12 Beautiful Hidden Beach Gems to Allure Your European Adventures

14.07.2025.

Your summer adventures on the European coast can last all year long, capturing moments and images of the pretty beaches in Europe. Whether you’re exploring Sicily, Albania, Spanish places or Croatia, let it not be exclusive only for the famous beaches.

Zlatni Rat in Croatia or the Algarve coast might be stunning destinations for your vacations, but let’s search more peaceful places. Let these lovely little bays inspire you to explore the panorama of the Mediterranean vibes in Europe.

With the beautiful small beaches, you’ll wish that your vacations can be longer as you relax with the turquoise colours.  Some of these beaches might become your favourite escape from the summer heat and source of the summer photo inspiration. Join me all across Europe with the collabs from 10 amazing bloggers and let’s still fill up the summer.

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Dubovica, island Hvar, Croatia- contributed by myself

Dubovica is the kind of beach that will make your vacations truly enchanting. What makes island Hvar one of the prettiest in Croatia are its hidden bays and Dubovica is no exception.

Located about 10 km away from Hvar town, you’ll have a deep ascent to enjoy the marvelous oasis of Dubovica. From the main road toward Hvar town, it’s only 5 minutes walking down to the beach. You can rent a scooter, bike, come by bus or join the tour with the water taxi.

Having your vacation base in Hvar town is the best option and this includes Hvar Villa Maris in the center with the sea view or Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel near the pine forest in the city center and breakfast included.

With the crystal clear waters of Dubovica, it’s easy to define the paradise way of life. Going down from the main road, there’s an amazing viewpoint to make stunning photos.

Right on the beach, you can enjoy the small restaurant and a lovely bar on the other side of the beach. A small church at the end of the beach adds to the charm of this gorgeous place.

Uvala Melska, Island Krk, Croatia- contributed by Jill from Jill On Journey

When speaking about beautiful small beaches in Europe, the small Croatian Island Krk, can’t be missing. It offers many small bays and beaches with crystal-clear water.

The coast close to the gorgeous small town Vrbnik, awaits you with several wonderful beaches like this. One of them is Uvala Melska, a small bay with turquoise water framed by soft cliffs that invite you to jump into the sea. The beach can be easily reached by car and there’s a small car park close by where you can park for free. As most typical Croatian beach, Uvala Melska is a pebble beach. But that makes the water so fantastically clear and perfect for snorkeling, watching fish.

As it’s one of the lesser-known beaches it doesn’t get too crowded and you can enjoy a whole day by the calm beach enjoying the sun and the water. Those are simply the best things to do in Krk Island.

A great place to stay is Villa Splendissima, an adults-only villa surrounded by a wonderful garden full of olive trees, a refreshing pool and rooms with balconies overlooking the sea.

Luchica Beach, Montenegro- contributed by Em from Em’s Globetrotting Gems

Luchica Beach is a slice of paradise on Montenegro’s dazzling Adriatic coast. Unlike trendy spots such as Budva, Luchica offers peace, serenity and a taste of local life. This cove with crystal clear water is surrounded by pines, with paths winding through the trees for exploring. Facilities are minimal – two local restaurants and a kiosk selling inflatables – so bring your own snacks and water.

Luchicha is a 20 minute walk from family-friendly Petrovac. The nearest hotel is Hotel Plaza Lucice, only five minutes walk away, making it easy to reach while still secluded. This simple beach offers a refreshing break from the over-tourism that so much of Europe experiences in the summer. 

Favignana Beach, Sicily, Italy- contributed by Coni from Experiencing the Globe

Tucked away on the island of Favignana, off the coast of Western Sicily, Cala Azzurra lives up to its name with crystalline waters glittering in electric blue and turquoise. This sheltered cove is perfect for a day of swimming or snorkeling, and sunbathing on the smooth, pale rocks that frame the beach. It’s best visited in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the crowds thinner.

To get there, take a short ferry from Trapani, then rent a bike (or e-bike) near the port. It’s an easy 15-minute ride across flat, scenic terrain. The beach fits right into the island’s rhythm of slow living, wine roads, coastal flavors and timeless Mediterranean charm. For those staying overnight, Il Baglio sull’Acqua, a beautifully restored countryside villa with sea views, makes a perfect base back in the town’s center.

Aphrodite’s Rock, Cyprus- contributed by Lavina D’Souza from Continent Hop

Aphrodite’s Rock is one of the most famous beaches in Cyprus, thanks to its stunning sunsets that come with a bit of mythology. It is also known as Petra tou Romiou and can be recognised by the sea stacks. Many believe that the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, was born here. It is said that she emerged from the sea foam near these exact rocks that still stand tall. When you are travelling from Limassol to Paphos, take the old B6 route to enjoy the scenic journey before reaching this equally scenic beach. 

This small beach in Europe is perfect for a picnic. There are different trails around where you can go for a quick hike and soak in the photo-perfect natural beauty. And if you are interested in taking a dip in the sea, then here is the interesting part – locals say that if you swim around the rock thrice, you will be blessed with eternal beauty and love by the goddess Aphrodite. 

Here is the Cyprus itinerary to follow to include Aphrodite’s Rock in your trip. The nearby Aphrodite Hills Hotels Resort is a great place to stay when you are visiting this Cyprus beach. 

Shpella e Pëllumbave, Albania- contributed by Ann from The Road is Life

The south of Albania is an increasingly popular European beach destination, with tourism growing every year. The beautiful turquoise beaches of the Albanian Riviera are the star attractions here.

While many tourists are drawn to the coastal towns of Saranda and Ksamil, these beaches can get very crowded in the summer. For those seeking a more peaceful beach experience head over to the hidden gem called Shpella e Pëllumbave.

This secluded little paradise is not far from Saranda and it’s easy to reach by public bus or car. A short but steep hike will take you to a small stretch of beach tucked beneath a dramatic limestone cliff. The beach may not be big but the scenery here will completely take your breath away.

Shpella e Pëllumbave is a dreamy beach to spend a relaxed afternoon floating in the crystal clear water and soaking up the sun. Stay at the lovely Hotel Mano in Saranda for a great location near the town centre and beaches.

Plage des Sablettes, Menton, France- contributed by Inessa Rezanova from Through a Travel Lens

It might seem like this lovely beach on the Mediterranean is overshadowed by more famous spots in the French Riviera. But Plage des Sablettes, in the beautiful city of Menton, is a true gem of the Côte d’Azur. With its fine-grained gravel, palm trees, and the signature blue water of the French Riviera, it’s a great beach for every type of traveler.

It’s perfect for a full day by the sea or can be part of a Menton day trip. Plage des Sablettes is just a few steps from the city’s historic center, placing it right beside the postcard-perfect yellow, red, and orange buildings. The iconic steps leading up to the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange de Menton are also nearby.

Right next to Plage des Sablettes is a charming promenade dotted with quaint cafés and restaurants. Not far from the beach is Hotel Napoleon — its rooms boasting balconies with the iconic sea view. Getting to Plage des Sablettes couldn’t be easier from almost anywhere in the French Riviera, or even from nearby Italy. The Menton Garavan train stop is only a 7-minute walk from the beach.

Calella de Palafrugell, Spain- contributed by Juan from Planet of Adventures

Just about a 90-minute drive from Barcelona is my favourite place in all of Spain. 

The small fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell is located in the Costa Brava (the Rough Coast) where the rugged terrain offers a combination of mountains with beautiful small beaches and coves that are the definition of the ultimate Mediterranean holiday.

If like me you travel low cost, I recommend you to stay at the Camping Moby Dick which is a short stroll from the beach. If you want something a bit more special go for the Hotel Sant Roc which offers some of the best views in town.

The village itself is gorgeous and you will find many typical restaurants to enjoy the best of the Mediterranean cuisine and if you like to wander in nature you will find trails along the coast that will take you to numerous small beaches and you can even hike to the San Sebastian Lighthouse where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets.

Galapinhos Beach, Portugal- contributed by Caitlin from Everything Setubal

Galapinhos Beach (Praia de Galapinhos in Portuguese) is a stunning slice of sand in Arrabida park. To get there, you’ll start from the small city of Setubal. You can hop in an Uber or you can take the bus.

Either mode of transportation will drop you off along the road. From there you’ll have a fairly steep, but short, walk down to the beach. Since it’s a bit of a climb, be mindful of what shoes you’re wearing and how much stuff you’re carrying. 

The good thing about starting up so high is all of the views. The turquoise water stretches out below you and rocky cliffs envelop it on three sides. Galapinhos sits in a sort of protected cove. 

Once you’re on the sand all there is to do is sunbathe and swim. The water is cold, very cold. But if you lay in the Portuguese sun for long enough you’ll be thankful for the reprieve. 

Back in Setubal I recommend spending the night at the comfortable, cozy Baia do Mundo.

Ursa Beach, Portugal- contributed by Marga from Discover Portugal

Ursa Beach might not be the easiest place to get to, but it’s o so worth it! You can reach Praia da Ursa in about one hour from Lisbon by car. Then, it’s another 30 to 40-minute hike down to the beach. It’s raw and wild, so don’t expect any facilities, restaurants, or sunbeds. The views are incredible, though, and the beach itself has stunning rocks. 

Ursa Beach is translated to Bear Beach, and the rock formations are meant to represent a mother bear and her cub. Bring an umbrella and snacks to enjoy a day at the beach. But be cautious while swimming, as there are no lifeguards. Without any facilities, it’s no surprise there isn’t a hotel with this epic view. You can, however, stay nearby and enjoy a view of the Sintra coastline. Stay at Praia Grande, for example, in the 4* Arribas Sintra Hotel. You can even enjoy a coastal hike from the hotel to Ursa Beach.

Berlengas Beach, Portugal- contributed by Jorge from Portugal Things

Berlengas Beach is a hidden gem off Portugal’s Silver Coast, nestled on Berlenga Grande Island. It’s a tiny, beautiful beach with turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. The beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling. The water is chilly, but incredibly refreshing in summer.

To reach Berlengas you need to take a 30-minute boat ride from Peniche. Boats run regularly from spring to early autumn. Once on the island, it’s a short walk from the dock to the beach. You’ll also find hiking trails, sea caves, and an old fortification to explore.

There’s only one place to stay on the island — Forte de São João Baptista. This historic 17th-century fortress offers basic but unforgettable accommodation. It’s not luxurious, but the views and experience are amazing. If you prefer more comfort, stay in Peniche at MH Peniche, a modern hotel near the harbor with great amenities and easy boat access to the island.

Praia Camilo, Lagos, Algarve, Portugal- contributed by Isabella from Boundless Roads

I spent an incredible ten days based in Lagos, exploring its charming old town, golden cliffs, and stunning coastal scenery. One of the highlights was discovering Praia do Camilo, one of the prettiest beaches in the Algarve. Nestled just a few kilometers from downtown, Camilo is easily accessible, either by a scenic boardwalk stroll or by car, with ample parking overlooking the cliffs.

The wooden staircase descending to the soft, golden sands creates a surreal scenery. A stylish restaurant perched above the beach serves everything from fresh seafood to cocktails, open from lunch straight through to dinner, a perfect spot to enjoy a fancy meal or cocktail in spectacular scenery. If you love to explore, continue your walk past the restaurant up toward the nearby lighthouse, then follow the boardwalk and coastal trail for more breathtaking panoramas.

Don’t miss both sunrise and sunset at Camilo, where you’ll find the light magical against the cliffs and sea. There are many beautiful places to stay in Lagos. My top picks are Cascade Wellness Resort, a luxury oceanfront resort with lovely gardens and a spa, or if you prefer a rental, Villas D. Dinis is just the perfect spot, with excellent, large apartments and a communal pool. 

. If you prefer staying in Lagos’ historic center, within walking distance of restaurants and the sea promenade, Santa Cruz BnB is the perfect place, cozy and luxurious.  

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