Europe's Secret Beaches: 12 Quiet Coves Worth the Journey

In July and August, Europe's famous beaches can feel like sardine tins. But tucked between cliffs, at the end of rough tracks or reachable only by boat, there are still coves where you can hear the waves. These twelve "secret" beaches – some well known to locals, few on the tourist trail – are worth the extra effort. Respect them: take your rubbish home and leave them as you found them.

Spain and Portugal

1. Cala Varques, Mallorca

A turquoise cove on Mallorca's east coast reached by a 20-minute walk through pine woods, with sea caves nearby. See more in our guide to Mallorca's best beaches.

After a dusty walk through farmland and pines, you reach a cove of pale sand and glassy turquoise water with no buildings in sight. Bring everything you need – there's nothing here.

2. Playa de Gulpiyuri, Asturias

An inland beach in a meadow, connected to the sea by an underground tunnel – the tide rises and falls in a field.

A tiny beach in a green meadow, 100 metres from the sea, with waves rushing in through a hidden tunnel in the rock – it feels like a secret. Come at high tide, when there's water in the pool.

3. Praia da Ursa, Portugal

Near Cabo da Roca, Europe's westernmost point, a steep path leads to a wild beach of dramatic sea stacks. Not for swimming in rough seas.

A steep, rough path winds down the cliff to a wild beach guarded by giant rock towers, with Atlantic waves crashing on the sand. It's spectacular but not for swimming in rough seas – and the climb back up is hard.

Italy and Malta

4. Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia

A white-pebble cove with a limestone pinnacle, reached by a hiking trail or by boat. Visitor numbers are limited in summer – check booking rules.

A hike through the macchia leads to a white-pebble cove with water so clear it looks like air, beneath a limestone spire. Access is limited and you need to book – go early.

5. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa

Often rated one of the world's best beaches, with clear water and nesting turtles; access is managed to protect wildlife.

The water is so clear and shallow that boats seem to float on air, and the white sand is protected for turtles. Access is limited in summer – book in advance.

6. Għajn Tuffieħa, Malta

A red-sand bay below cliffs, reached by steps from the road. See our Malta guide.

Down a long staircase, the red-gold sand curves beneath green cliffs, and at sunset the whole bay glows.

Greece and Croatia

7. Seitan Limania, Crete

A tiny cove at the end of a narrow gorge on the Akrotiri peninsula near Chania – a short but steep scramble.

A tiny beach at the end of a narrow, zig-zagging fjord of rock – the climb down is steep and rocky, but the turquoise water is worth it.

8. Fteri, Kefalonia

A turquoise bay reached by boat or a hike, near Myrtos – quieter than its famous neighbour.

White pebbles, cliffs and water of an unreal turquoise, reached by boat or a hot hike – bring shade and water.

9. Stiniva, Vis, Croatia

A pebble beach enclosed by cliffs with a narrow opening to the sea – reached by boat or a steep path.

Two great cliffs almost close around a small pebble beach, leaving only a narrow opening to the sea – arriving by boat through the gap is breathtaking.

10. Pasjača, near Dubrovnik

A dramatic beach below cliffs at Konavle, reached by a path carved into the rock. See our Dubrovnik guide.

Hundreds of steps lead down a cliff to a beach of white pebbles and deep blue water, sheltered beneath the rock walls.

Turkey

11. Kabak Bay, near Fethiye

A green valley ending at a pebble beach, with eco-camps and yoga retreats, reached by a steep road or the Lycian Way. See our Fethiye guide.

Pine-covered cliffs surround a quiet bay with simple bungalows and yoga platforms – the road down is steep, but the peace is complete.

12. Cleopatra's Beach, Sedir Island

Off Marmaris, an island beach of fine, pale sand – famously said to have been brought from Egypt for Cleopatra. Access is controlled to protect the sand.

The sand is so fine and white it feels like flour under your feet – it's protected, so you can't take any away, and you must shower before stepping on it.

Tips

• Wear good shoes for paths and rocky entries.
• Bring water, food and shade – there are rarely facilities.
• Check access rules: some beaches limit visitors in summer.
• Leave no trace: take everything home.