August 28, 2025, 8:33 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Summer, sun, sand–Europe boasts numerous popular beaches worth visiting. Who doesn’t dream of relaxing on a deserted beach, letting their soul unwind and succumbing to the sound of the sea? However, reality often looks different: crowded beaches and lots of hustle and bustle. Yet, there are still beaches that are beautiful and relatively unknown. “Time Out” has named the eight most beautiful secret beaches in Europe. TRAVELBOOK takes a closer look at the winning beach.
A ranking by the British magazine “Time Out” highlights Europe’s most underrated and hidden beaches. Destination experts focused on selecting beaches that are primarily undiscovered, peaceful, and possess a special charm. So, if you want to escape the tourist rush and are tired of crowded beaches, here are new ideas for your bucket list for your next beach vacation.
TRAVELBOOK lists the top eight beaches that made it into the ranking and takes a closer look at Europe’s most underrated beach. Which German beach also made it to fourth place might surprise some.
1st Place: Zavala, Croatia
Crystal-clear water, untouched coves, and Mediterranean vegetation with vineyards and olive groves–Zavala is a true paradise for nature lovers. The picturesque fishing village is located in the south of the beautiful island of Hvar in Croatia and is accessible via a tunnel from the north. The fine-pebble beach offers quiet and secluded swimming spots away from mass tourism. The village is also characterized by romantic alleys and traditional stone buildings.
It also serves as a good starting point for further excursions to nearby islands, such as Šćedro. From Zavala, you even have spectacular views of these islands. The practically uninhabited island is considered one of the best swimming spots in Croatia.
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German Beach in 4th Place
One beach in Germany also made it into the ranking: Kniepsand on Amrum. It stretches across the entire island and is considered more of a sandbank, with a width of up to 1.5 kilometers. However, the tide rarely reaches far enough to flood it. Behind the beach are dunes with grass, and in front lies the North Sea. There’s hardly any hustle and bustle here–except for the seagulls. Beach chairs offer protection from the fresh breeze, nudist zones are designated, and the constant wind provides ideal conditions for windsurfers.
The Complete Ranking of Europe’s Most Underrated Beaches
- Zavala, Croatia
- Skrinkle Haven, Wales
- Gulpiyuri, Spain
- Amrum, Germany
- Filikuri, Albania
- Djúpalónssandur, Iceland
- Katafygi, Greece
- Notre Dame, Porquerolles, France