Naturist Camp Baldarin in Cres, Croatia: Revisited

This wasn’t the first time we visited Baldarin. In fact, the place brought back fond memories, as this was our very first destination in our Naked Wanderings journey. We were literally one day on the road, not knowing yet that many more years of this would follow.

But you’re probably not here to listen to us getting all sentimental, you want to know what this resort is like. We immediately recognised the reception building right at the sea, and a bit further the barrier dividing the naked zone from the not-so-naked one, which always seemed more like a novelty. It’s not like you can’t see past it.

This is exactly the no-nonsense attitude at Baldarin that we appreciated many years ago, and still do to this day. Nothing flashy, nothing over‑promised. Just a clothes‑free place that takes nature seriously and gets the essential comforts right.

Camp Baldarin lies on the southern tip of Cres in the Punta Križa area, far from traffic noise and daily routines. Reaching Cres involves a short car ferry either from Brestova to Porozina or from Valbiska on Krk to Merag, then a drive south across the island. Expect a scenic drive through pine woods before the road ends at the gates of the resort.

If you’re flying in, the nearest airports will be at Rijeka or Pula, which both serve many European cities. From the main airport at Zagreb, you’re looking at a drive of a few hours. Having your own transportation is recommended if you want to explore other parts of the island, but if you’re not planning to leave the campground throughout your whole stay, it’s probably easier to just take a taxi instead.

Baldarin is officially a split campground, yet it operates the other way round from what many might expect. The nude side is the heart of the resort and roughly three times the size of the clothed area. So basically, it’s a large clothes‑free campground with a small section accommodating guests that prefer to keep some clothes on (for now).

Under tall pines, the standard camping areas are mostly unnumbered, so you can choose your own spot and shape it to your needs. Friends with a tiny tent can tuck into a leafy corner just as easily as a family can spread out a larger zone. This pick‑as‑you‑come principle gives a relaxed, bohemian charm to the resort.

For campers who prefer structure, premium pitches bring order and convenience. Several of the seafront spots step down in small terraces that feel like private balconies over the Adriatic. And facilities like water and electricity are more easily accessible.

Tucked in a quiet corner, a small cluster of safari tents creates a tiny glamping world for those who didn’t bring their own accommodation. Each tent has a fully equipped kitchen, some living space, bedrooms, and a generous terrace that doubles as a drying rack between swims. The glamping space also has its own sanitary block. There are mobile homes and caravans for rent.

The shoreline is long and varied. Most of it is rocky, made for placing a towel on warm stone and slipping into the water. Several stretches mix sand and pebbles, which gives bare feet a friendlier welcome and suits families who prefer softer entries. Even away from the designated beaches, there are plenty of small access points along the edges, often with stairs, so you never need to walk far for your morning skinny dip.

Showers appear both outdoors and inside private blocks, and they stayed impressively clean even when the season was running at full speed. This is one of the things where Baldarin shines: The team clearly focuses on what matters. We found the toilets spotless, water pressure strong, and the warm showers consistent.

Two small harbours serve both the clothed and the naked side of the resort, keeping the traffic gentle and practical. If you’re bringing your own boat and love sailing naked (the only way to really sail), make sure to book a spot at the right harbour and avoid having to put on pants when docking.

Dining is where Baldarin overachieves. Inside the clothes‑free zone, the waterfront Lučica restaurant fits the campground spirit: simple setting, excellent seafood. Sitting on wooden benches with bare feet sandy from the last swim, we ate some of the best food in Croatia. In fact, this is one of only 20-ish restaurants in the whole country that still gets its fish directly delivered from the fishermen. Covering up is required at the restaurant. A light wrap or sarong did the job for us.

For everyday supplies, there is a large shop on the clothed side of the resort, well stocked with basics, fresh produce, and beach needs. Next to the reception is an additional snack bar, and there is also a place to pick up pizzas. If, for some reason, you would feel a sudden urge to get active, the clothed section has tennis, mini‑golf, and volleyball.

Walking is part of the experience. A continuous path follows the coast, sometimes at splash level, sometimes rising into the trees before dropping back down. Also beyond the gate, the island opens into a web of hiking trails. They drift through pine woods and end at little bays. There is not much around Baldarin (and this is an overstatement) other than nature, which is exactly the appeal.

When in need of a dose of streets and history, Osor sits about twenty minutes away by car, and more villages can be visited in easy half‑day trips. Cres is not a large island, which makes spontaneous explorations simple and fun.

This setting attracts a certain kind of traveller. We met people who came to disconnect from office rhythms, to spend time in pure nature, and of course, to enjoy being without clothes. Baldarin is a great fit for campers who like the woods and the sea without strict boundaries. Given the size of the resort, even at the height of summer, we always found a piece to claim. A corner of the beach, a bench along the path, or a flat rock that became a personal pier for the afternoon.

We couldn’t really put our finger on it, maybe it was the bohemian vibe, the abundance of nature or the chill vibe, but Baldarin also seems to attract a younger crowd than your average naturist campground in Croatia. It could have been the timing as well, in the heat of high season, but we like to believe that there’s something in the air.

Baldarin opens in spring and runs through the end of the season, which makes it easy to match trips with personal rhythms. In summer, the campground buzzes with a great family ambience. The resort regularly runs full, and there’s always something to do.

Before and after the season, Baldarin turns into a more serene natural getaway where peace and quiet rule, and you’re more likely to see the shocked face of a deer when you open your door in the morning than that of a child.

The best ways to book at Camp Baldarin are:
• Website: https://www.camp-baldarin.com/
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Phone: +385 51 235 680
The staff speaks Croatian, English, and German.

We don’t know the exact size, but it’s huge. You can easily go for quite a walk without ever having to put on clothes.

In the evening 🙂
No seriously, this obviously depends on the time of the year. There are several spots along the coastline where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets.

In the naked part of the resort, you can be naked anywhere except in the restaurant. The shop and reception are in the clothed part, so covering up is necessary for this, but a sarong is usually enough. Just make sure not to accidentally drop it.