The American network highlighted the site’s dramatic natural setting and unique experience: “Float nude in the warm, ultra-buoyant salty water and smear your entire naked body with soothing, mineral-infused black mud at this rocky beach on the western shore of the Dead Sea.”
The article noted that Metsoke Dragot may be “the only place in the Middle East where any kind of public nudity is tolerated,” and describes it as being roughly an hour’s drive from Jerusalem.
Access requires a short but difficult drive down an unpaved road. Camping is permitted on the beach itself, while atop the cliffs visitors can find the Metsoke Dragot Field School and the Tranquilo glamping site in Kibbutz Mitzpe Shalem.
Other standout beaches on the list include:
• Nugal Beach, Croatia: A secluded strip on the mainland facing Brac Island, surrounded by cliffs and pine trees, accessible via a narrow trail more suited to goats than beachgoers. The beach is stony, so a thick towel or beach chair is recommended.
• Red Beach, Crete, Greece: Located on the southern coast of Crete, this remote beach—named for its reddish sand and ochre cliffs—has long attracted nudists. It’s accessible via a 20-minute walk from Matala or a brief boat ride from the village. Amenities include chair and umbrella rentals and a colorful beach bar called Yianni’s, known for its mojitos.
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• Lady Bay Beach, Sydney, Australia: Also known as Lady Jane Beach, this narrow sandy cove in South Head Bay is surprisingly secluded given its central location within Sydney.
• Little Palm Beach, Waiheke, New Zealand: While nudity is legally allowed across all of New Zealand’s beaches, naturists often gather at this specific spot.
To reach it, travelers take a 40–60 minute ferry from Auckland, followed by a taxi or rideshare to the island’s northern coast and then a short walk down to the beach. Nearby wineries, restaurants and art galleries make it easy to combine a beach visit with a day of local exploration.
Here is CNN’s full list of the 25 best nudist beaches worldwide:
1. Playa Naturista Chihuahua – Uruguay
2. Nida Nude Beach – Lithuania
3. Oriental Beach Village – Thailand
4. Agesta Beach – Sweden
5. Little Palm Beach – Waiheke Island, New Zealand
6. Nugal Beach – Croatia
7. Moshup Beach – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, U.S.
8. Lady Bay Beach – Sydney, Australia
9. Studland Bay – Dorset, England
10. Wreck Beach – Vancouver, Canada
11. Buhne 16 – Sylt Island, Germany
12. Blacks Beach – La Jolla, California, U.S.
13. Red Beach – Crete, Greece
14. Callantsoog Beach – Netherlands
15. Anse de Grande Saline – Saint Barthélemy
16. Platja des Cavallet – Ibiza, Spain
17. Cap d’Agde Beach – France
18. Is Benas Beach – Sardinia, Italy
19. Mpenjati Beach – KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
20. Playa de Maspalomas – Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
21. Playa Zipolite – Oaxaca, Mexico
22. Metsoke Dragot – Israel
23. Praia Massarandupió – Bahia, Brazil
24. Vecaki Beach – Riga, Latvia
25. Haulover Beach Park – Miami, Florida, U.S.