Pitsunda's nudist beach in Abkhazia: a quiet Soviet-era legacy

Pitsunda is a seaside town on the coast of Abkhazia. The place draws visitors with its pines, warm sea and quiet beaches. It also has an unusual chapter in its past: in Soviet times, a nudist beach took root here. It was never official, but many knew about it, and for decades it attracted those who preferred a clothes-free holiday.

How the beach came to be

The story began in the 1970s–1980s, when Pitsunda was a favored resort for artists, the intelligentsia and foreign visitors, especially from the GDR (East Germany). In those places, sunbathing and swimming without clothes was common, and guests from Europe brought the habit with them. Soviet vacationers were taken aback at first, then gradually joined in.

The beach lay beyond the fence of the OPK Pitsunda recreation area, a little away from the official strands. Secluded and unsigned, it was easy to miss—unless you knew where to look. There, swimsuits were the exception.

Who went there

All sorts of people came: holidaymakers from across the USSR, foreigners, and figures from creative circles. It was one of the few places where people could feel free, even if only on the seashore. The mood was calm, without undue attention or rigid prohibitions.

The authorities seemed to know about the beach but were in no hurry to shut it down—perhaps because it was off to the side and bothered no one, or because respected people spent time there and it was best left alone.

What the beach is like today

The spot still exists, though it is not official. On online maps, it appears under the name Nudist Beach. There are no changing cabins or cafes—only sea, stones and pines. Visitors are few, and the atmosphere feels much the same as before. The low-key character is part of its appeal.

Locals take it in stride. There is no buzz or sensation—just a wild beach, like many others. Still, it carries its own history, and for those who know, it remains a special place.

Were there others like it?

There were similar spots elsewhere in the Soviet Union. The best known were in Crimea, for example in Koktebel. Pitsunda’s beach stood out for its seclusion and the beauty of its setting. It drew not random passersby but people who knew exactly why they had come.

Overall, nudism was considered undesirable in the USSR, yet there were no direct bans. If it happened quietly and without fuss, the authorities usually turned a blind eye.