15 Best Secret Beaches in Europe You Need to Discover

From the Greek islands to the French Riviera and Spain’s Costa Brava, Europe’s renowned beach destinations offer sun and sea paired with historical sites and delicious cuisine. And though some of them are known for attracting jet-setting party crowds, not all are teeming with people.

Across the continent, there are secret beaches near popular destinations where you can create your own adventure. Many European beaches curve around bright Mediterranean waters backdropped by dramatic cliffs. There are troves of soft sand, sea caves, and tucked-away bars to explore.

Here are 15 of Europe’s most beautiful secluded beaches to enjoy the next time you need to escape from it all.

San Giovanni di Sinis, Sardinia, Italy

The north coast of Sardinia is famous for its sugar-sand beaches, which is why everyone heads there. But all of Sardinia's coastline is spectacular — you just have to work a little harder to reach the less obvious beaches. The east coast offers one spectacular cove after the next, but they can be steep and inaccessible. Instead, visit the west coast, where the long, dune-humped Sinis peninsula dangles into the Mediterranean, less than half an hour by car from Oristano. Ending in a natural reserve, one beach melts into the next. The best spot lies just after the village of San Giovanni di Sinis. Located a quick stumble across the dunes from some bar shacks, this gem sits dramatically in the shadow of the ruined Roman citadel of Tharros.

Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is one of Europe's best-loved coastal regions, but while most people flock to the high-rise hotels in the west, the east coast, wedged against the Spanish border, is much quieter. As the name suggests, Ilha de Tavira is an island — or rather, it's a dune-like sandbar floating just off the coast near the pretty town of Tavira. It's accessible only by ferry from town, and the trip takes 10 or 20 minutes, depending on the departure point. The sand is thick, deep, and the color of clotted cream; the gently shelving sea is as calm as a lagoon; and the beach stretches as far as the eye can see. There's not much shade, but you can rent a lounger and rattan parasol.

Sa Riera, Costa Brava, Spain

A croissant of sand snatched from the rocky coastline, Sa Riera doubles as a tiny fishing village and a delectable beach. Sunbathe on either side of the plinth where the fishing boats were dragged up earlier in the morning, go scrambling over the rocks, or enjoy a snorkeling or diving session. The coastline around here is known for shipwrecks, caves, and ancient remains, and at Aiguablava, you'll swim along a seabed littered with Roman amphorae. This is Spain's cultural stretch of coast — medieval Girona and the Dalí Triangle (sites linked to the surrealist painter) are within about an hour's drive.

Psili Ammos, Patmos, Greece

You'll need to follow the hoofprints to Psili Ammos — the donkey that delivers supplies to the beachside café each morning can lead you on the half-hour trek across the rumpled dunes. This is the southwestern tip of Patmos, the holy island in the Dodecanese where St. John reportedly wrote the Book of Revelation while secluded in a cave. These days, it's equally quiet, though unlike the saint, you won't be expected to do any work on this semicircle of cookie-colored sand with steep cliffs rearing up behind. The far end is a nudist beach, but worry not — you'll get no strange looks for being clothed on the rest of it. Take a dip in the shallow waters, sunbathe under the tamarisk trees, and don't forget to buy a beer from the café — that donkey didn't come here for nothing.

Argèles-sur-Mer, Languedoc, France

Wedged between the Mediterranean Sea and Pyrenees mountains on the border with Spain, Argèles-sur-Mer is a gorgeous gumbo of French and Catalan architecture, complete with an imposing, square-blocked castle dating back to the seventh century a couple of miles to the south. But it's the beach that you're here for — almost four miles of soft sand that you'll want to get ankle-deep in. There are sun loungers for rent, but it's just as easy to buy your own chair at the supermarket and haul it across the sand.

Latchi, Polis, Cyprus

Beaches don't get much bigger than this enormous swirl of sand framing the gigantic Polis Bay in Cyprus' unspoiled northwestern tip. And the Mediterranean doesn't get much warmer, either — down here, it feels like stepping into a tepid bath, even in the low-season months like October or April. Outside peak season, you'll pretty much have the entire bay to yourself, with just joggers for company. Bring your own gear and jump right in. For lunch, walk west along the beach, past the marina, to Yialos Beach Grill for some halloumi, souvlaki, lamb chops, and sheftalia sausages flamed over the coal-fired grill.

Cala Saladeta, Ibiza, Spain

On the west coast of the White Isle lies Cala Salada, a little cove backed by thick shrubbery, with a sickle of sand and rock slabs cantilevered over the water to moor boats against or sunbathe on. That's not your goal, though; instead, follow the footpath across the headland to Cala Saladeta, the next cove along, cocooned by low rocks and bushy tree-peppered headland. It's quieter, with a sliver of sand and the odd boat bobbing in the jade water. It's also small, though, so if there are too many people for your liking, take to the flat rocks shelving into the water. Didn't bring snacks? Pop back to the beachside Restaurante Casa Salada for a bite.

Sveti Jakov, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Teeming streets, crowded waterfronts, and selfie sticks everywhere you look — that's the Dubrovnik we all know and love. But just a mile south of town, it's a different world at Sveti Jakov, a calm, pebble-sand beach overlooking peaceful Lokrum island with views of the Old Town's packed harbor in the distance. What's the catch? You'll face a bit of a hike to get there — either a walk or bus ride to the church at the top of a cliff, then 150-plus steps down the rock face to the beach. On the plus side, there's a little restaurant to refresh you once you're there — and the Adriatic to cool off in.

Aretes, Halkidiki, Greece

Halkidiki's three long, sandy "fingers" splaying out into the Aegean Sea are home to some of Greece's best beaches — and that's saying something. Aretes is one of its most laid-back options, though. The wavelike coastline wiggles itself into three distinct bays. The biggest is a wide sandy stretch that's calm but popular; beyond it, a rocky stretch; and last, a small sandy cove that doesn't draw many people. In fact, on a quiet day, it might be all yours. It's perfectly sized for two, with gray-green rocks shearing up behind the tiny inlet. Head back to the restaurant on the main beach when you get peckish.

Fomm ir-Riħ, Mgarr, Malta

There’s a pebble beach in the western part of Malta where the deep blue Mediterranean waters cover one of the country’s best snorkeling sites. Even better, you’ll have the bay mostly to yourself, as this wild spit of land is accessible only by a rough, steep footpath, which you’ll traverse for a good 20 minutes before you reach the beach's secluded scenery. For those who are able, the trek is well worth it to experience this unspoiled refuge.      

Butterfly Valley, Fethiye, Turkey 

No, that isn’t a trick of the light — there really are about 100 different butterfly species living near this beach. Southwest Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is popular for its historical sites and soft, sandy beaches, but this nature reserve is off the beaten path of the Turkish Riviera. Butterfly Valley (known locally as Kelebekler Vadisi) cuts through rugged cliffs and into clear blue waters. Arrive here by boat, either from an ecotour or the shuttle from Belceğiz Beach in the village of Ölüdeniz, the home of a charming blue lagoon.

Pasjača, Popovići, Croatia

Croatia's Southern Dalmatia encompasses a maze of limestone streets, storybook buildings, and local wineries. When you’ve walked (and sipped) it all, you can head about 30 minutes' drive south of Dubrovnik to the hidden beach of Pasjača. Upon arrival, you'll need to travel downward through paths and tunnels carved into the bronze-colored cliffs that border the beach. Swim the aquamarine waters or just enjoy the awe-inspiring views from the shoreline, a mix of sand and pebbles.

Prainha do Caniçal, Madeira, Portugal 

Some of Europe’s nicest beaches are hidden in the untapped treasure trove of Portugal’s Madeira Islands. Yes, Madeira, like the wine, and you can enjoy a glass at the pastel cliffside beach bar that overlooks the black-striped sand of Prainha do Caniçal. Get there early to scope out the perfect place for repose on the soft sand. The brisk, blue-green water washes over the entire arc of sand at high tide, but you can relax in a beach chair or at the restaurant’s café tables on the rock formations hugging this sweet little shoreline.     

Rauðasandur, Látrabjarg, Iceland 

This swirl where red meets blue almost seems mythical, but it’s a real spot hidden deep in Iceland’s West Fjords. Rauðasandur — or "Red Beach”— is known for its titular hue, which stands out among the country’s volcanic black sands, but this marvel is also known to change color under the right conditions. On sunny days, the sand might appear more golden; when it rains, it could be red or white or even classic Icelandic black. As if that magic trick wasn’t enough, Rauðasandur has a permanent place in Icelandic lore as the site of one of the country’s most infamous double murders, which took place in 1802. Don't worry, though: It's just as well known for its tranquility. In fact, you might not see anything on the shore aside from the local fauna. Most tourists stick to the southern coast, but this quieter area on Breiðafjörður bay is perfect for a day spent watching for seabirds, puffins, and harbor seals.

Limeuil, Dordogne, France

Deep inland about two hours east of Bordeaux by car, the Dordogne and Vézère rivers converge at the lovely medieval town of Limeuil. Even more luscious than the honey-hued buildings is the secluded stretch across the river. Pebbly shores and wide, grassy banks shaded by ancient trees stave off any intense summer heat. Wade into the river, look up at the limestone cliffs where early humans lived — this region is the cave-painting capital of Europe — and swim in the slow-flowing water to feel at one with nature.