For most people planning a beach holiday in Europe, the French Riviera, the Amalfi Coast, or Spain’s Costa del Sol are common choices. Although these places are renowned for their lovely views, they are very crowded with tourists during the summer. Even so, Europe has numerous hidden beaches that offer peace, natural surroundings, and a true taste of local life. They are kept a secret from tourists by the locals, who want to keep them quiet and peaceful.
If you pick a less crowded area along the coast, you can enjoy nature, swim in lovely waters, and relax in a calm environment during your Europe trip. If you go on a solo trip, a romantic vacation, or a family holiday, finding these secret beaches might be the best part of your trip to Europe. We’re sharing some amazing secret beaches in Europe here, and now you can enjoy them too.
Table of Contents
Here are some of the hidden beaches in Europe that locals keep secret.
1. Cala Tuent, in Mallorca, Spain’s Hidden Mediterranean Gem
Cala Tuent, on the northwestern coast of Mallorca, is a lovely beach bordered by mountains and forests. Palma’s busy beaches are nothing like the peaceful Cala Tuent all year long. The ocean here is safe for swimming and snorkelling, and it’s nice to just float in the water on a sunny day. Because it’s hard to reach, only a few tourists go here, so it’s a favourite spot for local Mallorcans. If you are travelling in Europe and Spain, rent a car to visit the Tramuntana Mountains and arrive at this peaceful cove. At Cala Tuent, you can fully enjoy nature and find a peaceful side of Spain.
2. Vathi Beach, Sifnos—A Treasure You Won’t Find Easily in Greece
Although Santorini and Mykonos are famous, Sifnos gives visitors a quieter, genuine experience of Greece. Vathi Beach is a quiet bay that is both shallow and sandy. Although Greeks love to visit, international tourists generally do not come here. By the sea, you’ll find small places serving delicious seafood and wine, showing you the real spirit of Greek hospitality. Anyone planning a Europe tour package with Greece should think about visiting Sifnos and Vathi Beach.
3. Praia da Ursa, Sintra—Portugal’s Wild Coast
It isn’t simple to reach Praia da Ursa, as it is close to the famous Cabo da Roca cliffs in Portugal. Hiking down a rocky path takes half an hour, but people who come enjoy one of Portugal’s most untouched and beautiful beaches. Tall rocks stand up from the ocean, and the waves hit them with a lot of power. Since it’s not easy to get to, Praia da Ursa is usually very quiet. If you’re a photographer or nature lover, this is a top choice for something different on your Europe tour. Wear comfortable shoes and take enough water with you when you go.
4. Trstenik Beach in Montenegro—Adriatic Charm, but without the Crowds
Even though Montenegro is gaining attention, it keeps many secrets, and Trstenik Beach is one of them. Close to Budva, this beach is famous for having clean water and white pebbles. It is bordered by thick pine forests and gives the feeling of being hidden away. People living here visit to spend their weekends having picnics and swimming quietly. Trstenik’s beaches are far less crowded than those in nearby Croatia. If you’re interested in the Adriatic coast but want to avoid the crowds, this tour is ideal.
5. Saleccia Beach, Corsica—A French Island That Hasn’t Been Overrun
Along with its dramatic scenery, the island of Corsica has rugged coastlines, and Plage de Saleccia is its most beautiful beach, kept a secret from many. The only way to reach Saleccia is by boat or a bumpy ride in a 4×4 vehicle through the Desert des Agriates, but it gives you a long strip of white sand and crystal-clear sea. Because there are no facilities, it keeps the place untouched—bring your own picnic supplies and sun protection. Visitors who want to experience a unique beach while in Europe can find Saleccia in Corsica, which is far from any main tourist spots.
6. Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio, Sardinia: Italy’s Best-Kept Secret
The bright blue of the water and the soft white sands at Cala Coticcio have led locals to nickname it “Tahiti.” You can only visit it on the island of Caprera in Sardinia, using a guided hike or a boat. Although the hike is only 45 minutes, what you see from the top is simply breathtaking. The remoteness of Cala Coticcio keeps it free of crowds, so it’s a great place to unwind during your tour in Europe. You’ll find great snorkelling in these waters, where there’s a lot of marine life and the water is easy to see through.
7. Off-season at Zlatni Rat, Brac Island, Croatia’s Shifting Beach
Zlatni Rat is often seen in photos, but if you visit during the off-season, it feels like a hidden getaway. The beach is free from crowds in early autumn and spring, and everything feels relaxing and enchanting. Because of its shape, Zlatni Rat appears beautiful, as the sand is constantly moving with the wind. Windsurfers often go there because the nearby town of Bol is well known for its local food and wine. One of the best ways to experience a famous place differently is to include Zlatni Rat in your tour outside of the usual season.
Conclusion
Visiting hidden beaches gives you more than peace and quiet; they also help you feel closer to the place you’re visiting and allow you to experience Europe in a more intimate way. Although popular tourist destinations are interesting, the peace and realness of these beaches are usually missing. Picking off-the-beaten-path coastal spots means you’ll have less company, pay less, and get to know local people.
If you’d like to customise your Europe tour package, try visiting some of these less-known beaches instead of the popular ones. The coastlines of Portugal, Greece, and Montenegro are an overlooked part of Europe for many tourists. They’re memorable experiences that will stay with you for a long time after you’ve gone.
No matter if you are going on a short beach vacation or planning a big Europe trip, visiting these hidden beaches will make your trip special. It’s better to avoid popular spots and explore the untouched gems you’ll find in Europe.
