12 Lesser-known Beaches in Europe You Need to Visit

There are countless beaches in Europe, with millions flocking to hotspots from the Amalfi Coast and the Côte d’Azur to the Turkish Riviera. But why head to the overpriced and overrun when there are plenty of lesser-known beaches that are just as beautiful—whether you’re after a sandy stretch edged by calm turquoise water or something wild and windswept.

Having visited most European countries and their coasts, with a preference for the more peaceful, I’ve discovered some incredible beaches along the way. These are among the most beautiful you’ll find, yet lesser-known, offering a better chance for fun in the sun with a tranquil atmosphere—and, because they aren’t on nearly every travel bucket list, they’re often more affordable too.

If you’re familiar with Slovenia, you probably envision dramatic mountains and fairytale spots like Lake Bled and its castle-topped islet, but the country also boasts a stretch of coastline known as the Slovene Riviera. It’s less than 30 miles long, but it offers spectacular beaches minus the big crowds. Some of the most popular are in and around the town of Piran, but for something more remote and peaceful, head to Moon Bay Beach. It may be the most beautiful of Slovenia’s beaches, tucked between Cape Ronek and Strunjan beneath dramatic cliffs in Strunjan Nature Park. Edged by clear turquoise waters, it’s ideal for swimming or snorkeling. 

Access requires a 60-90 minute hike, which means generally only the more adventurous visit Moon Bay, although the trek is easy with only minimal climbs, suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks or a picnic, as there are no facilities here, and nothing nearby. This is a place to simply immerse yourself in nature.

Kotor is popular for its medieval Old Town with three-mile-long walls that wrap around it and San Giovanni hill, stretching from the port to the fortress. But the bay that it lies along offers many beaches, including Morinj, one of the most beautiful on the Mediterranean coast. The long, narrow strip is only one of a few sandy stretches along the bay and boasts stunning aquamarine water, providing the perfect place for a refreshing dip in the summer. There are no umbrellas and loungers here, so you can just toss down a beach towel and enjoy a magnificent view of the bay and the towering mountains beyond. 

Albania has become increasingly popular, yet not so much that you’ll have to endure overwhelming crowds. While it may not come to mind when thinking about a beach vacation, Ksamil, along the Albanian Riviera, offers beaches so stunning they’re often compared to those in the Maldives, with chalk-white sands and impossibly blue waters. Ksamil Beach is the main beach, and while beautiful, it gets very busy in the summer.

For a less-crowded experience, Guma sits along a peaceful bay with crystal-clear water, yet it’s often overlooked by those heading to the more popular beaches like Aquarium Beach. It has a more secluded, wild vibe and a small, seasonal beach bar serving cold beer and fresh fish.

There are thousands of islands in Estonia and many beautiful sandy beaches. Aegna Island is the only one that’s part of Tallinn and easy to reach by ferry, less than nine miles off the coast, while boasting forests and pristine sands. Suurepaadi is at the north end of the island, ideal for relaxing, swimming, picnicking, grilling (with BBQ facilities), and even exploring history. Nearby is a mysterious stone labyrinth that dates as far back as the 12th century and is believed to have been built by early Swedish settlers.

Spain is famous for its beaches on the Costa del Sol, which are almost always jam-packed during the warmer months, but up north in Asturias, you’ll find stunning stretches of sand with hardly anyone else around. San Antolin Beach (Playa San Antolin), about 15 minutes west of Llanes at the mouth of the Cabras and Bedon estuary, is incredibly photogenic with dramatic cliffs, unspoiled golden sands, and unique rock formations. It stretches for three-quarters of a mile and is a great spot for capturing photos, sunbathing, and surfing. If you’re looking to avoid tan lines, just east is Playa Torimbia, a crescent-shaped, wild beach that’s especially popular among nudists. 

Southern Italy’s beaches are very busy in the summer, drawing international visitors and Italians alike, but Polignano a Mare sees few tourists outside of the country, and if you avoid August, you can usually avoid it without the crowds. Early fall is especially ideal, with the sea staying warm enough for swimming through mid-October. Set atop limestone cliffs in the “heel of Italy’s boot” in the Puglia region, tiny Cala Porto beach is especially lovely with its golden sands and clear turquoise water hidden below. Some of the locals even leap off the cliffs into the sea, which can be fun to watch after exploring the atmospheric cobbled streets. 

Sardinia has become a popular destination for celebrities, especially its Costa Smeralda region, with high-end resorts that have attracted stars like Beyoncé and George Clooney, along with royals like William and Kate. But just a couple of miles from the sleepy village of Chia (less than an hour from the main city of Cagliari), you’ll find Tuerredda. Tucked into a cove between Capo Malfatano and Capo Spartivento, it’s a paradise with strikingly white sands and translucent, electric blue water. As the sea becomes deeper, the color gets even more intense, and right in front of the beach, there’s a small island that you can swim to. As the beach is sheltered from Mistral winds, the sea is nearly always calm. 

While its name may be a mouthful, Île de Ré la Rochelle, an island off the west coast of France, offers magnificent beaches like Saint-Clément des Baleines. It stretches for about two miles from the Phare des Baleines, or Whale Lighthouse, a prominent landmark at the island’s western tip. If you happened to see 1962’s epic war film “The Longest Day,” the beach served as a backdrop for several scenes. Before spending time on the sand, you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of Île de Ré, la Rochelle, and the Atlantic. The beach itself has areas popular with nudists, but as it’s so long, there’s plenty of room for all. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the clear blue waters, taking peaceful strolls, and relaxing on the fine white sands. 

Stretching a mile in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Marloes Sands offers some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery. It sits on a peninsula forming the southwestern tip of Wales, with golden sands backed by dramatic cliffs. It can be reached with a half-mile trek from the nearest parking area and offers views of several islands, including Skokholm. There are often seals that soak up the sun from the rocks just offshore, and be sure to keep an eye out for porpoises that spot by. If you visit in September or October, guided walks are hosted through the National Trust on Wednesdays and Saturdays to see the sea pups. 

Most people discover Racwick when embarking on a hike to the iconic Old Man of Hoy, a towering sandstone sea stack off the coast of the Isle of Hoy in the Orkney Islands. The trailhead leaves from the beach, tucked into a valley between high cliffs with ancient rocks strewn about. You’ll want to spend time here before climbing the trail, where you’ll have a great view from above. This is one of the most remote beaches in the archipelago, and while it’s not your typical sunbathing stretch, the drama of the setting makes it truly unforgettable. Relaxing while taking it all in is the best thing to do, although you might bring a picnic to enjoy with the scenery.

Located in the Dublin suburb of Donabate, Donabate Beach (also known as Balcarrick) is primarily a locals’ beach, in an area that few tourists venture. But it’s worth the short trip from the city, just over 12 miles north. It’s one of the most impressive in the area with soft sands stretching for two miles, providing a fabulous place for a scenic walk with views of Lambay Island, Howth, and the Malahide Estuary. When the tide is out, you can enjoy some great tidepooling, and as the beach has earned Blue Flag designation, that means the water meets high standards of quality, ideal for swimming in the summer. 

If you know anything about Iceland, you’ve probably at least heard about Reynisfjara, or Vik beach, a famous black sand stretch on the country’s southern coast. While it’s obviously not a place to sunbathe, it’s a popular stop for photo ops on bus tours and on nearly every traveler’s itinerary, which means it can get quite busy. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting Djúpalónssandur instead. 

Located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known as a “Iceland in miniature” as it encompasses many of the country’s landscapes within a relatively small area, Djúpalónssandur is a great, less-visited, more secluded alternative. Both are stunning stretches of black sands, dramatic cliffs, and remarkable rock formations, but it’s not only less crowded, it’s home to the remnants of a shipwreck and unique lifting stones once used by fishermen to test their strength. You can even try lifting one yourself, but fair warning, few can manage it.