When you travel to the
Mediterranean islands, you really go there for the beach. It's no secret that this part of the world is famous for its scenic coastlines, glittering seas, and coastal magic. They're some of the finest paradises in the world, so much so that you'd find it hard to leave when it's time. Even the lesser-known beaches like Calanques of Marseille in France, Livadhi Beach in Albania, and Simos Beach in Greece will captivate you at first glance. They're widely underrated, sure, but they're just as beautiful and beguiling as the most popular beaches in the Mediterranean.
Ayia Napa Beach in Cyprus
Located in southeast Cyprus, Ayia Napa Beach looks almost unreal! The waters are so brightly turquoise, you'd think a painter dipped his brush in it and produced such a fine hue. It helps that they're so clear too. Even from the shoreline, you can already see what's underneath the serene waves. Hence, Ayia Napa Beach is also perfect for snorkeling. You can discover all sorts of things when you dive head-first into these amazing waters. But that soft, sandy coast is too irresistible as well. It just calls you to relax, lie down, and get a tan!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Calanques of Marseille in France
Along the
French Riviera, you'll find the beautiful city of Marseille. The town itself is full of charm and novelty, but one of the most underrated beaches in the Mediterranean lies beyond the bustling metropolis. In Park National des Calanques Marseille – Cassis, you'll find a secluded beach that defines paradise. The shoreline itself isn't so big and you have to trek through treacherous terrains to get there. But rest assured that all your effort will be worth it. Its clear turquoise waters and stunning high cliffs are natural wonders you won't see anywhere else!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Eraclea Minoa in Italy
Eraclea Minoa is definitely among the
best beaches in Sicily. Located between the towns of Agrigento and Sciacca, it's a largely underdeveloped coastline with lots of sand and sea to offer. And that's the best part about it! Backed by high cliffs, you'd barely see any sun bed or beach restaurants here. Not that there's anything wrong with those things, it's just that an untouched beach like Eraclea Minoa is pretty rare these days. Here, the natural wonders stay the way they are. Their beauty flourished with little to no human interference. What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ © José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro / CC BY-SA 4.0
Livadhi Beach in Albania
Truth be told, Albania isn't exactly among the most popular Mediterranean countries. It easily gets trumped by the likes of France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and more. Nevertheless, this Balkan territory is still very much part of the region. And its scenic Livadhi Beach is also one of the best-underrated beaches in the Mediterranean. This long stretch of sand and sea boasts a white pebbly shoreline and blue waters as far as the eye can see. And with tall lush trees by the coast, you get such breathtaking scenery, you almost couldn't believe that it's real!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Queen’s Beach in Montenegro
Montenegro is another Balkan territory that many forget is still part of the Mediterranean. But when they see places like Queen's Beach, it all makes total sense! In the very exclusive Aman Sveti Stefan luxury resort, guests can access the private Queen's Beach and relish its Mediterranean glory. Just like Albania's Livadhi Beach, this coast strikes the right balance between a white sandy shoreline and lush greenery. In a way, the beach looks and feels closer to the idyllic
Lake Como in Italy than any typical beach in Greece. But of course, the best part is that it's a private beach!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ BokicaK
Saplunara Beach in Croatia
Croatia is just a treasure trove of beautiful islands and paradisical beaches. One such is Saplunara Beach on Mljet Island. Since Mljet is among the lesser-known
Croatian Islands out there, you can expect some peace and quiet on this serene shoreline. Even when there are huts and sun beds on offer, the place is still far less busy compared to other beaches in the Mediterranean. And its waters? So clear, you'd almost question if there's actually salt in it. Of course, there is, but the cleanliness and clarity of it all are definitely noteworthy!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Simos Beach in Greece
You didn't think this list of the finest—but underrated—beaches in the Mediterranean would be complete without any mention of the
Greek Islands, did you? The country is known for its coastal paradises, each more heavenly than the next. And while it's not the most famous, Simos Beach on Elafonisos Island is definitely up there! This may sound hyperbolic, but it's possible that Simos Beach has the softest sand and the clearest waters of any shoreline in Greece! The place is just so divine, it barely makes sense that it's not as popular as the most-visited beaches on the other islands.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Discover the most underrated beaches in the Mediterranean and get lost in their widely unknown and untouched magic. They're some of the most beautiful coastal gems in what is the most paradisical part of the world.
