DON'T MISS A THING

The previous year has been a challenging one, to say the least. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of us dealt with job losses, the loss of loved ones, and the loss of freedom while adjusting to the ‘new normal’. While we are recuperating from the toll 2020 has taken, many of us are dreaming up our ideal vacations. Dreaming of relief from such a tumultuous year. As we’re eagerly anticipating good things to come, here are some of the most amazing European secret beaches to add to your post-COVID bucket list.

5 Gorgeous Secret European Beaches

Mallorca’s Torrent de Pareis

Reaching this unique beach in Mallorca is no easy feat, but the scenery and breathtaking views are definitely worthwhile. The impressive Torrent de Pareis day walk is one of Mallorca’s most sought-after hiking tours. It involves a 4-6 hour walk to the beach while providing amazing scenery of the dramatic cliffs and incredible canyons.

The area is situated in Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. An ideal destination for those with a more adventurous spirit! And after a year of worries and exhaustion, we could all use a little adventure, don’t you think?

Provence’s Calanques En Vau

Particularly attractive to hikers and daytrippers, Calanques En Vau is an area that is less-traversed compared to the French Riviera – a celeb favorite and home to many famous residents. For those of us who’d rather skip the glitz and glamour and just relax enjoying the utterly beautiful sight of coastline, Calanques in Provence is the place to be.

Ideal for hiking, climbing, and mountaineering, Calanques has an abundance of wonderfully breathtaking panoramic points, and the area is also a National Park. This spectacular French beach is the ideal destination if you want to stay physically active. Not only do you get to enjoy beautiful sights, but you also get to lose a couple of lockdown pounds in a healthy way. It’s a win-win situation all around. And a must on this list of secret European beaches!

Croatia’s Zlatni Rat Beach

Once the pandemic is over, it’ll be completely understandable if you get the sudden urge to splurge. In that case, Croatia’s Zlatni Rat (the Golden Horn) beach is the best place to head to if you want to treat yourself to a little bit of well-deserved luxury.

Other than providing an amazing sight of the gorgeous coastline, Zlatni Rat is also the perfect spot for getting a luxury yacht charter in Croatia and ensuring a decadent experience of exclusivity and glamour. While in the south of Croatia, be sure to visit many of the Zlatni Rat’s bars and restaurants as they are something many of us missed during the pandemic. Play volleyball on the beach, take a parachute ride or go scuba diving – whatever floats your boat.

Portugal’s Arrifana

If surfing on an uncrowded beach is your idea of idyllic summer vacation, then the Arrifana beach in Portugal is definitely something to add to your post-pandemic bucket list. Although relatively small, Arrifana presents the perfect surf spot for adrenaline junkies because of the quality of its waves.

All that combating of the tall waves, some of which can reach six feet in height, can really make you hungry. In that case, a deliciously prepared meal consisting of fresh seafood of the day in one of the many restaurants there may be all that you need to give your body the much-needed fuel after spending a long day in the surfers’ paradise.

Turkey’s Kelebekler Vadisi (Butterfly Valley)

Turkey’s hidden gem, Kelebekler Vadisi, also known as Butterfly Valley, is home to a rich, luscious flora and fauna. It’s the untouched paradise that is accessible via a taxi boat – which is a whole adventure itself. Tourists also have the option to reach Butterfly Valley by walking the trail. The view that comes as a reward for those brave enough to hike the somewhat dangerous trail definitely makes the hike worthwhile.

This could be just what you need to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to stretch beyond your limits – something that many of us experienced during the coronavirus pandemic, which has taught us a valuable lesson, and that is – how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Wrapping Up

2020 was a rough year for us all. However, we can hope that 2021 is here to make up for the things we had to go through and allow us to experience the joy that comes with the ability to travel safely and freely.

Until then, we can continue daydreaming about some of these amazing European destinations with secret beaches! And hopefully, we can all escape to any beach this summer. The time for nourishing our body, mind, and soul while making some amazing memories along the way is long overdue!

Words by Sophia Smith

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