Whether it be well-documented protests or you’re ahead of the game letting AI tell you where to go, it seems so-called “hidden gems” are becoming harder and harder to come by?
I remember a few years ago I stumbled upon Lake Ohrid as a last-minute throw-in while I was traversing Albania when it was still off-radar, and 3 years later here we are talking about how it’s become one of the Med’s trendiest countries.
If you’re struggling to decide if you should brave the mainstays of Spain, Greek island-hop, or try to find a blissful Italian hideaway, HomeToGo just released an insightful report revealing some of the best kept secret beach destinations in Europe that will surely give you the inspiration you need to finalize that epic trip you’ve been dreaming about.
We at Travel Off Path have reviewed them all with a fine-toothed comb and conclude these 3 hush-hush hideaways are your best bet to avoid unsightly crowds and discover the beachside bliss you’ve been craving.
3) Beaumaris, UK 🇬🇧
Oftentimes, the UK is overlooked beyond the architectural marvels and dark-lit pubs of London. It certainly doesn’t come to mind nearly as much as the beaming blue-water paradises throughout the rest of Europe, and the UK’s drab grey-skied reputation isn’t the best selling point either.
However, the UK has more sun than is represented, whether it be the verdant green cliffside of Scotland or even the lesser-known coastline in Wales, which is where HomeToGo swears by this summer.
Beaumaris is where rich history meets scenic shores on the island of Anglesey (yes, the UK has a secret island!)
Home to stunning 13th-century Beaumaris Castle and if you time your trip right, you can skip Iceland since Play Air pulled all U.S. flights and take advantage of bucket-list puffin tours through July.
Beaumaris Beach is the most accessible beach with plentiful parking, offering rows of pastel houses, a long-stretching pier to absorb the seaside views, and numerous cozy cafes and eateries dotting the area, such as The Midland Tapas and Wine Bar.
Beaumaris scored big across the board on HomeToGo’s categories of Scenic Setting and Accommodation Cost, and sees consistent sunny days in the mid-60s through August.
2) Valdoviño, Spain 🇪🇸
Spain is hot in more ways than one this year, whether it be the sweltering heat, raging “Karens” leading overtourism protests, or simply the never-ending popularity of this European icon.
Valdeviño is undoubtedly an exception to overtourism as it’s off-path mainly from the masses, lying in Galicia with the closest notable name being A Coruña.
Needless to say, if there are any crowds here, it’s locals in the know rather than the fist-pumping Australians like you’d find in Ibiza.
Valdeviño is known for its wild Atlantic waters, which is why you’ll see hordes of surfers speckling the coast.
This paradisal hideaway is a haven for nature too, especially wildlife in the protected area of the A Frouxeira lagoon (Laguna de Valdoviño) near the beach, one of many reasons why Valdeviño scored an almost-perfect rating for Scenic Setting.
Though it did score a perfect rating for the category of Under-The-Radar, so you don’t have to worry about being squirted with a water gun like the odd protests in Barcelona taking over headlines.
1) Nafplio, Greece 🇬🇷
Looking for a bit of romance this summer season?
Look no further than Nafplio, an underrated coastal town gleaming with world wonders and deep blue seas.
We covered Nafplio last winter as one of Greece’s newfound digital nomad hotspots, but HomeToGo believes it can handle extra vacationers this summer, even if you don’t pack your laptop.
Unlike Santorini, which always draws a crowd, you wander the small townscape freely, which beholds a treasure trove of timeless gems, in particularly Old Town.
Off-coast, you won’t be able to miss Bourtzi Castle. Tickets are only $5 for entry. Then there’s the oldest part of the city, Akronafplia, offering sweeping coastal views and remnants of the past with astounding fortifications left behind.
Prepare for the blistering summer sun as Nafplio earned a perfect Heat Score, but the payoff is super cheap stays as it scored nearly a perfect ranking for Accommodation Cost, many of which are located beachside, whether you prefer a vacation rental or hotel room.
According to local experts at Visit Greece, you shouldn’t skip these 4 stunning Nafplio beaches:
- Karathona*
- Kondyli*
- Tolo*
- Arvanitia
*These beaches are Blue Flag-certified
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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