The world is filled with some spectacular beaches that in time become wildly popular holiday destinations, and for good reason! From the stretches of warm sand to recline and relax on, to the cool or icy waters that offer some necessary relief from the warm, summer sun. The smell of salt and sunblock fills the air as travellers from far and wide flock to the seaside for a moment of respite.
But often, these beaches become too popular. This can taint the charming experience of connecting with nature where opposing elements meet. That’s why, to celebrate International Bikini Day on 5 July, Expat Explore has hunted down the top hidden beaches in Europe. From places you simply won’t expect a good beach experience to unknown beaches and hidden gems for you to explore!
Related: Check out the top 10 city beaches in Europe!
Discover the top beach destinations and hidden beaches in Europe:
Popcorn Beach, Gran Canaria, Spain
Spain might be home to a host of incredible beaches, but one stands out for its uniqueness and lack of crowds. Popcorn Beach in Gran Canaria, Spain received its interesting name from the calcareous algae that leaves remains that look just like popcorn on the beach. You might be wondering, why is such a unique beach on a list of undiscovered and less crowded beaches?
The answer is simple… This beach offers stunning views and interesting photo opportunities. But the challenge of getting there seems to deter most visitors. If you’re up for at least an hour’s walk and a single, dusty road leading there, the beauty of this beach is yours to behold!
Related: Speaking of delicious snacks, try the top tapas in Spain!
Bear Beach, Portugal
Savour the warm sand and untainted natural beauty of Europe’s Westernmost beach – Praia da Ursa in Portugal. One of its most stunning features is also what makes it so difficult to access. Massive rock stacks can be seen on either side of the beach. One of them is said to resemble a bear holding its cub, giving the beach its name. But thanks to this hurdle, Bear Beach is usually very quiet. This also means that the beach is still quite wild and has retained its natural beauty.
If you plan on taking on the challenge of visiting this stunning hidden beach, there are a few things to note. Firstly, the water is freezing cold and the currents are very strong. Only the brave (and skilled) should take to the waters. Then, since it’s such a hidden gem, it’s become somewhat of an unofficial naturist beach. Keep that in mind if you plan on visiting with family.
Related: Discover even more reasons to visit Portugal!
San Giovanni di Sinis Beach, Italy
While the north coast of Sardinia is a popular vacation destination thanks to its stretching beaches covered in sugary sand, it often draws large crowds wanting to experience a piece of paradise for themselves. However, thanks to the harder work required to reach the lesser-known beaches on the east due to the steep coves that surround and conceal them, that simply means they’re often uncrowded.
You might not expect to find a quiet beach in such a popular vacation destination as Italy, but if you know where to look and are willing to work for it, you can have some time on the Italian sands all to yourself!
Related: Be sure to come back with the top souvenirs from Italy!
Paralia Psili Ammos, Greece
Sometimes, a stunning beach can go unnoticed simply because an equally stunning one is five minutes closer. That’s the case with Paralia Psili Ammos in Greece. Situated five minutes away from the popular Vai beach in Crete and accessible by a footpath, Paralia Psili Ammos has the same fine sands and stunning views as Vai, except for far fewer crowds. You wouldn’t believe how few people make the effort to follow that five-minute footpath to uncrowded paradise!
Related: Explore these five must-see locations in Greece!
Calanque d’En Vau, France
Calanques are small bays or inlets along a coast, and if you’re looking for uncrowded time on the beach, Calanque d’En Vau in France between Marseille and Cassis is just the place! The peace and tranquillity you’ll find here is astonishing! Especially considering how close it is to the country’s second-largest city of Marseille.
The entire area is also a national park, which is partially why the natural beauty has been so authentically preserved. So, be sure to check out the Calanques in France this International Bikini Day, and soak up the French sun in style and serenity!
Related: Learn some essential French travel phrases before your trip.
Kynance Cove, UK
Finding a lovely beach in Britain may already be unexpected to most, as the United Kingdom is not necessarily what one pictures when thinking of a beach holiday. However, hidden away in Cornwall is Kynance Cove, a beach so stunning it was named an Area of Outstanding Beauty. And with its golden sands, crystal-clear waters and surrounding cliffs, it’s no wonder why!
And don’t be mistaken to think it might lack that certain British charm. This hidden gem of a beach looks like something straight out of an ancient drama or fairytale! Be sure to pay this uncrowded beach a visit if you ever find yourself in the Lizard Peninsula.
Related: Get immersed in your own fairytale on one of our UK & Ireland tours!
Sveti Jakov, Croatia
Situated a short distance to the south of bustling, must-visit Dubrovnik is the peaceful and picturesque hidden gem of Sveti Jakov. This pebbled beach overlooks Lokrum island as well as the Old Town visible in the distance. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the teeming Dubrovnik streets.
How is such an idyllic destination not flooded with crowds, you ask? Well, perfection like this comes at a price. If you’d like to visit this uncrowded paradise in Croatia, you’ll first have to walk to a church at the top of a cliff before braving the 150-plus steps down the rock face to the beach. But for an isolated dip in the Adriatic, it might just be worth it!
Related: Explore the 10 best places to visit in Croatia!
Butterfly Valley, Turkey
When you step into Butterfly Valley in Turkey, you might think that your eyes or the light are playing tricks on you. But they’re not – there really exists a hidden gem of a beach in the Muğla Province of Turkey that’s also home to over a hundred species of butterflies in its surroundings. Explore this uncrowded paradise on the Turkish Turquoise Coast, and experience an International Bikini Day like no other.
However, if you’d like to indulge in the soft, sandy beaches and soak up the historical sites around this idyllic beach, take note that it’s only accessible by boat from Ölüdeniz. But if you can manage it, do give this raw natural wonder of the Turkish Riviera a visit!
Related: Experience all of the Highlights of Turkey on tour with Expat Explore!
Now that you have the advantage of knowing where to find some of Europe’s most stunning hidden beaches, all you have to do is pack your towel and umbrella and head to these scenic beaches for a day of sun and sights!
Expat Explore has guided group tours visiting all of the must-see countries on our list! Book a tour to start exploring the world’s most beautiful beaches!