Naturism authorisation
Tolerated or unofficial
Naturism is customary or tolerated in this area without a specific official authorisation. Be discreet and respect local rules.
A long pebbled beach in the Punta Aderci Reserve, north of Vasto, with a secluded area frequented and monitored by naturists.
What this place is like
Within the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, along one of the wildest stretches of the Vasto coast, Mottagrossa is a long pebbled beach surrounded by vegetation and far from the tourist concentration of more equipped seaside resorts. The seabed, initially gravelly, gradually gives way to sand, and the almost total absence of facilities preserves an essential character for the place, where the sound of the sea and the landscape of the reserve become an integral part of the experience.
Naturist practice is concentrated in the more secluded sector towards the north and has a long tradition, supported over time also by the presence of the Abruzzo Naturist Association (Associazione Naturista Abruzzese); however, according to the official sources consulted, there is no specific municipal authorization formally designating the shore for naturism, which is why it is more correct to speak of a historical and consolidated practice.
To reach this section, one must continue from the main Mottagrossa beach for about 500-600 meters to the north, following the protected area path or walking along the shore and waterline; an alternative is to arrive from the Torre Sinello area, proceeding south for about 1.4 km. The distance from the main accesses helps keep the environment generally quiet and uncrowded, but requires arriving prepared, as there are no establishments, bars, or other services, so it is advisable to bring water, food, and everything needed for the day.
The shore is composed mainly of smooth pebbles, so water shoes can make both moving around and entering the water more comfortable, while setting up a sun umbrella might be slightly trickier compared to a sandy beach. An umbrella is, however, unnecessary in the late afternoon (early evening) since, given its eastward exposure, the sun sets behind the hills directly behind the beach.
Being within a nature reserve, staying here requires special attention to the environment: camping, overnight stays, fires, and stoves are prohibited, marked paths must not be left, and the waterline must remain clear.
The Municipality of Vasto confirms Mottagrossa among the areas where pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash.
Where it is
Punta Aderci, Vasto Abruzzo, ItalyBefore you go
Getting there
The Mottagrossa area is reached from the accesses of the Punta Aderci Reserve and by continuing on foot along the beach towards the more secluded sector indicated by regular visitors. Once you reach the textile section of Mottagrossa beach, continue north for a few hundred metres to reach the nudist area.
Opening times and seasonality
The beach and trails of the Punta Aderci Reserve are freely accessible with no specific opening hours; naturist attendance is mainly in the summer, while off-season the place remains accessible subject to weather conditions, trail status, and any temporary limitations.
Costs
Access to the Reserve and the beach is free of charge, and no reservation is required for individual visits; any costs may involve parking or external services, while reservations are only required for certain guided tours organized by the Reserve (which clearly do not touch the nudist area).
Accessibility
The naturist section is not located immediately at the main access point: one must continue on foot northward along the beach or through the Reserve's trails, or reach it from Torre Sinello proceeding south. The presence of natural paths, pebbles, and stretches to be walked directly on the shore makes access unsuitable for people with reduced mobility and means the route cannot be considered fully accessible.
Status and local rules
Mottagrossa is historically frequented by naturists and monitored by regulars associated with A.N.A.B., but there is no municipal provision formally authorizing a specific section for naturist practice. Being inside the Punta Aderci Reserve, environmental protection rules must be respected, which among other things prohibit camping, overnight stays, and lighting fires; furthermore, since August 5, 2026, a permanent smoking ban has been in effect on all beaches in the Municipality of Vasto.
Practical information
- Access
- Free access
- Naturism policy
- Naturism tolerated
Available amenities
- Parking
Real experiences
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