Santa Catarina is home to three well-known naturist beaches: Praia do Pinho in Balneário Camboriú, Praia de Pedras Altas in Palhoça and Praia da Galheta in Florianópolis. Each offers a different combination of naturism, preserved nature, clear waters, trails and outdoor experiences.
Praia do Pinho is Brazil’s first official nudist beach, known for its strong waves and untouched natural scenery
Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil, is known for its beautiful coastline, Atlantic Forest landscapes and beaches with very different profiles. Among them are destinations where naturism has a long history and attracts Brazilian and international visitors.
Praia do Pinho, Praia de Pedras Altas and Praia da Galheta offer distinct experiences for those interested in naturism, from beaches with strong waves and preserved vegetation to calm waters and trails surrounded by nature.
1) Praia do Pinho, Balneário Camboriú
It is the first official nudist beach in Brazil, recognized in 1988. The place is around 500 meters long and has a sea with strong waves. It is approximately 80 km from the capital Florianópolis. The first signs of the practice of nudism at the site date back to 1983.
At the time, some dancers from a famous music/event venue in the city called “Mario’s House” and a few other couples ventured to undress in the middle of this paradisiacal beach, deserted at the time, surrounded by lush Atlantic forest and difficult to access.
2) Praia de Pedras Altas, Palhoça
Here you will find calm seas that are good for swimming and water sports. Access to the site, however, is difficult.
By car, visitors should follow BR 101, 30 km south of Florianopolis. To get to the shore you need to take a small trail from Enseada do Brito. There is an area dedicated to naturism and another not, both with bars and restaurants. The nudist side of the beach offers a parking and camping area to complete the unique experience in this natural beauty.
Pedras Altas offers calm, crystal-clear waters and a peaceful environment ideal for naturists.
Two decades ago, a couple Brazilian entrepreneurs acquired 10 hectares of land on Pedras Altas beach with the aim of promoting outdoor coexistence without ostentation. This natural refuge proposes naturism as a way of living in harmony with nature and accepting one’s own body. The space is part of an Environmental Preservation Area (APA) in the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park and receives many international tourists such as from Germany, Australia and France.
3) Praia da Galheta, Florianópolis
The beach is a natural refuge that captivates those seeking an intimate connection with the wild nature. At 950 meters long, the beach is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the state of Santa Catarina. Surrounded by rounded, smooth rocks, this beach creates a paradisiacal setting that combines the exuberance of native vegetation, the softness of the fine white sand, and the crystal and clear waters of the sea.
The beach can only be reached by trail, adding a dose of adventure to the experience. Restricted access helps to preserve the pristine nature and ensure that visitors fully engage with the unique atmosphere of this special place. Since the 80’s the beach has been a stronghold of the naturist movement.
Naturism and nature in Santa Catarina
Praia da Galheta is a wild, trail-access natural refuge where nudism is embraced but optional.
The three beaches highlighted here offer different experiences for travelers interested in naturism in southern Brazil.
Praia do Pinho stands out for its history as Brazil’s first official nudist beach and its stronger waves. Praia de Pedras Altas combines naturism, calm waters, camping and contact with nature. Praia da Galheta, meanwhile, offers a more rustic experience, with trail access and a preserved natural environment.
For travelers coming from the United States, these destinations can also be combined with a broader itinerary through Florianópolis, Balneário Camboriú and other beaches along the coast of Santa Catarina.
* For airline tickets from the U.S to Brazil or Latin America, customized travel packages, hotels and cruises, please visit our travel agent page or contact Magali Da Silva by phone or whatsapp: 1 (323) 428-1963.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are nudist beaches legal in Santa Catarina?
Yes. Praia do Pinho, Praia de Pedras Altas and Praia da Galheta are recognized naturist beaches where nudism is allowed and culturally respected.
2. Do I have to be nude to visit these beaches?
It depends on the beach. At Praia do Pinho and the naturist area of Praia de Pedras Altas, nudity is mandatory. At Praia da Galheta, nudism is optional but widely practiced.
3. How difficult is the access to these beaches?
Praia do Pinho is the easiest to reach by car. Pedras Altas and Galheta require short trails, which help preserve the natural environment and ensure a quieter experience.
4. Are there facilities like parking, camping or restaurants?
Yes. Praia do Pinho and the naturist side of Pedras Altas offer parking and basic services. Praia de Pedras Altas also has bars and restaurants. Praia da Galheta has no facilities to preserve its natural state.
5. What makes these beaches attractive to naturists?
Each beach offers a blend of privacy, untouched landscapes, Atlantic forest surroundings and a respectful environment for body acceptance and connection with nature.
