A new survey lists the five least-crowded beaches in Europe, ideal for a sandy holiday under the sun. If you’re in need of restful rejuvenation, book these hidden gems and avoid mass-tourist crowds
The summer holiday season has started and more than two million Brits are expected to fly out this Easter weekend. In light of this, a new study has outlined the top five European beaches as the ultimate destinations for a spotless getaway.
With the typical top choices expecting a swarm of holidaymakers on their shores, Wizz Air’s new research shares which European beaches offer the perfect spots for a blissful break by the sea – and not the sea of tourists that normally comes with it.
The survey, which notes a broadening gap between Europe’s ‘most popular’ picks and its hidden coastal gems, has examined more than 50 European countries in an effort to narrow down this year’s most scenic and tranquil towns to visit. By monitoring the average number of daily visitors and recording the amount of towel space per person, the study has now ranked which beaches are the most and least crowded in the region.
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Head of Communications, András Rado, said: “While most of us are familiar with Europe’s iconic beach destinations like Ibiza, Tenerife, or the Algarve, there are countless coastal gems that often go unnoticed by travellers.
“From a secluded, pristine cove in Croatia to a hidden sandy stretch in Albania, there are plenty of lesser-known beach spots where you can unwind, away from the bustling crowds”.
If you’re chasing a restful week away from the noise of corporate life, one of these European treasures will be the one for you.
Beach of Durres, Durres, Albania
Voted number one on Wizz Air’s most recent survey, Albania’s Beach of Durrës has been crowned this year’s most ideal holiday destination.
Whilst it is known to be one of Albania’s most sought after beaches, it is believed to have maintained its relaxed atmosphere due to its roomy beaches and lack of swarming visitors. By Wizz Air’s calculations, each beach-goer is rewarded a wide berth of space, with an average of just under 65 towels per person. This makes its a prime location for families, groups and avid tanners who wish to spread out all day.
In 2024, demand for Albanian holidays inclined significantly as more and more travellers were drawn to its clear waters and affordable prices.
Camber Sands, East Sussex, England
Britain’s own Camber Sands, East Sussex. Famed for its wide, soft beach that stretches up to an impressive five miles, the survey awarded it second place for its ample room – measuring up to 61 beach towels per person.
Perhaps surprising to Brits, the UK has also increased in popularity with seaside-seekers – tourists and locals alike. If you’re a city person desperate to flit away to a quiet ‘stay-cation’ under the summer sun, then Camber Sands sounds like the next break for you – and it’s just a train ride away!
Its gaining popularity has also been chalked down to videos circulating on social media app TikTok, attracting visitors at an increasing rate. With more than 1,141 five star reviews on TripAdvisor, visit it now to beat eventual crowds.
Ruth from London wrote: “Possibly the best beach in the UK. Miles and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, with dunes and rocks for those who like these kinda things. The Kit Kat cafe is the best food and drink outlet – with reasonably priced food, drinks, ice creams, a handy shop for anything you’ve forgotten (and entertainment items for the kids and pets) and even a bar!”
Ruth pointed out its “only downside – the local council charges for parking”. She said: “really extortionate and a pure scam on holiday makers. It’s even more disgusting at this time when families are struggling with money worries, and a cheap day out to a beautiful beach shouldn’t cost upwards of £25 to park the car”. If planned right, however, an entire day on East Sussex’s endless sands could be worth what would now be a fraction of the train fare there.
Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn), Bol/Brac, Croatia
Coming in third is Croatia’s Golden Horn. Zlatni Rat Beach is situated on the island of Brač and its distinguished beach is known for its horn-shaped spit of golden pebbles that reaches out into the rich Adriatic sea.
Whilst popular to tourists, with an increased amount of visitors than the previous two destinations, its sizeable shoreline allows for more than enough space to spread out, which makes it appear to be one of Croatia’s least crowded beaches.
A solid four out of five on TripAdvisor, user ‘Life2travel’ wrote last September: “We stopped here while e-biking Brac Island. It was a chilly day in September, so we were the only ones on the beach. There is a lovely, tree lined promenade above the beach with cafes and restaurants, nice place to grab a drink, coffee or a meal. There were some clean restrooms (for a fee) along here as well. It was a lovely place to stop, wish we had more time here. Our guide said this is the most beautiful beach in Croatia,” rating it a four.
Meanwhile, that same month Danielja reviewed the beach a full five. She called the Golden Horn “The most astonishing beach in Croatia, despite huge competition. We are going there each year, again and again, and enjoy its lovely clean beach with lifeguards present, surrounded [by] pine forest. [The] City centre is connected to the beach with [the] most beautiful promenade”.
Borsh Beach, Borsh, Albania
A determined fourth returns Albania to the leader board, this time with Borsh Beach – one of the country’s longest beaches raved for its picturesque landscape. Wizz Air states that the beach offers enough room for 43 beach towels per person.
Bordered by swelling green hills and olive groves, its smaller size and lesser-known reputation equals to much fewer tourists and, therefore, more room to lay back without fear of being squashed. It’s serene blue waters and lining straw parasols create a welcoming, natural environment that is well-suited for those wishing to immerse themselves into nature, culture and down-time drinks.
Receiving a slightly higher review than Croatia on Trip Advisor, Kristian B wrote of his experience last August. Including several charming photos of the town’s crystal waters and lush greenery, he wrote: “I went with my friends on this tour provided by KMG Shuttles where we first went to Qeparo village, which was a quiet and wonderful place with a stunning view, and than to Porto Palermo castle. The castle is unique by its shape and more like a fortress, built towards the sea (imagine the view)! After the castle, the tour landed us at Borsh beach where they gave us free umbrella and beach beds in a public, quiet beach surrounded by 3 restaurants. The water was amazing. Borsh beach is a must see!!!”.
Plage de Pampelonne, Ramatuelle, France
In fifth place is Plage de Pampelonne, on the French Riviera. Its ‘towel space’ is equivalent to just under 34 beach towels per person and is situated close to the fun of Saint-Tropez. Despite its fame, the DailyMail reports that Pampelonne Beach offers surprising space for the keen sunbather. If you’re planning to soak in some well-needed Vitamin D, this expert blend of effortless surroundings and French luxury is gorgeous.
Supposedly more expensive – though expected of the French Riviera – a recent review from December declared there to be “free parking adjacent” to the beach.