Where to Go for a Crowd-Free Paradise Vacation? Europe's Best "Secret" Beaches Selected

Tired of trampled promenades, beach screens, and fighting for a towel in the sun? This season, luxury isn't five-star resorts, but... peace and quiet. Here are a selection of European beaches you won't find on your friends' Instagrams—and that's a good thing.

While tourists flock to the beaches of Saint Tropez, Malaga, or Saint Ives, some dream of a wild stretch of coastline where you'll barely see a soul. The booking platform Hellotickets has compiled a list of these "secret" gems, where golden sand and the sound of waves are your only company.

On the northern coast of Corsica, hidden in the rugged, almost desert-like landscape of Agriates, lies Playa de Saleccia . Getting there takes a bit of effort—a boat, an off-road vehicle, or a long walk. But the reward is worth it: dazzlingly white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a space unencumbered by screens or neighbors. There are no shops or sangria bars here. Instead, there's something rarer than pan-fried shrimp—silence and space. In a ranking by Hellotickets , Saleccia ranked first among the ten best "hidden" beaches in Europe.

Portugal's Seixal Beach on Madeira also ranked high on the list. While the black volcanic sand might surprise lovers of golden dunes, it's the contrast between the turquoise water and the green cliffs that make the biggest impression. A bonus? Just a few steps separate the beach from trails leading through Laurissilva Forest—an ancient forest listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . After a swim, you can take a shower, rent a kayak, or sip a cool drink at one of the ocean-view bars. Because sometimes even wild beauty needs a little comfort.

Seixal Beach/photo Unsplash Alexandra Darlau

For those who don't want to sacrifice infrastructure but dream of a beach more secluded than Mykonos, Golden Beach on the island of Paros is a great option. While not entirely secluded, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and space. Golden sand, a diving school, and the famous Panderonisi Cave within fin-fin reach—it sounds like a Greek summer without the clichés. And if you're feeling peckish after all that kitesurfing, the surrounding tavernas tempt you with simplicity and flavor you won't find at a hotel buffet.

Top 10 best hidden beaches in Europe:

1. Playa de Saleccia, Corsica, France
2. Playa Gulpiyuri, Asturias, Spain
3. Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal
4. Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia, Italy
5. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
6. Maderia's Seixal Beach, Madeira, Portugal
7. Golden Beach, Paros, Greece
8. Kleopatra Beach, Alanya, Türkiye
9. Ramla Bay, Gozo, Malta
10. Luskentyre Beach, Harris, Scotland

As the Hellotickets report puts it: "Privacy is becoming the true luxury in travel these days." It's hard to disagree, looking at beaches, which are gaining popularity this season precisely because they're... not popular.

Instead of another holiday cliché, maybe this year it's worth opting for something less obvious? Europe still has plenty of secrets— you just need to get off the beaten path.