School’s out and the holidays are here! If you’re still planning your trip to Europe, why not check out one of these secret beaches that offers a great respite away from the city? From tiny inland beaches to a beach full of popcorn, we promise it’ll be worth it.
I used to think that trips to the beach were too much of a hassle. I just was never too fond of being sandy and wet the whole day, and the thought of being in the sun the whole day just didn’t seem too fun to me. But all this changed when I spent a few months in Hawaii and lived right by the beach, and now I can’t wait to go on my next beach-hopping adventure somewhere else in the world.
Most people don’t normally associate a holiday in Europe with the beach, but I’ve come to find that there are plenty of secret beaches around that offer some spectacular and unique views that you can’t get anywhere else in the world. Plus, the weather is usually cooler in September so you get to enjoy the sun in its glory without the painful heat that comes along with the summer months. It’ll totally be worth it to add these stops to your travel itinerary and add a touch of some fun in the sun to your European getaway. So here are eight secret beaches that you might not have heard of to add to your next trip to Europe!
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8 Secret Beaches to Check Out in Europe
1. Cala Mariolu, Sardinia, Italy
Image Credits: Sardegna Turismo
Cala Mariolu is a bay in the Gulf of Orosei along the eastern coast of Sardinia. It’s located north of Cala Goloritze and is also known as ‘fleas of snow’ or Ispuligedenie by local Bauneian shepherds because they thought that the tiny white pebbles on the beach look as white and as fine as snow.
It’s known to be one of the best beaches for snorkelling in Sardinia and has some of the clearest waters and beautiful marine life for scuba diving and swimming. If you love the beach but somehow aren’t too big a fan of the scorching sun, you should check this beach out in the afternoon when the limestone rocks surrounding the bay will provide some shade from the heat.
There aren’t accommodations within the vicinity of the beach, but there are plenty of options in Cala Gonone that’s about 14 kilometres away. Cala Mariolu is accessible either by boat or by foot. Ferries depart from Cala Gonone, Arbatax, and Santa Maria Navarrese at frequent intervals, or you could choose to take the hike from Piredda which is about six kilometres long.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Ispuligidenìe, 08040 Baunei NU, Italy
YouTrip’s Secret Beaches in Europe You Might Not Have Heard Of: Check out more information about Cala Mariolu here
2. Pasjaca, Popovići, Croatia
Image credits: VIP Holiday
Voted Croatia’s most beautiful beach in 2019, Pasjaca Beach is a little beach hidden at the foot of the Konavle Cliff and faces the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. It spans over about 80m and is known for its beautiful clear waters and clean and fine sand.
The best time to visit Pasjaca beach is in the morning or the early afternoon but beware of the sweltering heat, especially in the peak of summer between July and August. There isn’t much respite from the heat so it’s important to bring lots of sunscreen and water to stay hydrated while you’re having fun in the sun.
It is about 29km away from Dubrovnik and 12km away from Cavtat. Unfortunately, there aren’t public transport routes that will take you there, so taking a taxi or driving there is ideal. Free parking is available at the beach.
Note: It might be hard to get cellphone reception at the beach, so make arrangements for pick-up before hiking down!
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 20215, Popovići, Croatia
YouTrip’s Secret Beaches in Europe You Might Not Have Heard Of: Check out more information about Pasjaca Beach here
3. Balos Beach, Crete, Greece
Image credits: Routinely Nomadic
Balos Beach is one of the most photo-worthy beaches in the whole of Crete. It is located approximately 56km northwest of Chania and 17km away from Kissamos.
It’s known for its turquoise waters, fine white sand, and untouched beauty. Plus, the layout of the beach and the waters are pretty unique as compared to the other beaches. There are shallow lagoons that are safe for the little ones to waddle in, and deeper waters beyond the rocks that are ideal for snorkelling. The lagoon is home to rare species of plants and a whole range of different wildlife.
You can get to the beach via ferries from Kissamos, or choose to take a drive or a short hike from Kaliviani.
Besides the beach, there are also plenty of other sights to visit in the vicinity. The Saint George’s Chapel in Tigani is a popular spot to visit, and there are caverns in the area that have a great history dating back to the 1800s. For all you ancient mythology buffs, another place to check out is the small Roman town of Agnio with a temple for Apollo — known as the god of sun and light — located in Cape Korykon.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Kaliviani Kissamou, Chania, 734 00, Crete, Greece
YouTrip’s Secret Beaches in Europe You Might Not Have Heard Of: Check out more information about Balos Beach here
4. Plage de Saleccia, Corsica, France
Image credits: Le Long Weekend
One of the most untouched beaches in France and possibly the Mediterranean Sea is Saleccia Beach in Corsica, France, spanning just over one kilometre in length.
Ironically, during the French Resistance in World War II, the isolated shores of Saleccia made it the ideal landing spot for submarines that supplied food and other necessities to the fighters in battle.
Saleccia is easily accessible via taxi boats or ferries that depart from the port at Saint-Florent. The ferries usually run hourly during off-peak months, and half-hourly during the peak months of July and August.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can also consider going on a 4×4 tour at Saleccia Off Road, which will take you literally off the beaten track, through the Agriates Desert to get to this secret paradise.
Note: There’s also Loto Beach in the vicinity that’s about an hour and fifteen minutes away!
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Santo Pietro Di Tenda, 20246 Santo-Pietro-di-Tenda, Corsica France
YouTrip’s Secret Beaches in Europe You Might Not Have Heard Of: Check out more information about Plage de Saleccia here
5. Praia da Adraga, Sintra, Portugal
Image credits: Beach Searcher
Praia de Adraga is a beautiful gorge in the valley of cliffs and volcanic rocks that faces the Atlantic Sea and was voted one of the top 20 European Beaches by the Sunday Times.
Lying in the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, it is considered a protected area and is left relatively untouched, but there is a seafood restaurant and toilet facilities in the area just in case you need a quick bite or somewhere to wash up after all that fun in the sun.
Praia da Adraga is only accessible by car and is about 35 minutes away from the city of Lisbon. But if you’re looking for a short adventure, there are two trails that branch out from the beach that will take you along the beautiful coastline and atop the cliffs.
The northern route leads you to Praia Grande, a beach town that’s about one kilometre away leading to a popular surfing spot and dinosaur footprints. Yes. Dinosaur. The southern route is slightly more challenging but you’ll get what you work for with a spectacular view of Praia do Cavalo and a huge sinkhole. It eventually leads you to the Miradouro da Praia do Caneiro viewpoint with views that are out of this world. At the end of this route lies Praia da Ursa, a secluded beach that offers greater privacy and pristine waters.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Casa da Adraga Rua da Praia da Adraga, Almocageme 2705-060 Portugal
YouTrip’s Secret Beaches in Europe You Might Not Have Heard Of: Check out more information about Praia da Adraga here
6. Butterfly Valley, Fethiye, Turkey
Image credits: Travel Atelier
Butterfly Valley is a nature reserve that’s located on the Gulf of Belceiz near Oludeniz and it’s named after the approximately 105 species of butterflies that call the valley home. It’s surrounded by lush vegetation and a golden sandy beach that I’d imagine would come close to the perfect summer paradise.
Besides lounging around on the beach, there’s plenty to do and see like visiting the waterfall, grabbing a bite at the cafe, and going scuba diving and snorkelling. There’s even a cave near the waterfalls where you can go look for beautiful butterflies. Unfortunately, the little creatures aren’t the biggest fans of large humans so you shouldn’t expect to be swarmed by a whole bunch of them, but there are a few fluttering around that would be interesting to spot.
The three ways to get to the valley include the shuttle boat that runs from Oludeniz, the Butterfly Valley Boat Cruise that offers packages to the gorge and other nearby islands, or by through a hike that starts from the small village of Faralya that’s tucked away in the mountainside. Do note that the hike can be quite treacherous so do your research before embarking on your adventure!
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Fethiye, Muğla Province, Turkey
YouTrip’s Secret Beaches in Europe You Might Not Have Heard Of: Check out more information about Butterfly Valley Beach here
7. Playa de Gulpiyuri, Asturias, Spain
Image credits: Turismo Asturias
If you’ve never heard of a natural inland beach, Playa de Gulpiyuri is a place you should check out. It’s known to be the world’s shortest beach at about 40m long and is made from a flooded sinkhole that was created as a result of the roof of a cave giving way. Water flows in from the Cantabrian Sea through underground caves that span about 100m thick.
Identified as a national monument, getting to this beach is a feat in itself. It’s nestled between the towns of Llanes and Ribadesella and is hidden by steep cliffs and greenery. The beach is accessible by car and is about 20 minutes away from Ribadesella.
The beach lies along the Cantabrian Coast which is also where the Pria blowholes are. These geysers are quite the spectacle and you can experience the sea in all its majestic glory throughout the day.
Be sure to go when the tides are low, otherwise, the sand can be almost completely submerged during high tides.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Gulpiyuri33594, Asturias, Spain
YouTrip’s Secret Beaches in Europe You Might Not Have Heard Of: Check out more information about Playa de Gulpiyuri here
8. Playa El Mejillón (Popcorn Beach), Fuerteventura
Image credits: Ferry Hopper
Near the small town of Corralejo in the Canary Islands is Popcorn Beach, named after tiny pieces of ‘popcorn’ that litter the coastline, looking exactly like what you’d get at the movies.
The ‘popcorn’ is actually calcareous algae fossils called Rhodoliths, swept onto the shore after they die. Each of these little pieces are formed over decades after being swept back and forth by the ocean. These organisms are pink and violet in appearance while they’re alive on the sea bed, but become duller white and grey after they die and are swept to shore. And just in case you’re wondering if the ‘popcorn’ is as tasty as it looks, well, it isn’t.
It’s located on the northern coast of Fuerteventura and is an hour’s hike away from Corralejo. Alternatively, you can drive to the beach. The closest towns are about a 40-minute drive away, but the small cafe on the beach has snacks and water so you don’t have to worry too much about your meals.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Playa del Bajo de la Burra, 35660, Las Palmas, Spain
YouTrip’s Secret Beaches in Europe You Might Not Have Heard Of: Check out more information about Popcorn Beach here
Discover The Sunny Side Of Europe This September!
Go explore the sun, sand, and sea at these hidden beach getaways that aren’t the usual Bali or Maldives, we promise you won’t regret it! And while you’re planning your next trip, be sure to get your hands on a YouTrip card and check out the great perks that come with it. Right from the get-go, use your card for savings and cashback on flights, accommodations, and even while you’re packing for your trip. And now, if you get your travel insurance from HL Assurance, enjoy up to 65% in savings when you use your YouTrip card to make payments.
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