Skip the Amalfi Coast — These Secret European Beaches Are Worth the Detour

If you’re the type of traveler who prefers immersing yourself in nature without the crowds, you’ll want to go beyond the famous coastlines in Europe, like the Costa del Sol in Spain, the French Riviera, and Italy‘s Amalfi Coast. They may be iconic, but their beaches are often jam-packed with sunbathers. While they can certainly be worth visiting, some of my favorite beaches in Europe tend to be stretches that I’ve accidentally stumbled upon, or was fortunate enough to be let in on the “secret” by a local. 

There are plenty of hidden beaches in Europe that haven’t landed on nearly everyone’s bucket travel list, making for a more tranquil experience. From dramatic golden sands lapped by the Atlantic to remote spans along the Mediterranean, these secret beaches may not be lined with sprawling high-rise resorts or offer renowned beach clubs, but that’s the point for those craving solitude and raw, natural beauty. 

Located in Crete‘s Sitia region, a remote and peaceful destination, far removed from the mass tourism found on the island’s western side, Xerokambos requires navigating a dizzying, narrow road, but it’s well worth the effort to enjoy its unspoiled beauty. The crystal-clear, shallow turquoise water is ideal for swimming or snorkeling, while the chalk-white sands provide a perfect spot for relaxation without the crowds.

While it can be reached by car, the most memorable and adventurous way to visit is to hike the rugged Xerokambos/Ziros Gorge. It takes about two hours and ends right at the beach. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to bring your own supplies, including food and water, as there are limited amenities in the immediate area. 

Zakynthos is famous for “Shipwreck Beach,” but it’s not a destination where you can spend the day, and can only be accessed by boat. That said, the island is home to many other beautiful stretches, like Old Alykanas. Part of a long, sandy stretch that connects to the main Alykanas Beach, it offers a much quieter, less developed area away from the main tourist strip.

My favorite way to enjoy it is to have lunch at the Shoestring Bar. Not only is the food and drink fantastic here, but there’s a staircase from the outdoor patio leading straight to the beach with its soft sands and calm azure waters. It’s the perfect spot for swimming and unwinding under the Mediterranean sun.

Located along the Albanian Riviera just south of Himara, Filikuri is nestled between steep coastal cliffs, hidden from most viewpoints along the roadway. With access a bit challenging due to the steep but short descent, it tends to keep the crowds away, while ideal for those seeking a wild, practically untouched setting. The cliffs create an amphitheater-like setting that blocks wind and noise, while the water, with its intense blue shade, is remarkably clear, so much so that fish can often be seen without putting on a snorkeling mask. 

There are many beautiful beaches in Sardinia, including stretches that are much less-known as compared to the tourist hotspots. Cala Murtas has an especially unique aesthetic appeal, made up of a mix of golden sands and tiny pebbles, backed by lush greenery, while stretching for 3.7 miles. There’s enough room for everyone to toss down their beach towels and relax, even during the peak of summer.

The cobalt water is crystal-clear and ideal for swimming, although best for those who are a bit more experienced, as it’s deep immediately after stepping offshore and there are no lifeguards on duty.

When it comes to beach getaways in Spain, many head to the busy Costa del Sol, but for a much more tranquil escape, consider heading to Asturias. Located in the northwest region of the country, its beaches offer practically untouched golden sands, including San Antolin, a three-quarter-mile span with dramatic rock formations and spectacular views of the Picos de Europa Mountains.

Located at the mouth of the Cabras and Bedon estuaries, it’s ideal for sunbathing, traditional surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, and coastal walks. Up above on the cliffs, the coastal path offers panoramic views of the sea and the mountains. Visitors can also discover the ruins of a Romanesque monastery just a short stroll from the beach.

Located northeast of Bilbao on the Biscay coast, Laga Beach is one of the most breathtaking stretches in the region. A secluded golden sand beach in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, it measures over a third of a mile in length, reaching nearly 800 feet in width while surrounded by dunes and mountains. Many come to surf, with surfing lessons available through Laga Surf Camp. There’s also calm water for swimming and a beachfront bar/restaurant. If you’re up for a hike, a trek up to the Mount Ogono cliffs provides stunning panoramic views of the coast. 

Nestled along the Pembrokeshire Coast in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, on a peninsula that forms the southwestern tip of Wales, Marloes Sands offers about a mile of golden sands, backed by dramatic cliffs. It’s surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in the region, but with access requiring a half-mile walk, it’s rare to encounter any crowds. It’s a place for tranquil strolls while soaking up the views, and watching for the local wildlife, including seals that like to bask in the sun on the rocks just offshore.

Visit in September and October to take advantage of the guided walks that will bring you to see the seal pups through the National Trust on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Anytime of the year, keep an eye out for the porpoises that often swim by.

The island of Korcula is best known for its medieval walled Old Town, but there are also some picturesque beaches for relaxing, swimming, and other activities. Most are made up of pebbles, but Pupnatska Luka, on the south side of the island below the village of Pupnat, is often noted as one of the prettiest in all of Croatia. Tucked into a cove and lapped by crystal-clear turquoise water while backed by pine trees for shade, it offers a tranquil setting while being a vision to behold.

The gently sloping shore makes it ideal for swimming, and there are umbrellas and beach chairs available for rent when you want to just unwind and enjoy the scenery. You’ll also find two waterfront eateries for dining with a view. 

One of the lushest of the Croatian Islands, Mljet is largely undeveloped, providing an oasis from the summer crowds in popular Dubrovnik. Mljet Island National Park covers nearly a third of the island. Densely forested, it’s home to two interconnected saltwater lakes in shades that range from brilliant aquamarine to deep turquoise.

The “secret” beaches along their shores are unnamed—small and sandy, they’re perfect for sunbathing while the water itself is typically a few degrees warmer than the open sea and ideal for swimming. 

Inisheer Island, the smallest of the Aran Islands located off the west coast of the Emerald Isle, feels as if it’s a step back in time. It’s like “old world” Ireland, with the locals speaking Irish Gaelic as their first language, although English is spoken to visitors. When you step off the ferry onto the pier, you’ll be greeted with a long postcard-perfect beach that looks as if it were stolen from the Caribbean, with white powdery sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. 

The beach is also known for its long-term resident dolphin, “Sandy.” Sandy can often be spotted just offshore and swimming in the wake of the ferry. While often seeking human interaction, keep your distance, as she has been known to nip those she’s not fond of. Nigh Ted pub is the perfect spot for a fresh seafood lunch after time at the beach, just a short stroll away. 

One of the biggest draws of visiting the Isle of Hoy in Scotland’s Orkney Islands is the hike to the Old Man of Hoy, a soaring sandstone sea stack just off the coast. The trailhead is located at Rackwick Beach, one of the most remote and awe-inspiring in the region, nestled between high cliffs with ancient rocks strewn about. It’s an ideal place for a picnic before or after a hike, or simply relaxing while surrounded by incredible beauty and watching for wildlife like seals and white-tailed sea eagles. 

Right at the beach, you’ll find a museum housed in a restored 18th-century, turf-roofed croft house featuring displays on the region’s history and rural island life. The adventurous can even take advantage of the free bothy (basic shelter), available to the public for camping on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Calanque d’En-Vau is nestled along a 10-mile stretch of coastline in Calanques National Park between Cassis and Marseille, home to the highest sea cliffs in France and a series of fjord-like inlets that were carved out of the white limestone. Although it’s widely regarded as the park’s most breathtaking beach, with access only by water, a 1.5-hour hike from Port-Miou or the Gardiole parking area, it offers a serene, often uncrowded paradise.

The pebbly shoreline is sandwiched between massive craggy cliffs, while the contrast of the brilliant blue Mediterranean against the white limestone is a stunning vision that makes the effort to get here well worth it. There are no facilities whatsoever, so pack plenty of water and food.

Nestled in a horseshoe bay where the ocean meets a calm river lagoon, Praia de Odeceixe can get busy during the peak of summer, but as it’s a large swathe of sand, it feels less crowded than other beaches in the southern Algarve. Flanked by towering cliffs at the mouth of the river Ribeira de Seixe, which winds behind the sand creating shallow, warmer pools at low tide, Praia de Odeceixe is ideal for families with children and surfers alike.

The kids can splash around, paddle, or swim on the riverside of the strand while the Atlantic swell on the oceanside brings reliable waves for surfers throughout the year. Beachside cafes make it easy to spend an entire day out—stick around until sunset to witness an enchanting glow cast across the river and the ocean.