With the summer holiday season in full swing, many people are looking forward to their upcoming holiday, or may be planning a spontaneous trip away.
A visit to the beach never goes amiss on a summer holiday, but crowded shores with no space to park your towel can ruin the moment. This is why global car rental comparison and booking site DiscoverCars.com has put together a list of the top 10 beaches across different European destinations, shining a spotlight on the continent’s hidden paradises.
In Costa de Caparica, Lisbon is a gorgeous dune-backed sandy beach that has free parking and several nearby cafes and restaurants. This beach stretches for miles and is accessible via a dirt road. Being so close to Lisbon, Praia de Mata is a great choice for travellers staying in the capital who are looking for a day trip.
Car hire prices for a week in August come to £110. Possidi Cape beach in Possidi village, Chalkidiki is a beautiful beach characterised by its crystal-clear waters that surround the white-sand peninsula.
There are no amenities on the beach, but there are small local tavernas nearby that serve fresh seafood, making up for the lack of facilities. Car hire prices for a week in August come to £159.
Nestled between the dramatic cliffsides of Gjipe Canyon is Gjipe beach, a hidden beach along the Albanian Riviera located between Himare and Dhermi. To get down to this pebble beach and explore the turquoise-blue waters, visitors may have to hike down a rocky canyon road which can take about 30 minutes.
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Parking is 2.5km away from the beach, and there are no amenities except for a few kiosks available during peak summer season. Car hire prices for a week in August come to £198.
Located on the island of Gozo is Ramla Bay, a red-sand beach with turquoise-blue waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. This beach has basic amenities like toilets and rubbish bins, and there are umbrellas and sunbeds available to rent.
Car hire prices come to £49 for a week in August, making it an affordable option for travellers. On the coast of Madeira is a stunning pebble beach that boasts crystal-clear waters and incredible natural scenery.
This hidden beach is located near the iconic Christ the King statue, and can be found under Miradouro do Cristo Rei – a breathtaking viewpoint. Visitors can access this beach via a cable car or by walking down a steep path.
Car hire prices for a week in August come to £116. Aleksandrs Buraks, Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com, comments: “Going to the beach is one of the most popular and enjoyable activities on a summer holiday, but finding one that isn’t overrun with crowds and litter can sometimes be tricky.
With many beautiful beaches to discover, they selected 10 hidden gems across Europe that may fly under the radar. If you do plan on visiting any of the beaches in their list, make sure to leave no trace by clearing up any litter before you leave.
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Aleksandrs Buraks notes that it can be a little challenging to access some of the beaches, as a few require a bit of a hike to get to. However, the natural scenery makes up for the time it can take to reach the shoreline.
Whether you’re looking for crystal-clear waters and white sand, or a pebble beach and deep blue waves, their list has it all. Compared to other popular beach destinations, these hidden gems offer a unique and unspoiled experience.
The key to preserving these beaches is to promote responsible tourism and encourage visitors to respect the environment, similar to efforts made in places like the Jamaican Children’s Hospital, which benefits from the Island Challenge.
In terms of car hire prices, the costs vary across different locations, with £49 being the lowest for a week in August in Gozo, and £198 being the highest in Albania.
These prices are subject to change and may depend on various factors, such as the time of year and availability, which is why it’s essential to check the latest rates before booking.
