Europe is the place to be for your time alone, but if you are looking for a break from the usual tourist spots, there are some hidden and secret beaches in Europe that will make you wonder why you didn’t discover them sooner!
But beyond the popular coasts of the French Rivera and Barcelona’s bustling shores, take a look at the hidden European beaches you need to visit.
Top Secret Beaches in Europe
Plage de Notre Dame, France
Plage de Notre Dame is one of the most beautiful beaches on Porquerolles Island, a French island located off the southeastern coast of France; the French Rivera is known for its sandy beaches, pine forests, and rocky outcrops.
Plage de Notre Dame is known for its turquoise clear waters and white sands. Its shallow waters make it a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Unlike other popular beaches on the French Riviera, such as Cannes’ Plage du Midi, Plage de Nice, Plage de la Garoupe, and many others, Plage de Notre Dame is less crowded, even during peak travel periods.
It’s easily accessible by ferries from anywhere along the river, but with a bit of walking required, it remains one of Europe’s hidden beaches.
Unlike most beaches, it is not commercialized and offers few facilities. Therefore, it is advisable to pack all of the things you will need as a traveler. Although amenities like cafes, local shops, and restaurants are not available at the beach, they can still be accessible within a short walk of the beachfront.
Generally, it offers a calm experience. If you are looking for a place for relaxation and retreat without having the whole world around you, this is your spot.
Rules and guidelines are in place to ensure the maintenance and preservation of the beach and the entire park.
Praia de Marinha, Portugal
Located in the Algarve region of Portugal, Praia de Marinha is arguably one of Europe’s most stunning beaches, known for its golden sand, clear waters, and dramatic cliffs overlooking the beautiful waters.
The cliffs serve as both a breathtaking backdrop and a gateway to the beach, with tourists descending via wooden stairs built from the top of the cliffs. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and even a few water sports.
While Praia de Marinha is often considered one of the best-hidden beaches in Europe due to its somewhat secluded location, it has gained popularity as tourists and locals flock to experience its undeniable beauty, making it one of Portugal’s most renowned beaches.
You can reach Praia de Marinha by road from nearby towns like Faro and Lagoa, or from Carvoeiro, whether by car, public bus, cycling, or even ride-sharing. There are signs to guide you to the beach, and local tour companies can assist with logistics and accommodation.
The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is ideal, and even though it’s tucked away, be aware that summer, the peak tourist season, can see the beach becoming quite crowded.
Remember to pack everything you’ll need for your trip, as amenities like cafes, shops, and restaurants are not available directly on the beach but can be found within walking distance.
Cala Mitjana, Spain
Cala Mitjana is a beautiful beach on the island of Menorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s known for its crystal clear blue waters, white sands, and amazing rock formations, which naturally shield it from the wind and create a peaceful vibe.
These stunning rocks also serve as side attractions, with tourists often embarking on group hikes that offer a nice contrast to the usual water-centered activities.
The beach is less developed than most, so it retains its natural charm. If you’re looking for comfort, relaxation, or a retreat close to nature, Cala Mitjana is your spot.
It’s not commercialized and has fewer facilities compared to other beaches, so it’s advisable to pack everything you’ll need for your trip.
Unlike other beaches, Cala Mitjana is generally calm and less crowded, even during peak summer periods, making it one of the best-hidden beaches in Europe.
Playa de Bolonia
Playa de Bolonia is located on the southern coast of Spain near Tarifa in Andalusia; the beach is known for its beautiful landscape, clear waters, and, notably, its impressive dunes.
This beach is rich in history, as it serves as the backdrop to the ruins of Baelo Claudia. Baelo Claudia is an ancient Roman town located near the modern village of Bolonia in southern Spain.
The combination of these historical ruins and the natural beauty of Playa de Bolonia offers a unique cultural and historical experience.
Tourists looking to explore this historic site often find the beach a form of relaxation. This place is a spot for lovers of culture and history.
It is often overcrowded during peak summer periods but is a site to visit.
Make sure to bring everything you’ll need for your trip. There are no cafes, shops, or restaurants directly on the beach, but you can find these amenities within walking distance.
Kleftiko Beach, Greece
Kleftiko Beach is one of the hidden beaches in Europe. It is located on the Island of Milos in Greece and is known for its blue waters, rock formations, and enchanting caves. During the Ottoman era, the beach served as a harbor, hideout, and bandit for pirates.
The numerous sea caves made it an easier route of escape for pirates and also a store for their loot. The sea caves are now a well-visited tourist attraction due to their rich history and intriguing beauty.
Kleftiko Beach is a secluded beach that can only be accessed by waterways. It is not accessible by cars. Tour operators offer boat services, and private boats are also available for a more personalized experience.
The clear waters and calm atmosphere make it a perfect spot for swimming, relaxing, and sunbathing.Even though it’s a hidden beach and may not be easily accessed like other beaches,it still gets overcrowded sometimes during peak summer periods.
To avoid an overcrowded space, it’s best to visit during Spring and Autumn or early morning and late afternoons during peak seasons.
It’s important to watch out for the weather conditions before visiting the sea caves. Make sure to bring everything you’ll need for your trip, as there are no cafes, shops, or restaurants on the beach.
Es Canyaret
Located on the Spanish Island of Mallorca, Es Canyaret is a secluded beach in the heart of a cove surrounded by rough cliffs and lush green landscapes.
Why is it one of Europe hidden beaches? The beach is quite remote and can mainly be reached on foot.
The most convenient way to get there is by following a hiking trail from nearby locations, as no direct roads or public transportation means are available. The path to the beach can be rocky and uneven, so wearing sturdy and comfortable footwear is advisable.
The beach is surrounded by impressive rock formations that make it feel private and grand. Though the little walk to the beach may be considered stressful to some, the end is worth it, as the clear waters, peaceful seabreeze, and calm atmosphere make up for it.
It is a perfect spot for relaxation. Because Cala del Canyaret is harder to get to, it provides a quieter and more private beach experience than busier, more accessible beaches.
The clear water is great for swimming and snorkeling, letting you see marine life and enjoy the calm sea. Its secluded setting makes it an ideal place to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy some peace away from crowded tourist areas.
It doesn’t have any facilities like restaurants, shops, or restrooms. It’s best to bring your own supplies, including food, water, and any beach gear you need.
To help keep the beach pristine, please take all your trash with you and avoid disturbing the local plants and animals.
Cla del Canyaret is a perfect site for tourists seeking relaxation, peace, solitude, and adventure.
Plage de l’Espiguette, France
Another one on the list of best secret beaches in Europe is Plage de l’Espiguette, which is located on the southern coast of France, off the Mediterranean Sea.
It is a natural, undeveloped beach with no urban influence. It is best known for its lengthy dunes as well as its clear turquoise water.
The moving dunes make the landscape constantly change with the wind and tides. The beach is natural and untouched, giving you lots of room to relax and explore.
It stretches for several kilometers, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. Similar to other beaches on this list, it is calm and a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, sea viewing, and camping.
However, with no infrastructure, tourists are expected to bring all they need, down to food and water, as there aren’t cafes and restaurants on-site.
You can drive right up to the beach and park near where you’ll need to walk. It’s just a short stroll from the parking area to the sandy beach.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonisi is on the southwest coast of Crete, Greece. It’s famous for its beautiful pink sand and clear, shallow water, making it a great spot for a relaxing getaway.
You can drive there easily from the nearby town of Elos. The pink sand gets its color from crushed coral and shells mixed with white sand. The shallow water creates a lagoon-like area that’s perfect for wading and swimming.
Elafonissi Beach also has rolling dunes and a small island, which add to its charm. You can swim, sunbathe, and explore the dunes at Elafonissi Beach. The small island is a fun spot to visit.
The shallow water makes it a great place for families with kids because it’s safe and enjoyable.
It’s among the hidden beaches in Europe; however, even though more people are discovering Elafonissi Beach, it’s still relatively peaceful if you visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The beach’s quiet, scenic setting makes for a relaxing experience. Just remember to bring sunscreen, water, and snacks, as few facilities are available.
Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy
Cala Goloritze is a beautiful beach on the eastern coast of Sardinia, Italy, known for its clear waters, white sands, and beautifully arranged rocky cliffs.
The beach is small compared to most on this list, but its incredible view makes up for its size. You can access the beach mainly by hiking or by waterways.
There are no roads leading directly to the beach, making the journey an adventure. The hike to the beach itself offers great views and adds to the overall experience.
The beach has no shops or restaurants, so you must bring your food, water, and other essentials. It’s all about enjoying the natural beauty and having a more adventurous outdoor experience.
As it is an undeveloped beach, you must plan your visit carefully. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking, and be prepared for a bit of a trek.
Cala Goloritze is a protected area, so be sure to follow any local rules to help keep the beach beautiful.
Cala Goloritze is a hidden gem that offers a serene and breathtaking beach experience, perfect for those who love nature and are up for a bit of adventure.
Kornati Islands
Finally, let’s talk about the Kornati Islands being among Europe’s best-kept secret beaches. These islands is located in the Adriatic Sea off Croatia’s coast are stunning with their rugged landscapes and clear waters.
You can reach them by boat from the mainland or nearby islands, as they are part of Kornati National Park.
The Kornati Islands offer charm similar to beaches like Santorini, the Seychelles, or the Galapagos Islands.
They’re known for their dramatic scenery, featuring steep limestone cliffs and vibrant blue waters.
Some islands have rough, rocky terrain, while others are more gently sloping. The many small beaches and hidden coves are perfect for swimming, diving, and sailing.
With their clear waters and sheltered bays, the Kornati Islands are popular with boating and sailing enthusiasts.
Many people visit by yacht or sailboat to explore the islands. The waters are great for snorkeling and diving, where you can see lots of marine life and underwater scenery.
Although most of the islands are wild and uninhabited, some have hiking trails with amazing views.
The best way to visit the Kornati Islands is by boat. You can take boat trips from nearby towns like Zadar and Šibenik, offered by various tour companies.
Since the islands are part of a national park, there are rules to help protect the environment.
It’s important to follow these rules to keep the islands beautiful. Facilities are very limited on the islands, so most visitors bring their food, water, and other supplies.
Final Take
The next time you want to take some time off and you find yourself in Europe, do well to visit at least one of these places.
Remember, you can make no mistake booking your reservations in advance. Enjoy!