Nudism or Topless on Madeira?
Here on Madeira Archipelago (Madeira and Porto Santo) it is (officially) not allowed to exercise nudism. Also is not allowed for women to go topless on the beach locations. Both the authorities and locals do not tolerate these on the islands.
Despite the fact that Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal and in the ‘mainland’ there are a nudist beaches, still there are no official approved nudist beaches here on Madeira Islands.
Note: This article is not intended to judge this way of lifestyle … on the contrary. The objective is to provide naturist who wants to visit Madeira Islands with information concerning this issue. In this case the information is short and simple … nudity in the open is (still) not entirely accepted by the local community.
«Also is not allowed for women to go topless on the beach locations.»
Not sure if this is true; it is common to see women in topless on Funchal and Porto Santo beaches, and the authorities and locals just don’t care about it.
@Roberto: I heard from sources (a few related to government) that it was not allowed. Also I must confess that I have not seen any topless ladies yet (note: no … I am not a member of a topless-watch club). I heard rumors that even when tourist are staying outside Funchal … and sunbathing belly down topless … that locals would call the police. True or false?
Several ladies were topless at the Lido in June 2009.
Didn’t know where to look!
Madeira is more of a family resort and deaply catholic (although this seems to be relaxing). I don’t see this opening up any time soon and if it is allowed it would probably be in some remote obscure location. I have seen topless on the Island and the locals don’t seem to mind it but full nudidity i think would be going too far. It wouldn’t be to my taste but each to their own. As for, should the government allow this, why not? It makes business sence, as long as the people that it attracts are the decent kind and not the you know what… but i guess it might go hand in hand!
My two cents!
I don’t really believe that anyone will call the police because of being topless on beaches in European territories.
Nudity has nothing to do with being family resort island. You can have both and tourists won’t care (probably just some locals). Spain and French territories are proof of that.