Co-ed naked Barcelona

No one can deny the charms of Barcelona … except its citizens, it seems. The local headlines abound with criticisms of tourists, who apparently lack common sense and wreak havoc on the Catalan capital: they urinate in the streets, throw bottles on the floor at night, block sidewalk traffic and worst of all, go everywhere in bikini … The out-of control situation has prompted the City Council to take a stand. They recently decided to hang educational posters in the subways, and make them available to interested business, to announce that the city is a no bikini zone. But legally it’s not prohibited….

So you’ve just spent a lovely day at the beach, your feet are full of grit, you smell like coconut cream and you’re still in your bikini. You hopped on the Metro without a hitch, paraded down the Ramblas, no problem…Suddenly; you’re thirsty and decided to head over to a cool spot in the gothic for a beer with olives on the terrace. And then you see the ominous sign: Bikini not allowed. Just like in church!

Being in a bikini in the Catalan city is not prohibited and there is no fine. However, some city residents find it uncivilized, upsetting and disrespectful. Last year this debate appeared in the pages of the Herald, the largest read paper in the region. It is true that the summers can be hot, sometimes you see the naked guy walking (look out for the blue, tattooed-on shorts!) but … please put on your dress or your shirt, or stick to the beach bars.

Nudist Tourism

Don’t worry, some think that clothes need not be an obligation and think that people who get their panties in a bunch over such a “lack of civility” are squares. If nudity is practiced, if we walk in the sand in a bikini, what’s the big deal over a pair of shorts or a sexy bikini top instead of a shirt in the street? And another thing, who says it’s just the tourists who prance around in the semi-buff… We know a few natives who take a stroll in their beach gear.

A social issue with many implications for the image of Barcelona as a holiday destination in the world, the welfare of the citizens, what is meant by civility in the public space, hygiene … But don’t let squabbles like this take away your urge to travel to Barcelona. Come and spend an unforgettable stay, head to the beach, there even plenty of nude beaches where you can satisfy your exhibitionist urges. For a great stay, rent cheap and comfortable apartments in Barcelona.

Tags: bad manners in barcelona, tourism etiquette, Uncivil behaviour