1. Zlatni rât beach, Bol, Croatia
There are many excellent beaches spread across Croatia’s Adriatic Islands but this is the one to visit. It’s located 2km west of Bol harbor, on the southern coast of the Island of Bra. One of the more unusual Croatia Beaches it’s a beautiful white pebble beach which sticks out into the sea hence why it’s also called The Golden Horn Beach. With the water’s strong current and powerful wind it’s also a great place to go windsurfing. If you just want to relax then make the most of the settings – the beach is surrounded by a lush pine tree grove.
2. Playa de Monsul, Spain
This is a uniquely beautiful beach located in ‘Cabo de Gata-Nijar’ national park in Almeria, Southern Spain. It has a phenomenal landscape, with lava cliffs and a long black sandy beach. Steven Spielberg used the location in one of his Indiana Jones’s films and he even rated it as one of the best Spanish beaches he’s seen! Yes, there will be some curious film fans heading to the beach but you will probably be pleasantly surprised at how quiet and serene this place is.
3. Icmeler, Turkey
Another great place to relax, you won’t find loud intrusive bars and nightclubs here – this is for travellers who aim to relax. It can be found five miles from Marmaris, located on the Datcha peninsula. You can island hop if you want a change on scenery and try some different cafés all of which have menus full of fresh fish. If you want some exercise or want to earn your evening meal then why try try some hiking in the mountains and enjoy the panoramic views.
4. Salema, Vila do Bispo, Portugal
The holiday package favourite Algarve isn’t always known for its peaceful beaches but this fishing village beach is the exception. It’s located on the southwest tip of the Algarve and can be found in the Costa Vincentina national park, Salema between Sagres and Lagos. When you’ve had enough of the beach, check out the picturesque traditional villages that is also here – walking along the narrow cobbled streets will probably make you forget what decade it is. When evening falls try one of the local restaurants to sit down and enjoy the catch of the day.
5. Lalaria Beach, Skiathos, Greece
Yes, it’s only a small island, but there are more than 60 beaches on offer here. The most popular is Koukounaries, but it’s full of tourist so head to Lalaria Beach instead. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot and the main reason for the lack of crowds is that it can only be reached by boat. As for the island, Skiathos, some of the popular film ‘Mamma Mia’ was filmed here and actor Richard Romanus moved to the island in 2001 and even wrote a book (Act III) about his move.
6. Eraclea Minoa, Sicily, Italy
This is a long and attractive beach located in the South West of Sicily. As well as being quiet and unspoilt it’s also flanked by striking white cliffs. When you go up to those cliffs you will see that the clay breaks away – it’s actually a natural facemask. All you need to do is mix water with clay and spread it over your body! You’ll notice many people walking around with the clay spread all over their bodies here which makes for a pretty interesting sight. If you really like the clay (like we did) then break it off and bring some back in your suitcases.
7. Gurteen Beach, Connemara, Ireland
This may seem like an odd choice, but I can’t recommend this place enough to fans of quiet, unspoilt beaches. It’s located in Roundstone, County Galway in the region of Connemara and it’s renowned for its interesting ecological, geological and archaeological features. The sand was formed by the shells of tiny sea creatures (rather than rocks) and the surrounding grasslands are considered rare. Okay you probably won’t get a sun tan but here you can enjoy freshly caught oysters and also taste some of the best Guinness you’ll ever drink.
8. Calvi, Corsica, France
Calvi can be found in the northwest of Corsica and is part of the island’s impressive 600 plus miles of coastline. You get the best of both worlds here – the island’s gorgeous shabby chic style mixed with Italian sunshine. Calvi’s beach offers blanched white sand, clear blue sea and some great diving and snorkelling spots. If you happen to be visiting in June and want to try something a little different then make sure you attend the area’s annual jazz festival (held from 21st June to 26th June 2012). Although of course a peaceful beach experience can’t be guaranteed during this time!
9. Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Another French option is Villefranche-sur-Mer which is one of Côte d’Azur lesser-known beach destinations. The buildings here gorgeous and boast a bold mix of colours. When you arrive at the sandy beach, you’ll that very few tourists find their way to the island, which I personally think is a huge selling point. Although if you do want to go somewhere a little livelier then head to nearby Eze Village or Monaco instead.
10. Riva di Ugento, Puglia, Italy
Puglia is not somewhere that hoards of tourists head to – it’s not a fashionable choice of destination like Sardinia but Puglia is slowly growing in popularity. The resort of Riva di Ugento located here is beautiful and now it is good time to go before more people discover it. You can even camp, making your trip even more special. It’s a pretty unforgettable experience to fall asleep next to the sound of waves crashing against the sea and one that I really recommend.
