12 Hidden Beaches in Europe to Avoid the Crowds

While the beaches of Europe are favored by package holidaymakers from all over the continent, some undiscovered gems are to be found. Whether you want to swim, scuba dive among shipwrecks or swoon over the scenery, here are the best spots to dodge the crowds.

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Latchi, Polis, Cyprus

Aerial bird's eye view of Latchi port, Akamas peninsula, Polis Chrysochous, Paphos, Cyprus. The Latsi harbour with boats and yachts, fish restaurants, promenade, beach tourist area and mountains from above. — © f8grapher / Adobe Stock

A generous swathe of sand, warm water, and a nearby beach grill are among the attractions of Latchi Beach. It can be found on the island of love’s northwestern tip and is practically deserted out of season. Even during mid-spring or mid-fall, the water here remains temptingly warm, too.

Kidrak Beach, Turquoise Coast, Turkey

Beautiful Kidrak beach with sandy beach and blue water near Oludeniz town on the coast of Mugla region in Turkey. Travel destination — © samael334 / Adobe Stock

If you’re taking a vacation in Oludeniz and want to escape the crowds, take a 10-minute trip to Kidrak. As there are no amenities, you’ll need to bring your own supplies, not least a source of shade. But the glimmering sea and soft sand are worthy of a side trip.

El Bollullo, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Beach el Bollullo black brown sand and aqua water near Puerto de la Cruz — © lunamarina / Adobe Stock

Tenerife’s natural black sand beaches provide a pleasing contrast to the imported golden sands of the big resorts. You can get to El Bollullo by driving down a narrow lane, and it’s so worth it. Once you arrive, Restaurante Bollullo Beach and a local beach cafe await, as well as crystalline water.

Makris Gialos, Zakynthos, Greece

Head north of Zakynthos Town to get to this clean, secluded cove. Yes, it has sun loungers, but not too many, and they’re not often fully occupied. Rugged cliffs and a rocky headland give this beach an unspoiled feel, and you can grab food and drinks from a nearby taverna.

Sa Riera, Costa Brava, Spain

A world away from the brash Spanish Costas, Sa Reira offers a traditional Spanish fishing village vibe. There’s lots to discover here, too, including caves and shipwrecks. It’s good for scuba divers, sunbathers, and rock scramblers alike.

Sopot, Poland

Poland’s Baltic Coast is pretty much unknown when it comes to beach destinations, yet it’s perfect for swimming if you don’t mind the chill. Sopot is an appealing and affordable resort dating from the 19th century, with a lovely sandy beach. It’s also easy to get there, via a 20-minute train trip from Gdansk.

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Pasjaca Beach, Southern Dalmatia, Croatia

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A set of steep steps will get you to Pasjaca Beach in southern Dalmatia, Croatia. Backed by towering cliffs, the sheltered spot is ideal for swimming. There are no facilities at this little pebble beach, but that also means no crowds.

Ilha da Barreta, The Algarve, Portugal

While you might not expect to find a secret beach on the Algarve in Portugal, you can with Ilha da Barreta in Ria Formosa National Park. It’s only half an hour by boat from Faro. Ilha da Barreta offers six miles of sand, swimming, and birdwatching. You can even see flamingos here, giving it a tropical vibe.

Sveti Jakov, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Sveti Jakov is merely a mile from Dubrovnik, yet is so much more peaceful. Views toward Lokrum Island and a little local restaurant reward you on arrival. The steep staircase and hike or bud ride to reach it puts off many people, meaning it’s pretty much always uncrowded.

Argelès-sur-Mer, Languedoc, France

French and Catalan cultures meet at Argelès-sur-Mer in Languedoc, as the beach is tucked away by the border between France and Spain. The Pyrenees and Mediterranean mountains provide an impressive backdrop, and there’s a castle a couple of miles away, too. With four miles of golden sand, finding a spot to call your own is easy.

Spiaggia Cala Suaraccia, Sardinia, Italy

If you want to find a family-friendly beach that isn’t crowded, Spiaggia Cala Suaraccia in Sardinia ticks all the boxes. It’s got shallow waters and soft, white sand, which are ideal for paddling and playing. The trees behind provide plenty of shade. You can also snorkel, kayak or rent a pedalo boat here.

Rauðasandur, Látrabjarg, Iceland

Iceland isn’t an obvious beach destination, but it boasts some real beauties. What you cannot predict when coming here is what color the sand will appear. The name translates as Red Beach, but in the right lighting, it can also look white, golden, or black. Wildlife lovers might also spot puffins, harbor seals, and other local fauna.