following day so we just spent a few hours at the camp and left once more first thing in the morning feeling let-down now by three different sites in the area.
Having the awning fitted the next day where the workers took very little care of our beloved home, we were able to take a short hike around the very nice Pénitents mountains. A strange stone outcrop appearing out of nowhere which has quite a tough and exposed circular walk up and over the top of them. And finally after some decent exercise we felt much better and spent the night in the ghost town of Malijai where we had a quiet evening by the river.
The next day we drove south, hopefully for the last time, and found a naturist camp just outside the Provence Capitol of Aix. It was rustic, natural, very unkempt and the owners were already D-mob happy as they were closing the camp in a few days. Thus they were also very unhelpful, although polite at least, with little facilities open and no provisions or food on offer. They even laughed at us when we asked for a Pizza from the flyer on the desk. But we had 3 nights there in vicious cold and wind and completely unable to enjoy the camp or surrounding countryside.
We tried our best to ride to Aix and take a tour nearby but the constant 70 kph winds were just battering us and the van relentlessly. We even tried to go in the pool but that was pointless and going to the shower was like taking a walk in the Artic so we mainly just hid from the terrible weather unable to enjoy any of the delights of the area.
We were dreaming of two weeks of beautiful Provence sunshine, lavender, naturism, bike rides and laying by the pool. But instead we got one week of stress, problems, atrocious weather and very unhelpful and arrogant campsite owners. Thanks Provence, that was not what we were expecting. Maybe we will have better luck next time.
Over the last 20 years my lifestyle and thought process has altered dramatically. After leaving professional Sport in my mid 30’s there was a great void in my life and a realisation that there was a lot more to it than high steaks sporting competition.
I had always been spiritual but my lifestyle never allowed me to fully explore the spiritual path until I met an older (and wiser) Massage Therapist who introduced me to the word “Tantra” for the first time. And even though I found out later that she was using that word incorrectly and in the new age “Neo-Tantra” definition, it still ignited my curiosity which took me into a new world.
Tantra is NOT a dirty word but an incredible lifestyle choice of self awareness and a level of openness and consciousness that most people never experience in the short time we, as humans, are all breathing.
Beginning to study this ancient tradition opened my mind and heart to so many new experiences. To form better connections with loved ones and to be open, patient and accept people and situations that maybe did not feel so good in the past. It lets you form your opinion and worldview and to see other people and the world as a whole in many different ways through many different perspectives.
What is “Neo Tantra”
The question about Neo Tantra is a big one and it may change your outlook and attitude towards the word Tantra. I am not your (or anyones) Guru. I am not a teacher. I am not a preacher. I just try to live my life in the best way I can. And I am not educated enough in Tantra or articulate enough for an in depth analysis.
But if you ask the question of “What is Tantra?” then the first thing that you have to do is forget anything that you think that you know or what you have heard second hand about the word Tantra and also its association with the word “Sex” or “Massage”. They have absolutely no right to be used together and as a Tantra Spiritualist and also Massage Therapist it’s incredibly frustrating to be asked for a “Tantra Massage”.
Tantra is a Tradition dating to Medieval times where all Eastern religion has been based upon including Buddhism, which is actually Tantrik, but with a deity figure. Its practice is self awareness and connection to energy in everything. The word being “Self” and for no-one else.
The next problem is the public perception of Tantra as primarily connected with sex. With regard to the Indian tradition this is manifestly untrue. None of the scriptural sources of Śaiva Tantra teach a sexual ritual or sexual techniques of any kind.
One of the post-scriptural sources does teach a sexual ritual drawn from the Kaula tradition. But this is not the source for modern European and American Neo-tantra since it has never been translated, and the meditative rite it describes is almost wholly unlike what is taught in “Tantric sex” workshops which is maybe your experience of Tantra thus far.
All teaching of so-called Tantric sex in North America and now Europe can ultimately be traced back to Pierre Bernard, a.k.a. Oom the Omnipotent, who taught a bizarre and idiosyncratic version of yoga and tantra beginning in San Francisco in 1905. He was the first spiritual teacher in America to use Tantrik teachings to satisfy his own personal and prodigious sexual cravings.
Anyway, if I go too far down this route now I will never get back… Basically these workshops and seminars etc. have evolved from there. And even though they have absolutely nothing to do with the word Tantra, that is to say there is nothing inherently wrong with them.
I myself as a Massage Therapist, understand the power of touch. I understand connection, openness and the mediative power to release ones self from the tyranny or modern living. And if these seminars are held with no personal gain for the teacher and the students are willing to participate in this environment, then that can only be good for the world. More people with better understanding and self awareness is only a good thing. This then of course will bring peace to yourself and make you a better person and the benefits being that you are a better person for others, friends and loved ones.
A book I would like to mention is Tantra Illuminated by Christopher Wallis. This book goes with me everywhere, either in paper, E-book or audio format and is my direction for continuous spiritual growth and the grounding of which I now live my life upon.
I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone on the planet but too be honest its a tough read if you are not already somewhat aware. So if you have no real idea or interest of what Tantra actually is or if you want to associate the word Tantra with sex then give it a very wide birth… but if you are spiritual, feel yourself being drawn to an alternate way of thinking, or are just completely lost and have no idea what is going on, then I recommend listening to what this man has to say. And if it’s too deep to start then perhaps begin with his YouTube videos on various smaller subjects and grow from there.
The goal is not to live like someone you see or read about but to find a lifestyle that only you can do in a meaningful and fulfilling way.
I have been fortunate to have found my path and if you are seeking something different in your lives then begin your true Tantra journey. The more you read, the more you understand, the more curious you become.
My birthday was approaching and although we don’t make a fuss about anything these days we still wanted to go away in the van as it has been a sad sight just waiting in the parking lot through my operation and rehab the last 6 weeks. It needed a damn good clean and to evict the ants that had made it their new home. But after a week of deep cleaning it was once again gleaming in the sunshine and raring to go.
We wanted to go to the ocean and preferably to Valata but after checking the prices for various camps that we like, we just could not believe the cost of a piece of dirt for one night at the end of June. So we decided on pretty much the cheapest option for the facilities on offer and also for somewhere we had never visited before which is always exciting.
Naturist Camping Solaris is a very famous naturist resort in Istria and lies around 12 km north of the tourist town of Poreč. It is an extremely large Camp which has a Capacity of over 4ooo guests and something that has always put us off from going there. But we decided to try it and make a decision for ourselves as we have been quite surprised before, especially with Valata which is also huge.
The first good thing about the site was that they allowed us to park overnight outside their camp free of charge which was really great as we were arriving quite late on the Thursday evening. The next nice thing was that they let us into the campsite at 7am and just park on the road until our booked pitch became available at 12. This was also great as we could go in, take a walk and get our bearings, take a dip in the ocean and have breakfast. And also I could work out how the hell I was going to get the van manoeuvred into the pitch as it was a little tight to say the least.
After breakfast we went to the pool and took a couple of loungers and an umbrella to lay in the sun for an hour. At this time the pool was still relatively quiet except for the water aerobics class. And with a lovely view over the ocean it was a very nice place to relax before breaking away to put the van in the pitch and set-up for the weekend. The afternoon was spent at the pool and diving in and out of the ocean before watching a wonderful sunset with a glass or two of wine.
The following day was my birthday and we had a morning coffee at the shoreline at dawn then did pretty much nothing for the day except lie in the sun and take dips in the pool to cool down. As well as a treat of a burger and fries at the pool restaurant where we could eat naked which was a nice touch from the campsite as with other sites you normally have to dress to eat even during the day.
Sunday the wind had picked up due to a storm somewhere out at sea and a quite disgusting Algae slime had formed on the shoreline. This had forced most of the campers away from the ocean and to the pool area so that was an uncomfortable place to be and very overcrowded. So we hung out at the van, took some walks, and had a couple of cold beers through the day whilst painting and listening to music before being treated to an amazing sunset for our last night.
The following morning we packed up and parked the van outside the camp before returning inside to have a couple of hours at the pool. The camp by now was nearly at its capacity of over 4000 people and was becoming very loud so we showered and left Croatia for the summer returning to a cold and very wet Austria by evening!
It was a very nice break and although the campsite was not that great in general, the location of the pitch we had was amazing. Direct at the ocean with incredible un-obstructed views. But you get what you pay for and although it was cheaper than our preferred campsites in Croatia, it still set us back a whopping €60 per night! And with the incredibly inflated supermarket and restaurant and bar prices, this type of camping is getting extremely expensive just for a few days.
But maybe in off season and with the luck of some good weather, it would be a nice place to be. Just buy all your food and drink before you arrive and dont eat out as a burger will set you back €16 and a single portion of fries €5. We didnt even bother looking at the drinks prices…
Last year we visited the wine region in Styria a couple of times and over the weekend we decided to re-visit the lovely Buschenschank of Toni Peter.
Now you would think with two first names that he would be a male hairdresser but this lovely gentleman had been running his independent vineyard and restaurant his whole life and we were looking forward to having a meal there finally as last year we were unable due to parties going on. But this time we had no luck either as it was closed. He had just retired!
After arriving and talking to him we found out that he had rented the property out to new landlords who would re-open in a month or two and that he and his wife and their 2 cats would be taking his campervan on an extended tour of Kazakstan! But he very kindly let us park-up for the weekend free of charge although we did buy 3 bottles of wine from him.
The Friday afternoon we arrived was the summer Solstice, the longest day, and also world Naked hiking day! so we took advantage of the very nice weather to take a walk through the quiet vineyards and forest behind the park-up. We were alone there for the whole weekend and enjoyed the complete peace that this area gives you with amazing sunrises each day, long bike rides through the vineyards, and evening meals with a view over the countryside.
We hope that the new owners will keep the camper van pitches available and put as much effort into the quality of them as fellow traveller Peter Toni has done over the years. If you find yourself in this region of Austria we fully recommend taking a few days to explore this beautiful corner of Styria. There are many alternate Buschenschanks that offer free or cheap parking with incredible views and fresh, local, food and wine.
Nudism:The act of not wearing clothes in a public space.
Naturism:A philosophy and a way of life.
Naturism is for me most definitely a lifestyle choice of practising non-sexual nudity both in private and in public places where it is either legal or accepted by others. It also refers to the cultural movement which advocates and defends this lifestyle.
An introduction
My first brush with nudism came when I was 17 years old. It was 1988 and I was travelling alone through France and Spain on my motorcycle. I knew already at such a young age that there was more to life than the Welsh valleys and I was in search of what was out there, past the borders of my tiny country and outside of cultural expectancy.
Sleeping on a small beach just outside of Sète on the Cap in France I woke to the sound of people talking and looked to see a couple casually take their clothes off and go for a swim. As a young man coming from an uptight country, I was obviously amazed at this behaviour but it didn’t bother me whatsoever. Obviously the sight of a naked woman was delightful, but more because of the enjoyment of the people. Even though I wanted to experience this myself, the beach was starting to get busy and I moved on with my travels.
A week or so later I was in Spain. Once more hanging out near a beach I got taking to some people. It was mixed company and they were also on motorcycles. They invited me the next day for a tour with them into the mountains and after a long day we ended up at a locals beach.
They suggested we swam before getting a beer and then they did not even consider the notion of changing, they just took their clothes off and together went in the water. No issues. No looking. No ridicule. No making fun. Something that does not happen in an uptight British culture. So I joined them.
For me at that time it was the most amazing and liberating thing that had happened to me spiritually. I had already been free of the torment of parents and family for the previous year but this was now a different kind of freedom. Those 8 weeks of travel shaped my thinking for the rest of my life and even though I spent the next years in America where nudity is even more taboo than in the uk, when I returned I always took every opportunity to be naked both indoors and at every possible moment, outdoors.
I began to spend more and more time in Europe. Playing for Spanish teams, racing in hot locations, longer and longer holidays to hot countries and choosing my destinations so that public nudity could be practiced naturally. I found that I was much more of a mediterranean mindset person and tried to be in warmer climates where clothing was an option rather than a necessity.
Finally leaving the uk for the last time 14 years ago I took a year long trip around Europe in my camper. This was wonderful as I could experience many different countries and witness their approach to Naturism. And of course during this trip it was amazing to visit remote beaches, lakes, and mountains where being naked in nature was a gift.
Living in Austria
The last 10 years I have spent living in southern Austria but it’s a strange country with regard to naturism though. They will openly be naked at a spa all day but it does not feel like true naturism to me but rather exhibitionism and voyeurism. As the women want to be looked at and the men openly want to show their “enthusiasm” with little self control. The same applies when they take their holidays to the Croatian Naturist camps. It is much like the feeling I used to get in the uk and it gives a creepy vibe of exposure in a legal environment rather than true naturism.
Work & freetime
As well as being in naturist environments constantly over the past 35 years I also witness it through my work. Being a massage therapist I deal with naked bodies on a daily basis. All genders, ages, sizes, and body types. But its amazing how many people are not connected to their bodies. They like to show off at a spa or a camp but unfortunately they just don’t know how to connect with it.
We are very fortunate as we live in a very nature oriented location here in Austria where there are many opportunities to live a naturist lifestyle. For us it starts at home where we are nearly always without clothes, cooking, eating, tv, out on the terrace and in our general daily life. Then there are the abundance of SPA options that we can go to for a day out where it is compulsory to be naked. We have wonderful lakes where in warm weather its possible to lie and swim naked without issue and many remote mountains and forests where you can walk freely.
I also work a little at a local Naturist campsite which we also visit together through the summer months as it’s only a short bike ride away. There you can enjoy their lake and swimming pools as well as take walks through the large site and local woods.
Which brings me to being naked on Vacation…
Vacation
Living so close to Croatia is amazing for us as the country and its relationship with nudism is well known so there are many FKK “Frei körper kultur” camping sites to choose from all within a few hours drive.
Staying at these sites is always very interesting for us and very easy to distinguish between the Naturist, Nudist and Exhibitionist. Theres no need to go into great detail here but if you are a “true” naturist you will know what I’m talking about. Or maybe read some of our other posts where myself or Leela encounter such people!
But saying this, as a true naturist, these campsites are really amazing. The facilities are normally excellent and the sites are always in incredible locations as well as being really relaxed as most people who are true naturists are of a different mindset and occasionally have a deep connection to nature and openness with other people.
But beware as a single male traveller. You are not always welcome!
Travelling as a single man
I am a member of British Naturism and the INF for many, many years and always try to support my local naturist organisation. But for me the most important thing is to have the legal membership. It not only gives you small discounted entry to many campsites through Europe but acts as a confirmation card for single men. This should not be the case but equality does not seem to extend to single men with no clothes on. And in our personal experience. Rightly so!
In Europe there are some crazy rules that men are not allowed to visit naturist campsites alone unless they are part of an official naturist organisation. They do however allow single women, both male and female homosexual couples and, one male with two female companions. But not men travelling alone. Go figure?!
I have unfortunately experienced this first hand as I often travel alone to get away for a few days if I am light on work. One campsite in particular was really giving me a hard time and even though I am very quiet and easy going they pushed all the wrong buttons and I ended up demanding that they get the owner for a legal discussion in a packed reception as I had enough of such attitudes toward me.
Normally I would have just sulked away and found somewhere else but this time I stood up for myself and our legal rights as naturists. I was eventually allowed in but put in a back corner to protect “real people” and keep me away from children. I stayed one night but was gone in the morning refusing to pay and threatening to call the police and inform the naturist camping association. But I never did.
But what I did do was reach out to Naked Wanderings as at that time they were the only other naturist travel blog writers with a voice on the web and asked them to maybe consider bringing these issues to light through their popularity. And after an E-mail discussion with Nick about the subject he was a little dismissive and just disregarded the issue as nothing. This really hurt me at the time as I looked up to them when they were first starting out and admired what they were trying to do for naturism as a way of life. I was trying the same with my personal blog but back then as a single man, I was not getting any traction.
But now they are travelling the world making YouTube videos and staying in these amazing places for free. Whilst I am volunteering for free, writing blogs to educate, making podcasts, putting up with on-line abuse and fighting to be able to pay with my own hard earned money just to get into a campsite. Its a strange naturist world these days.
British Naturism
But to finish on a brighter note I have been in discussion with British Naturism over the last year looking for ways to be able to get involved with an organisation that is trying to move forward instead of putting my efforts into our local naturist association here in Austria who are just set on the past. Communication in your own language helps of course and its great to see that not only is BN trying to educate and inform, their membership is growing steadily even if it is male dominated at the moment, but hopefully that will change over time as women find their own voice in Naturism.
We have travel articles published in the BN magazine and we joined BN as well as being a member of the INF so that we can begin to be active on their website and try to get involved. Leela has browsed the website with me often but with the male domination of the forums and interesting choice of photos uploaded, she is still reluctant at the moment to contribute on there and will wait to see if there is more of a female voice and a little less male exhibitionism in the future. She still writes a lot of these posts and any comments from female readers about their experiences will be well received.
Thanks as always for reading and I hope there is something in this disjointed and unstructured ramble that is of interest. We would love to hear from you.
This year is not going quite as planned. But hopefully with the summer here and with another operation safely behind me, I am back on track and we are making alternative plans.
A few weeks ago we managed 4 days at Valata resort in Istria (diary entry) and as we have already written an extensive post on how great this place is there is no need to go into detail again. Except to say that the facilities are now even better as they have upgraded some sanitary blocks and re-developed one of the beaches which is very nice.
Unfortunately their prices are still continuing to rise and in moderate season you will be expected to pay upward of €70 for a pitch. Let me say that again. Thats over €70 per night to park on a parcel of dirt. And thats if you can actually find one thats worth parking on without having your neighbours sitting on your breakfast table or having to take your hiking boots with you to get to the beach.
Also the supermarket prices have risen and an hour of tennis is now a quite remarkable €17! So they have effectively priced us out of going there except at the end of April or the last week of September, and then only for a few days. For us thats quite sad as we would love to spend an extended trip there to truly enjoy the facilities and area.
Its quite unbelievable how prices are rising in Croatia, and Europe in general, all caused by covid and the new van life boom. The ACSI card is no longer worth having as the “off-season” times are being constantly made shorter, and the pitches that are being made available for card holders are getting worse and worse.
We also took a trip to naturist campsite Mali Raj in Slovenia. Again we have written about this lovely camp beforebut also in March I made an interview article for British Naturism magazine in the UK of which I am also a member as well as the INF in Austria. It is published in the June Summer issue if you are a member, and if not you can download our article below.
Our plans for this year may have been forced to change but we are still positive and hopeful that we will be back to the second part of our trip to France and Spain later in the year. So stay tuned and any comments on our posts are always welcome.
