Quiet spots with soft sand, clear water, and almost no people
Many famous beaches get very busy in summer. But if you like quiet places, try one of these hidden beaches. They are a little harder to reach, but the trip is worth it. You will feel like you have the whole beach to yourself!
1. Cala Goloritzé – Sardinia, Italy
What it looks like: A small cove with white stones, bright blue water, and tall cliffs.
Why it’s secret: You must hike or take a boat—no roads lead right to it.
How to get there:
- By foot: Hike from the Golgo Plateau. It takes about 1.5 hours. The path can be rocky.
- By boat: Rent a small boat from Cala Gonone. Boats arrive every day in summer.
What to bring: Water, snacks, sunhat, sturdy shoes.
What to do: Swim in the clear water. Climb some rocks (carefully!). Take photos of the white rock spire.
Best time to go: Morning or late afternoon—fewer people and cooler weather.
2. Praia da Ursa – Sintra, Portugal
What it looks like: Golden sand under tall, red-brown cliffs. Lovely rock shapes in the waves.
Why it’s secret: The steep trail scares away most visitors.
How to get there:
- Trail start: Park near Cabo da Roca lighthouse.
- Trail length: About 1 kilometer down—and 1 kilometer back up! It’s steep.
What to bring: Good walking shoes, water, sun cream, snacks.
What to do: Watch the waves crash on the rocks. Draw in the sand. Enjoy the sunset.
Best time to go: Weekdays—fewer hikers on the trail.
3. Plage de Saleccia – Corsica, France
What it looks like: A long beach of fine, white sand. Pine trees grow close to the shore.
Why it’s secret: Very few roads; most people come by boat or 4×4.
How to get there:
- By boat: From Saint-Florent harbor. Boats run in summer.
- By car: Only with a 4×4 on a rough dirt road (20 km).
What to bring: Picnic, umbrella, beach towel.
What to do: Swim in calm water. Walk among pine trees. Spot wild cows!
Best time to go: Early summer (June) before the busiest season.
4. Egremni Beach – Lefkada, Greece
What it looks like: Bright turquoise sea next to steep, white cliffs. The sand is actually tiny pebbles.
Why it’s secret: The old steps were damaged in an earthquake, so most people come by boat.
How to get there:
- By boat: From Nidri or Vasiliki. Boats run often in summer.
- By foot: A rough path remains, but very steep. Not for young kids.
What to bring: Water, comfortable shoes, sun cream, snacks.
What to do: Swim, float, and relax on the pebbles. Snorkel if you have goggles.
Best time to go: Morning—water is calm and glassy.
5. Kvalvika Beach – Lofoten Islands, Norway
What it looks like: Golden sand nestled between high, rocky cliffs and green hills. Not warm water, but so pretty!
Why it’s secret: You must hike over hills and mountains in cool weather.
How to get there:
- Trail: Start at the small parking area in Fredvang. Hike about 2 hours round-trip.
- Difficulty: Moderate—some steep parts.
What to bring: Warm clothes, rain jacket, water, snacks, good hiking shoes.
What to do: Camp overnight if you like—just be careful with tides. Watch midnight sun in summer!
Best time to go: June to August—days are long and the trail is snow-free.
6. Voutoumi Beach – Antipaxos, Greece
What it looks like: A small bay with smooth white pebbles and crystal-clear water in shades of blue and green.
Why it’s secret: Antipaxos is tiny and has no airport. Boats only run a few times a day.
How to get there:
- By boat: Take a water taxi or tour boat from Paxos (Gaios harbor).
What to bring: Snorkel gear, water, snacks, sunhat.
What to do: Snorkel with small fish. Float on your back. Relax under the sun.
Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon—when tour boats leave.
7. Playa del Silencio – Asturias, Spain
What it looks like: A quiet cove with small, smooth stones instead of sand. Tall green cliffs on both sides.
Why it’s secret: North Spain is less visited by tourists than the south.
How to get there:
- By car: Park in the village of Castañeras and walk down a short path.
What to bring: Shoes for stones, water, snacks, camera.
What to do: Sit and listen to the gentle waves. Take a quiet walk along the shore.
Best time to go: Spring or autumn—so the weather is cool but not too cold.
8. Sveti Ivan Beach – Cres Island, Croatia
What it looks like: White pebble beach with deep blue water and views of other islands. Very peaceful.
Why it’s secret: Cres island has few tourists. No big roads lead here.
How to get there:
- By foot: Hike down from the hilltop town of Lubenice (about 30 minutes).
- By boat: Ferries or private boats can land here.
What to bring: Water, snacks, towel, sun cream.
What to do: Swim in clear water. Read a book on the pebbles. Take a nap under a tree.
Best time to go: June—the island blooms with wildflowers.
9. Calanque d’En-Vau – Cassis, France
What it looks like: A narrow inlet with white limestone walls and bright blue water. Feels like a hidden lagoon.
Why it’s secret: Only reachable by hiking or kayaking through the Calanques National Park.
How to get there:
- By foot: Hike 5–7 km from Cassis center. The path is rocky.
- By kayak: Rent a kayak in Cassis and paddle in.
What to bring: Water, snacks, sturdy shoes or water shoes, sun cream.
What to do: Kayak, cliff-jump (only if safe!), snorkel, and relax on small pebbles.
Best time to go: Late spring or early autumn—less heat and fewer people.
10. Agios Ioannis – Serifos, Greece
What it looks like: A golden-sand beach with tamarisk trees that give soft shade. Hills and rocks frame the bay.
Why it’s secret: Serifos is less famous than other Greek islands. Roads are small.
How to get there:
- By car or scooter: Drive on a small paved road from the main town (Chora).
- By foot: Walk a short trail from Livadi village.
What to bring: Beach towel, snacks, water, sun cream.
What to do: Swim in calm water. Sit under tamarisk trees. Watch local fishing boats.
Best time to go: July and August remain quiet here, even when other islands are busy.
Extra Tips for All Secret Beaches
- Pack Light: Bring only what you need—towel, water, snacks, sun cream, hat.
- Leave No Trace: Carry out all trash. Respect nature.
- Check Weather: Some beaches have rough waves in bad weather.
- Go Early or Late: Avoid the small crowds that do come.
- Wear Good Shoes: Trails can be rocky and uneven.
Why You’ll Love These Beaches
- Quiet & Peaceful: Feel like you have the place to yourself.
- Natural Beauty: Cliffs, clear water, and soft sand or pebbles.
- Adventure: The trip there is part of the fun—hiking, boating, or kayaking.
- Unforgettable Memories: Secret spots make special stories.
Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, take photos, or just sit and listen to the waves, these hidden beaches offer a perfect escape. Next time you visit Europe, try one of these secret paradises—you won’t forget it!
