June the 24th, 2026 – One naked swimming king changed Croatian tourism forever back in the 1930s. Few realise that a British king spending time on Rab would have caused such a ripple of change…
Ninety years ago, a royal visit to Croatia created a moment that would unexpectedly change the history of tourism on the Adriatic coast. Turning the clock back to 1936, British King Edward VIII arrived on the Croatian coast with Wallis Simpson during a private journey through the Adriatic. Putni kofer writes that what happened on the island of Rab would later become one of the most famous stories connected with naturism in Croatia.
During their visit, the royal couple went for a swim in the secluded Kandarola Bay, and, according to local stories, they did so without clothes. The unusual event attracted attention and helped establish Rab as one of the birthplaces of naturism on the Adriatic.
At the time, Edward VIII was one of the most famous people in the entire world. His relationship with Wallis Simpson had already attracted enormous public attention, and their Adriatic journey offered a chance to escape the pressure of royal life. Their trip along the Croatian coast included several historic destinations, with stops around the Adriatic islands and coastal towns before reaching Rab. The island, already appreciated by European visitors for its natural beauty, became the setting for an event that would be remembered for generations. Away from official ceremonies and public attention, the couple enjoyed the privacy of the island’s hidden coves. Their decision to bathe nude was considered extremely daring for the 1930s and quickly became part of local legend.
Rab and the Birth of Adriatic Naturism
Although naturism existed elsewhere in Europe, Rab became closely linked with its development as a tourist movement. The island’s combination of secluded beaches, Mediterranean climate, and clear waters created ideal conditions for visitors seeking a closer connection with nature. The story of Edward VIII’s swim helped turn Rab into an international curiosity. The Kandarola area became associated with naturist tourism, and the island gained a reputation among travellers looking for freedom and privacy. Croatia’s naturist tradition continued to grow in later decades. The country eventually became one of Europe’s best-known destinations for naturist holidays, with a number of specialised beaches and resorts along the coast.
More Than another Strange Royal Anecdote
This story is often remembered as a colourful historical detail, a naked king swimming without a swimsuit, but it also reflects a wider change in European travel culture. The early 20th century saw wealthy travellers searching for health, nature, sunshine, and new forms of relaxation. The Adriatic, with its untouched landscapes and quiet bays, became a perfect destination for those seeking a different kind of holiday. Rab’s famous royal moment became part of a larger story about changing attitudes toward the body, nature, and leisure.
Today, Rab remains one of Croatia’s most recognisable islands, known for its medieval town, beaches, and long tourism tradition. The island’s connection with naturism is still an important part of its identity and history. A single swim in a hidden Adriatic bay may not have been intended to create a global trend, but decades later, that unexpected royal decision remains one of the most unusual chapters in Croatia’s tourism history.
