Your favourite beaches in Europe that aren't full of tourists
But when you get there, it's chaos. Not one sunbed is free, the sand is cluttered with towels, and the air is thick with thumping house music from the crowded beach bar.
Currently, many European holiday hotspots are grappling with overtourism. Barcelona has introduced a new tourist zone while Majorca is placing caps on tour group sizes. Santorini has rolled out a cruise ship levy, and in Zante, tourists are outnumbering locals.
So, to promote sustainable tourism and give you a steer on some roads less travelled, we asked Metro readers – and our staff – to share their favourite European beaches that aren't full of tourists.
First up, Matty Townsend recommends Soorts-Hossegor, on France's southwestern Atlantic Coast.
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Located within La Côte d'Argent, one of the longest uninterrupted stretches of sandy beaches in Europe, its size guarantees a day of sunbathing in peace.
Matty says: 'It's a very chill surf town and not super touristy. They host the free Quicksilver Festival on the beach every September, we went last year and it was great.
'Free live music from bands like Skegss, a beach backdrop and professional surf competitions during the day, what more could you want?'
While you're in France, Matty says Saint-Georges-d'Oléron is also worth a visit. It's the largest commune on the island of Oléron, and has 'hardly anyone there.'
In place of people, Matty says there are dozens of bike trails through forests, as well as beautiful beaches.
Having visited Saint-Georges-d'Oléron in a campervan, Matty says you can drive over a long bridge to get there from La Rochelle. No ferry is needed.
Turkish native Özge Björnesson sings the praises of Cirali and Adrasan. She says both are typically only visited by locals, and are worlds away from the stifling feeling of hotspots such as Antalya and Bodrum.
For somewhere a little closer to home, why not travel 10 minutes from mainland Portsmouth to the UK's best-kept secret?
Metro's Sophie-May Williams has lived on the Isle of Wight for four years, and can confirm that some of the island's 'hidden gem' beaches rival the Caribbean. You can read Sophie's full report and everything she recommends doing here.
Metro's Paul Hardcastle also flies the flag for France. He raves about Marbella beach in Biarritz, which is only accessible by passing through the two large beaches in the centre of town. Because of the extra steps, he says most people don't bother visiting.
Further south in Spain, Metro's Brooke Johnson loves Cadaqués in the Costa Brava region. She describes the beach as surprisingly tourist-free.
Elsewhere, Metro's Ross McCafferty says Cartagena is spectacular. Located in the Murcia region – and around 37 minutes from the 'Garden of Europe' – he says he found stunning little bays and coves that were relatively quiet.
Ross also recommends Cullera, in the province of Valencia. He says: 'Valencia is my favourite city in the world, but their beaches are a bit too busy. However, Cullera is just out of town and is beautiful.'
Metro's Jessica Hamilton recently took a deep-dive into Cartagena, and found it was the sunniest city in Europe.
Jessica writes: 'Cartagena boasts an impressive 283 hours of sun per month, with temperatures averaging 19.1C and reaching a peak of 29C during the summer months of July and August.'
You can read her full report here.
North to Scandinavia now, Metro's Ellie Hutchings says Kastrup in Denmark is a real hidden gem.
Even though it's close to Copenhagen, she says it's not really known by international tourists. During her trip, she visited an 'amazing sea bath you can swim in.'
Ellie also recommends Sampieri in Sicily as an off-the-beaten track summer destination.
Meanwhile, Metro's Rosy Shearman shares her love for Elie Beach near St Andrews in Scotland. She says: 'The massive beach is home to the world's only cricket club who apparently play their matches on a beach.'
Further south in the UK, on the Isle of Scilly, Rosy suggests checking out St. Martin's.
While white sandy beaches await, Rosy says it's a faff to get to, which means there's often hardly anyone there.
Over in Greece's Aegean Sea, Panormos beach in Skopelos is a lesser-known beauty. This writer visited the island, famed for being the filming location of 2008's Mamma Mia!, last July, and was blown away by its beauty and lack of tourists.
Sitting quietly on Skopelos' west coast, Panormos is unspoiled. An ancient Greek harbour, you can reach the beach by travelling like locals on a €5 (£4) return bus from Skopelos Town. If you'd rather get a taxi, a one-way journey costs around €20 (£16).
Edging onto the seafront, you immediately get the 'Greek paradise' feeling everyone talks about.
White pebbles stretch into shimmering ocean, and lush greenery surrounds the bay, which is lined with traditional tavernas serving stewed plums — a Skopelos delicacy. Read the full Skopelos travel guide here.
If you're a sucker for an Italian fishing village, Sampieri in southern Sicily provides the goods without the crowds.
The Sicilian settlement, with pretty stone houses and cobbled streets, is situated between two beaches.
The main beach is 2km long and surrounded by a pine forest. TripAdvisor describes it as long, wide, with tiny soft sand. At the end of the coast is a high cliff, where adrenaline junkies can snorkel or dive in the clear waters.
For those who plan to do nothing on holiday but lie horizontally and eat,Sampieri is the perfect destination.
TripAdvisor houses masses of positive reviews for the town, with many declaring they'd love to come back. Adam, who visited Sampieri for the day, said the beach was superb and almost empty.
However, Carallo, the beachfront restaurant he dined at for lunch, was the highlight.
Adam said: 'Fantastic food, we had seafood gnocchi and tuna carbonara. Great service and great location. If we ever make it back to Sicily, we'd stay at Sampieri for 2, 3 nights to really experience it.'
Calabistrot is another standout, boasting 4.3 out of 5 stars. Here you can enjoy sea views while dining on seafood and Mediterranean cuisine.
Prices are moderate: for €18 (£15), try Calamarata with mussels, broccoli cream and tomato capuliatu. Or, for €20,00 (£16.83), indulge in fresh snapper with sautéed vegetables and citronette sauce.
Nearby attractions from Sampieri include the more famous fishing village of Scicli, known for its Baroque architecture, beautiful palaces and churches dating to the 17th century.
The UNESCO World Heritage site holds several festivals throughout the year, including the Festa delle Milizie on the last Saturday of May to commemorate a battle against the Saracens.
Soorts-Hossegor is often referred to as the surf capital of Europe, thanks to its reliable swells and powerful breaks.
While perfect for water sports enthusiasts, the French commune is also ideal for nature lovers. From endless golden sand beaches, crystal clear lakes, and verdant forests, spend your time swimming, biking and hiking.
The Lac Hossegor loop is a great hiking option for any fitness level, while the Le Fond du Lac loop from Les Estagnots is dubbed as intermediate.
Once you've exerted all your energy exploring Soorts-Hossegor, Matty says there are many seafood places to check out. The town is primarily known for oysters, with TripAdvisor crowning Chez Jerome as the best place to enjoy the saltwater dish. It's cheap too, costing €7 (£5.89) for six.
La Cabane a huitres is also a cheap but revered joint, according to TripAdvisor users. A regular called Kathleen said: 'Very affordable restaurant, very tasty and very friendly staff. We always have a great time and my sons always enjoy a dozen oysters for themselves for only 9 euros.'
Of course, there's also the Quicksilver festival. The dates have not been announced for 2025 yet, but expect the crème de la crème of world surfers who hit the iconic beaches of Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignoss. Surf, skate, art, and music play a major part in the festivities, too.
After breathtaking landscapes, artistic heritage and unique charm? Head to Cadaqués in Spain's Costa Brava region.
With whitewashed buildings, terracotta roofs, cobbled streets and a bustling harbour filled with fishing boats, it's a dreamy summer holiday spot.
While the village of Cadaqués only has one sandy beach, the surrounding bay offers access to numerous coves and pebbly beaches.
The Cap de Creus Natural Park is another stunning spot with diverse ecosystems and almost 100 rugged coves waiting to be explored. As the first park in Spain to encompass both land and sea, there are many scenic walking trails with the most unreal views.
For the arty types among us, no trip to Cadaqués is complete without a visit to Casa Dalí – Salvador Dalí's former home. The village is heavily associated with the Spanish surrealist artist, whose dream house is filled with fantasy furniture and fixtures. More Trending
Dalí lived in the former fisherman's hut from 1930 until 1982 with his wife Gala, and transformed the home into what it is today.
The property is located eight minutes from Cadaqués in the small village of Portlligat. Tickets must be booked in advance and cost €15 (12.62) for general admission. This includes access to the house and olive garden. Tickets to the olive garden only are €8 (£6.73).
Following a visit to Portlligat, indulge in the mouthwatering Catalan and Mediterranean cuisines. Focusing heavily on seafood and fishing culture, expect classic dishes like paella, grilled fish, plus other seafood like anchovies, sardines and breams.
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The Herald Scotland
30 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
I visited the Ageas Cooljazz festival in Cascais, Portugal
Thankfully, I had plenty of help on my maiden visit to Lisbon's sunny sibling. 'It's cahsh-kaish,' explained Luis Leite, our swarthy skipper from boat tour company Palmayachts, while we sailed across the bay to take in the view of Cascais from the sea. Luis Leite (Image: NQ) Having shrugged off its humble beginnings as a fishing community, its claim to being the Atlantic's counterpart to Monaco is well-founded. It has a long history of hosting the social elite, first popularised by the patronage of King Luis I as a health resort in the 1800s and then hosting several European royal families in exile during World War 2 due to Portugal's neutral status. An unexpected result of these factors meant it also became the epicentre of espionage, inspiring a certain spy named Ian Fleming to create the character of James Bond after staying in town. Amid the rolling waves, Luis pointed to the hotel he stayed at - the Palácio Estoril – among a wide variety of architecture, including an English-style cottage, reflective of the cosmopolitan community here. The town centre is known for its distinctive wavy floor design (Image: NQ) There were also signs that the credit crunch that crippled the country is being consigned to the past. 'You can see lots of cranes,' Luis said as he steered us towards Casa da Guia - a new clifftop shopping centre that has sprung up in recent years. 'Cranes mean money, money being spent on building and fixing things.' One of the things guests most often ask the team is if they will see any marine life on their boat tours – most notably dolphins. They cannot make any promises – but there are some tell-tale signs, Luis said: 'When the wind blows and you can smell sardines, you know the dolphins are hunting – because they are cutting through the schools of fish and the oil is hitting the surface.' Our noses gave us no advance warning, however, when a few finned friends came to say hello, leaping and diving in the slipstream created by the boat. It was the perfect way to round off the trip before returning to the marina. Ten years ago, Luis said it was 'horrible' – but thanks to investment now it is a destination even for those who don't intend to go out on the water: gleaming white, filled with boutique shops, independent businesses and a cultural quarter that hosts concerts. 'That is one of the best things about the development,' Luis said. 'We have got a lot more cultural attractions now in Cascais.' Karla Campos, founder of Ageas Cooljazz festival (Image: NQ) While this renaissance is something that has gone hand-in-hand with the economic recovery of the area, Cascais already had a strong foundation to build on in this department – thanks in part to the efforts of Karla Campos, founder of the Ageas Cooljazz festival. Inspired by jazz festivals in San Sebastian and Montreux, the self-confessed concert fan decided to set up her own in her hometown in 2004. But she too has noticed Cascais transform in the last decade. 'It is totally reenergised and revived in the last 10 or 12 years,' she said. 'The green spaces, beaches, the streets the roads, all the services, the parking, everything is so clean, so nice, so beautiful. I'm so proud to live here and contribute to the programme for the summer.' The group before entering the festival (Image: NQ) Attracting big names through the years including Sting, Tom Jones, Lionel Ritchie, John Legend and Chaka Khan to name a few, while giving a platform to local acts and celebrating Portuguese and Brazilian music, the festival attracts tens of thousands of people across several weekends in July. She said: 'I thought we should have a concert where you could reserve a chair, have a seated area, and have the performances in a row, rather than simultaneously. 'This lets people who come chill and relax; there's no anxiety. 'We already have so much anxiety in our lives.' I certainly felt pretty chilled out as Karla led us around the festival grounds in the Marechal Carmona Park. The main stage was buzzing (Image: sarahawk) No litter-strewn, churned up fields in sight: revellers instead were sat on blankets among the trees and flowers, enjoying a drink as the sun went down. Our tour ended at the main stage in the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo, which normally hosts equestrian events. While Karla hopes that Santana and Sade will one day grace the stage, giving a platform for new acts is also one of her key priorities. This year's line-up reflects the fusion of old and new: Seal performed the weekend before our visit, while we were there to see Ezra Collective: the jazz band whose members met at a London youth programme and have since gone on to win a Brit Award. 'Seal was a huge audience,' Karla said. 'More than 5,000 people were seated and he came down from the stage, it was incredible. 'For more than half an hour he was walking among the chairs in the audience. It looked like he was in your living room, that's the level of intimacy you get here.' Ezra Collective (Image: SARAHAWK) Ezra Collective certainly embraced this ethos during their set. Moments after coming onstage, bandleader and drummer Femi Koleoso told the crowd to say hello to five strangers next to them so that no-one would 'feel lonely'. The chairs in the front few rows soon became redundant as the Mercury Prize winners' energy and Afrobeat-tinged tunes got the crowds on their feet – including an instrumental version of Angie Stone's 2002 hit Wish I Didn't Miss You. 'There is one thing that is very different about the UK and Portugal; you guys stay up a lot later than us in the UK,' Femi said. 'The first time we came I remember they told us that our show would start at 1am in the morning and we hadn't done anything like that in our lives.' Femi Koleoso at Ageas Cooljazz (Image: SARAHAWK) Despite not a single vocal in earshot, the energy in the crowd didn't dip thanks to the potent cocktail of talent and charisma onstage. The band chucked out the rulebook when they invited some of the standing crowds into the front section for the finale – telling us to 'get low' and leap about during their signature song, fittingly named God Gave Me Feet for Dancing. Femi described the gig as part of a 'beautiful journey' they had been on while touring across the globe during the summer festival season. 'These spaces where people gather to dance and listen to music together, they are very precious, beautiful and important spaces,' he said. 'I will tell you something: they are more important today than they ever have been before, because every time you pick up your phone and look at the news, it is very easy to be heartbroken about everything happening in the world. 'But sometimes you need to dance with people in the evening to remind yourself there is still beauty in the world.' The name's Butler - James Butler (Image: NQ) There was one last treat in store before I packed my bags and headed home: a helicopter ride over the town courtesy of Lisbon Helicopters. Given the connections to Bond, this seemed a fitting way to end the trip. But would I be left shaken, stirred or on the rocks? I'm happy to report that it was the second, emotionally at least; I was lucky enough to have the ideal weather conditions, so the flight was as smooth as 007's signature tipple. Taking in the sights from above this time, I was struck by Cascais' proximity to the capital – yet how comparatively unknown it is in the UK. Here's hoping that in a few years' time, Cascais will roll off the tongue of us Brits in the same way as Saint-Tropez and Cannes. O Pescador's signature dish (Image: NQ) Where to eat? A family-ran institution, the walls of O Pescador are adorned with photos of famous diners that have visited over the years. I only spotted several Brazilian soap actors on display – but our waiter assured me he had served Tony Blair and Gary Oldman. Specialising in seafood, try the barnacles to start if you're feeling adventurous (if you don't have any nails like me, you might struggle to pierce their tough hide to get to the sweet flesh inside) followed by the signature roasted sea bream, tomatoes and potatoes in olive oil. If you still have room, the berry cheesecake manages to be both rich and light. Almost getting blown away outside the Fortaleza do Guincho (Image: NQ) For a meal that'll blow your socks off (in both senses of the word, potentially) visit Fortaleza do Guincho, situated on a rocky outcrop sandwiched between the Atlantic, long sandy beaches and mountain ranges. The 17th-Century fortress has been converted into a boutique hotel with a restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide. Watch the sun drop below the sea while sampling some dried fish croquettes, market fish ceviche and catch of the day with new potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The view from my hotel room (Image: NQ) Where to stay? Hotel Vila Galé Cascais is within walking distance of the town centre and two minutes by foot to the sea. With many rooms offering sea views, breakfast included and facilities including an outdoor pool, it is a good option for families.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Turkey earthquake: At least one dead and 29 injured after 6.1 magnitude quake
At least one person has sadly died after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake as well as several aftershocks rocked Turkey on Sunday evening, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed At least one person has died after Turkey was rocked by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake on Sunday evening. Residents of Istanbul reported feeling tremors after the quake struck just before 8pm local time. The epicentre was in Balikesir in Turkey 's Marmara region, where footage on social media showed at properties had been destroyed by the force of the rumble. Several people who were trapped were eventually rescued from the collapsed buildings. The initial shock was felt across several cities including Istanbul and the tourist hotspot of Izmir which sit over 100 miles away. Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Agency said the earthquake was followed by several aftershocks with one measuring a magnitude of 4.6. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a statement saying: "May God protect our country from any kind of disaster." It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain. Within the last few hours Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya told reporters at least one person has died and 29 have been injured. Writing on X he said: "Following the earthquake in the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir, AFAD, Gendarmerie, Police, UMKE, and all relevant institutions are on the scene, performing their duties. Our state is standing by our citizens with all its resources. I extend my best wishes for a speedy recovery to all citizens affected by the earthquake. I pray for God's mercy for our dear elder, aged 81, who lost their life, and for a swift recovery for the injured. May God protect our country and nation from disasters." In a statement following the earthquake, the disaster ministry (AFAS) said there had been an additional seven aftershocks of 3.0-magnitude following the initial 6.1-magnitude tremor. In a statement, the ministry said: "On August 10, 2025, at 7:53 PM, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Sındırgı district of Balıkesir province. "The earthquake was felt in the provinces of Manisa, İzmir, Uşak, and Bursa. To date, a total of seven aftershocks exceeding magnitude 3.0 have occurred. "Field surveys are currently ongoing. AFAD Provincial Directorates in Çanakkale, İzmir, Afyonkarahisar, Uşak, Bursa, Sakarya, Kütahya, Bilecik, Manisa, and Kocaeli have dispatched personnel and vehicles to support search and rescue efforts. "The Turkish Disaster Response Plan (TAMP) has been activated, and representatives of all disaster groups will meet at the AFAD Disaster and Emergency Management Center."
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Gorgeous European train journey between two spectacular cities
One spectacular train route, on the highest railway track in Europe and the steepest in the world, offers passengers a breathtaking journey between two beautiful European cities Rail travel across Europe is one of the finest methods for discovering the continent's hidden beauty, with one route offering a breathtaking journey. Europe features countless railway journeys that provide sweeping panoramas of the continent's most magnificent attractions. Numerous routes wind through spectacular countryside and awe-inspiring mountain ranges, delivering thrilling and picturesque vistas unlike anything you've witnessed previously. Yet, when it comes to selecting just one, one particular route connecting two gorgeous European destinations could well be the ultimate choice. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of the UK's best seafood but hardly any tourists. The Bernina Express holds the distinction of being Europe's highest railway line and the world's steepest, reports the Express. This extraordinary expedition runs from Switzerland's alpine hub of Chur to Tirano in northern Italy, passing through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges while delivering passengers an absolutely stunning rail experience. Gazing from the carriage windows, travellers encounter brilliant azure lakes, imposing viaducts, and expansive meadows that transform into magnificent snow-capped peaks as the journey progresses through the diverse terrains spanning both nations. The 76-mile voyage requires four hours to finish, and passengers can board the train in either direction. The service features carriages with panoramic windows, plus an additional Bernina Express coach service linking Tirano and Lugano, which passes through gorgeous scenery and alongside Lake Como. One traveller wrote on TripAdvisor that they "recommend everyone to go on the train," describing it as a "fantastic experience " and noting that the "adventure was beautiful." Another shared: "Once we mastered how to effectively book this train (train ticket first, later on seat reservations) the whole route from Chur to Tirano is spectacular. Observation cars are where most of the seats are, affording fabulous views. "The train makes a stop for 15 minutes at a mountain viewpoint, so you can have a leg stretch. At Tirano we had 1.15 hours to have a potter and grab a drink. The engine runs round, so I.T. changes ends, so if you were sat on one side outwards you will be on the opposite side going back. Excellent day out." Ticket options include second class, first class, second class return, and first class return. Prices range between 66 CHF (£61.50) and CHF 226 (£210) for the full route from Chur to Tirano. Seat reservations are compulsory for the train and can be purchased on the official website.
