12 Hidden Beaches in the World To Find Your Own Slice of Paradise

Getting to some of the planet’s most paradisiacal beaches isn’t always easy, but we promise you’ll be well rewarded for your efforts when visiting any of these. From a six-mile stretch in China to wild horses in the US or a hidden spot in Spain, here are some of the world’s most unspoiled coastal locations.

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Playa Cocolito, Costa Rica

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If you’d rather ride horses than watch them, you can climb onto one to reach Playa Cocolito in Costa Rica. This beach on the east coast of the Nicoya Peninsula can also be accessed by taking a hike from Montezuma, which takes at least two hours. As well as a perfect sweep of golden sand lapped by dazzlingly blue water, a highlight here is the cascading El Chorro waterfall.

Cala Goloritzè, Sardinia

Soft white sands and clear, azure waters await at Cala Goloritzè on the Italian island of Sardinia. It can only be accessed via an hour’s hike from Golgo Plateau or by boat, adding to the sense of seclusion. If you want to do more than laze on the sand while gazing at the views, climb needle-like Aguglia di Goloritzé or do some snorkeling to spot colorful fish.

Assateague Island, Maryland

Wild horses might not drag you away from Assateague Island in Maryland – but they are the main draw. Seeing the native creatures splashing around in the surf is simply magical. This spot is also popular for canoeing, kayaking, and camping, and there’s even an annual pony swim held in July.

Vama Veche, Romania

Vama Veche lies just north of the border between Romania and Bulgaria, on the Black Sea. There’s a well-known nudist beach here and a broad, gently curving crescent of sand for sunbathing. The Vama Veche resort also has an offbeat vibe.

Bathsheba Beach, Barbados

Backed by rugged cliffs and dotted with mossy limestone boulders, Bathsheba Beach is a world away from Barbados’s touristy, upmarket side. Don’t take a dip here, as the currents and swells can be perilous, but do fuel up on a fried fish sandwich from one of the local food stalls.

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Ten Miles Silver Beach, China

Ten Miles Silver Beach looks like it belongs on a Pacific Island, but can be found on Hailing Island, in the South China Sea. It’s actually six miles long rather than ten, but there’s still plenty of space for everyone to spread out. Expect a chilled-out spot where you can play volleyball or simply kick back while watching the local fishing boats plying the waters.

Anapai Beach, New Zealand

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Hidden in hikers’ favorite Abel Tasman National Park, Anapai Beach can be reached via a 90-minute walk from Totaranui Beach. At low tide, you can swim in the little pool that forms among the rocks before taking the trek back. Don’t forget your camera so you can photograph Anapai’s unique rock formations.

Playa Terron, Spain

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Spain can surely have no untouched coastal stretches left, but Playa Terron proves otherwise. It’s situated in Galicia, under an hour from Santiago de Compostela. Expect a curve of fine white sands framed by clusters of rock and a scattering of local seafood eateries.

Sandwood Bay, Scotland

It takes some effort to get to Sandwood Bay in Scotland, as you’ll need to take a four-hour trek over boggy ground to reach it. Early summer is the best time weather-wise and for the beautiful wildflower displays. Expect an unspoiled feel, plus local wildlife, including rare bumblebees, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, mountain hares, and otters.

Barreta Island, Portugal

While the Algarve in Portugal is hardly off the tourist radar, the barrier islands of Ria Formosa still need to be discovered. Barreta Island is also known as Ilha Deserta because it has no permanent population and only one building, a seafood restaurant. The island is a birdwatcher’s paradise and home to cranes, oystercatchers, and even flamingos.

Moloka’i, Hawaii

Molokai is one of Hawaii’s least visited islands; therefore, the same goes for the beaches. Year-round sun, the planet’s tallest coastal cliffs, spectacular sunsets, and the fact that the island is only 15 minutes by plane from Honolulu are among the reasons to visit. Head for Kepuhi Beach in the west for some of the archipelago’s finest views, though swimming here is not recommended due to the force of the ocean.

Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

If it’s something different you’re seeking when it comes to hidden beaches, try Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland. The moody, monochrome coastal landscape’s black pebbles, backed by dark cliffs dotted with sea caves, even starred in Game of Thrones. Reynisfjara Beach is located around 110 miles from Reykjavik.