Key facts
| Country | Spain (Haría and Teguise, Lanzarote, Canary Islands) |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Lanzarote (ACE), roughly 30–40 minutes by road |
| Best time | Year-round; spring and autumn are especially pleasant |
| Type | Naturist village of private villas, apartments and a few restaurants |
| Adults only | No — couples, retirees and some families |
| Clothing | Nudity accepted throughout the village; follow signs in shops and indoor areas |
| Best months | January–June, September–December |
Charco del Palo is a small naturist village on the north-east coast of Lanzarote, one of Spain's Canary Islands. It was established around 1970 by the German entrepreneur Gregor Kaiser and is often described as the first naturist resort in the Canaries. Nudity is permitted everywhere in the village and is practised almost universally, from the sea pools to the restaurant terraces. There is no sandy beach: the coastline is black volcanic rock, softened by natural pools and coves that have been adapted for safe bathing.
The village is quiet and residential. Most properties are privately owned villas and apartments, many of them rented out to visitors, and the population, a few hundred at most, is largely German, with British and Spanish residents too.
Who it suits
- Naturists who want to be nude all day, not just on a beach, in a peaceful place.
- Couples and retirees looking for winter sun without crowds or nightlife.
- Lifestyle couples wanting a restful, nude break, who are comfortable with a strictly non-sexual naturist atmosphere.
It does not suit anyone looking for a party, a big sandy beach or a lifestyle scene.
Bathing in the sea pools
The coast here faces the Atlantic, and the open sea can be rough. The village's swimming spots are natural rock pools and sheltered coves where the swell is broken by the rocks and the water is renewed with each tide. The most prominent is the natural pool that gives the village its name. Wear water shoes on the volcanic rock, check conditions before swimming, and never swim outside the sheltered areas when waves are high.
Best time to go
Lanzarote has a mild, dry climate all year, which is why many naturists spend the winter here. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant. Summer is warm and windy. The trade winds can make the north-east coast breezy at any time of year, so pack something warm for evenings.
Getting there
Lanzarote Airport (ACE), near the capital Arrecife, is roughly 30 to 40 minutes' drive away. A hire car is the easiest way to reach the village and explore the island; a bus route serves the neighbouring villages of Mala and Guatiza, but services are limited. The village has a small supermarket and a few restaurants and bars, while larger shops are in Arrecife.
Etiquette and local rules
- Nudity is the norm in the village, but some shops and indoor spaces may ask guests to dress; follow the signs and the owners' wishes.
- Always sit on a towel.
- No photographs of other people without their clear consent.
- Respect neighbours. This is a residential community; keep noise down, particularly at night.
- Dress when leaving the village. Nudity outside the naturist area, including on the road and in neighbouring villages, is not appropriate.
Legal notes
Spain has no national law against public nudity, and local authorities regulate it. In Charco del Palo, naturism has been established for decades and is accepted throughout the village. Public sexual behaviour is illegal in Spain and has no place in a naturist community.
Safety
The Canary Islands sun is strong even in winter and the wind hides how quickly you burn. Use high-factor sunscreen and a hat. The volcanic rock is sharp, so wear sandals or water shoes. Swim only in sheltered pools when the sea is rough.
Nearby
A few minutes away in Guatiza is the Jardín de Cactus, a cactus garden designed by the Lanzarote artist César Manrique. Further north are the volcanic caves and concert hall of Jameos del Agua and the lava tube of Cueva de los Verdes. For a larger beach-based nudist scene, compare Maspalomas on Gran Canaria and Vera Playa on the Spanish mainland, or browse naturist places in Spain.