Historians estimate that 72.000 years ago man felt the need to dress for the first time. Until then, nudity was the norm in everyday life, both for Homo Sapiens and for several ancient civilizations.
Before the establishment of Christianity naked body was not taboo, at least not for all cultures of antiquity. Especially in Ancient Greece they were praised and admired, as can be deduced from the artistic depictions of the time in vases and statues. Also, for both the ancient Greeks and the Romans, gymnastics - due to its name in the word naked - was performed without clothes, except with "Adamian attire".
The various taboos, in fact, that were born around nudism began to be observed when clothing became a necessity out of habit. And so the clothes, which were originally created for practical purposes, such as protection from the sun or the heat in the desert, became an integral part of the culture of each people.
If one searches for the interpretation of the word nudism, however, one will notice that its roots are found in the words "naturism", meaning naturalness. The tendency, in short, of nudists to come as close to nature as possible. In other words, this is not a shameful habit. Instead, it is an attempt by his followers to find themselves in "mother" nature, just as we all came into the world.
Near Hamburg, then, in the years 1903, the first organized nudist club was created. However, after the end of World War I, the movement spread throughout Europe, with the 20s flourishing, especially in Germany. A boom that was persecuted with the rise of Hitler to power.
In America, social nudism, organized in clubs and camps, made its appearance in 1930, with June 13th being a milestone date for the movement's supporters, as the first colony was founded. nudists. With the end of World War II, nudism took on the dimensions of a social movement, having spread to various parts of the world, directly linked to the need to return to nature away from intense urbanization. Many young people embraced the movement as a means of liberation, while hippies were one of the first conscious "friends" of nudism.
In Greece, the first appearance of nudists took place during the interwar period, a movement that did not consolidate, although his followers published for a short time a magazine called "FLIRT" (Nature-loving Literary Review of Radical Trends).
After the end of World War II, Greece attracted many nudist tourists, who, however, faced problems with beaches where they can freely practice nudism.
The great arrival of nudists in Greece took place in the 50's. For some, nudity was (and still is) a shameful habit, a philosophy that provokes "contempt", a life-threatening attitude. Especially at that time, when people were not as familiar as at least today, seeing the nakedness of their fellow human beings in public view. However, the reactions depending on the destination were varied, and each time they were adapted to the circumstances.
For example, the inhabitants of Hydra considered the nudists an insult to their island, while the people of Mykonos, on the contrary, welcomed them, realizing the economic perspective that all this would have for their place.
In 1959 there was an attempt by nudists in Loutraki, who were willing to rent a hotel in the area. An attempt, however, that ended ingloriously with the nudists fleeing.
If we could give a more specific date, regarding its "official" acceptance movement of nudism in our country could be in 1983, when the relevant law was passed by the Greek Parliament, which allows nudism in organized nudist resorts (hotels, clubs, campsites, etc.) and adjacent beaches of them.
The 80's was the year when nudism flourished the most, both with the abolition of the 4.000 law on "ethics" and with the tempting prices of tourist packages to attract nudist tourists to our country. Until the 90's nudism was very widespread in our country, but since then it began to decline. The first generation nudists started to retire, while the younger ones did not want to be locked up all day in the special centers that were exclusively for nudists.
With the tourism industry revolving around him nudism Reaching hundreds of millions of dollars, Greece also has well-organized Nudist Resorts (as mentioned in the relevant law), which are aimed at both foreign and Greek clients, members of internationally recognized nudist organizations.
The operation of these centers is carried out according to strict regulations, with the removal of customers with inappropriate behavior being one of the consequences of non-compliance with them. In the premises of each hotel Customers can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool or on the beach, with cocktails at the bar from sunrise to sunset just as their mom gave birth to them.
In Greece, organized "special tourism" hotels are found in Crete, Rhodes, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Messinia.
Regarding the beaches, there are only three beaches recognized by the state strictly for nudists: Faliraki, Rhodes since 1980, Sarakiniko Gavdou since 2011 and Velanio Skopelou since 2012. However, in many island and land destinations one can meet nudists, mainly during the period of increased tourist traffic. Some of the most famous are Banana in Skiathos, Chiliadou in Evia, Halikiada in Agistri, Paraga, Elia and Agrari in Mykonos, Mikri Italida in Koufonisia, Roukouna and the Monastery in Anafi, Kokkini Ammos in Heraklion, the Kedrodassos in Chania etc.