During the peak of the summer vacation season, beaches at many popular European destinations can become overcrowded, turning your dream vacation into a real nightmare. However, Europe is a vast continent, and there are still plenty of relatively quiet beaches to be found.
Experts from The Independent have compiled a list of the best lesser-known beach destinations in Europe where you can soak up the sun without the crowds.
- Alentejo, Portugal
While everyone else rushes to the crowded beaches of the Algarve resort region, the neighboring Alentejo region to the north remains relatively untouched. Bathed in the same sunlight, Alentejo offers a relaxed atmosphere away from the crowded beaches, featuring designer boutique hotels, scenic hiking trails, and the cozy town of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its picturesque coastline is lined with soft beaches, high cliffs, and charming fishing villages where visitors can enjoy surfing and spot dolphins. - Paxos, Greece
The journey to this secret Greek island might seem challenging, but the effort is more than worth it: Paxos is just an hour’s boat ride from the tourist-packed Corfu, and as a reward for the journey, guests find sleepy beaches and cozy taverns serving freshly caught fish and feta salads. Here, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along chalk cliffs, olive groves, and shimmering bays. - East Coast, Corsica
The chic Mediterranean island of France is full of bustling beach bars, luxury hotels, and billionaire yachts. However, to avoid the pomp and crowds, steer clear of most of the southern coastline, as well as the cities of Bastia and Ajaccio. Instead, head to the underrated wild east, where long sandy stretches are interspersed with sleepy villages. There are few amenities but plenty of laid-back charm. - Asinara, Italy
Once a high-security prison island, Asinara, off the northern coast of Sardinia, is now a national park with stunningly clear waters and untouched beaches. Visitors can explore the island’s history, discover its natural beauty, and enjoy the pristine coastline without the usual crowds. - Bozburun Peninsula, Turkey
This sleepy spot, located just an hour’s drive from the built-up Marmaris, features green peaks descending into turquoise bays, and narrow winding roads clinging to cliffs, filtering the crowds for you. Private stone-faced holiday villas with views of rocky summits and a sea dotted with boats, along with private pools and abundant sunshine, are offered at relatively reasonable prices. - Aude, France
While summer prices in the beach towns of Provence and the French Riviera are sky-high, and tourists pack in like sardines, the Aude department west of the famous Riviera is comparatively quiet. Although not all of its beaches are equipped for swimming, the towns of Bages, Lagrasse, and Gruissan, as well as the UNESCO-listed fortified city of Carcassonne, are worth visiting. The area is also home to wild shrubs and postcard-perfect vineyards. - CÃes Islands, Spain
How determined are you to get off the beaten path? On this wild Galician archipelago, located just a 40-minute ferry ride from the mainland (departing from Vigo or Cangas on the country’s northwestern coast), there are no hotels. Instead, if you want to fully experience its untouched beaches, blue bays, and truly peaceful atmosphere—with visitor numbers limited to just 1,800 per day—you’ll need to be ready to register at the only available campsite. Here, you’ll wake up in an almost deserted landscape, enjoying invigorating sunrises in the cool waters and watching protected seabirds. - Costa Verde, Sardinia
Surprisingly, despite its stunning beaches, Costa Verde, on Sardinia’s western edge, is not very crowded. Sandy dunes with a rugged approach to the sea, surrounded by forests and dotted with farmhouses and old mines, faintly resemble resorts.
We previously wrote about the best European beaches where a vacation is most affordable.
