One of the Algarve's niche tourism sectors faces frustration and restriction due to the lack of beaches where users can strip off.
Eight years after naturists breathed a sigh of relief that a new law has expanded the number of beaches that could be used for au naturel beach activities, not a single new naturist beach has been authorised.
The Clube Naturista do Algarve (CNA), founded in 2003, has tried several times to have more beach space legalised for its growing membership - but to no avail.
The Clube Naturista pushed for the new law, with success in 2010 but the practicality of promoting new beaches had proved hard.
There remain three official beaches where bathers and beach-goers can strip off: Praia do Homem Nu, Tavira - known as Praia do Barril, Odeceixe Sul Beach (Adegas), in the municipality of Aljezur and Praia da Ilha Deserta off Faro.
Other beaches have unofficial areas but users are technically breaking the law by going naked.
"Who loses, the Algarve," said the Club president, Álvaro Campos in an interview with Jornal do Algarve.
The Clube Naturista does not want the legalisation of more beaches at any price,
"They have to have the same conditions as other registered bathing areas, with bathrooms and guards, because naturists also can drown," said Campos.
There are over 50 beaches in Portugal where nudity is tolerated, see
http://portugalnaturista.com/naturism/beaches/beaches.html
