Underrated Coastal Towns in Europe for a Relaxing Getaway
When thinking of a coastal holiday in Europe, visitors’ first choice destinations are the Mediterranean resorts such as the French Riviera or Marbella on the Costa del Sol or any other. However, apart from these frequented sites, there are low-profile European coastal towns that are as beautiful, culturally imbued, and tranquil from a tourist’s perspective. These are some of the European destinations I developed for those who want to find small, less crowded places on the coast or in the mountains. Here are some Underrated coastal towns in Europe for a relaxing Getaway.
Here are the Top 6 Underrated Coastal Towns in Europe for a Relaxing Getaway
1. Ksamil, Albania
Ksamil is easily placed amongst some of these overlooked gems of other less-discovered coastal areas in Europe since Albania’s coast remained relatively unknown to most travel enthusiasts. It is a small village on the coast of the Ionian Sea and provides a Brittle sandy beach and cheerful blue water. It is also near Butrint National Park, an ancient figure worth visiting and a natural feature of world heritage.
What To Do
- For yet another day of tranquillity in the sea, rent a boat to the beach of Ksamil consisting of beautiful tiny islands.
- Butrint also has the Ancient Roman Theatre, Visitors can appreciate the architectural mold and boost their knowledge of the historical background of the place.
- Savor fresh seafood in a traditional house built right on the water’s edge of a taverna is always a good idea after a day spent at the beach.
Why Ksamil is a hidden gem:
The area, unlike many beach areas of neighboring Greece, is not overcrowded, and there are beautiful unspoiled views, plus accommodation that can be rented for little money; Ksamil must surely rank as one of the most charming small coastal resorts in Europe.
2. Camogli, Italy
Camogli, the next ville on the Italian Riviera, is a small fishing town that has stayed fairly off the radar compared to some of the other well-known places such as Portofino. This makes it the best spot for any traveler in Europe who is searching for quite small towns by the beach where one will find culture and beautiful sea views.
Stroll on the seafront road in Camogli and watch pretty houses painted in various colors on the side of the beach.
Tourist attractions
- A traveler should go to San Fruttuoso Abbey, a historic monastery located in a very remote area that can be accessed only through a boat or steep path.
- Take a walk to the Museo Marinaro to understand something about the maritime history of this town and don’t miss out on some Ligurian seafood dishes.
Why Camogli is a hidden gem:
Camogli has all the features of the Italian Riviera without excessive crowds which can be a problem in neighboring towns, it is perfect for travelers who seeking picturesque European seaside towns.
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3. Piran, Slovenia
Even though Slovenia itself is mostly famous for mountains and lakes, the coastal town of Piran is somewhat overshadowed by it. Due to its narrow streets, emulation of Venice, and its general appearance as well as background, it is arguably one of the most beautiful undiscovered beach towns in Europe.
What To Do
- You may walk through Tartini’s Square in the town center named after the composer Giuseppe Tartini.
- Ascend to St. George’s Church for a birds-eye view of the town and the blue-lined Adriatic Sea.
- Taste some of the seafood that is freshly available and perfectly served at any of the seaside restaurants while watching the sun setting down.
Why Piran is a hidden gem
Piran avoids some of the busyness exhibited by most towns along Croatia’s coast and is perfect for those tourists seeking a nice cultural and historical destination that also blends well with tranquility.
4. Collioure, France
Collioure is a beautiful painters’ town situated in the southern region of France near the Spanish frontier. It was once a beloved place for such artists as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso which is why nowadays Collioure remains one of the most beautiful unrecognized coastal places in Europe.
What to do
- Discover more about the Château Royal de Collioure, a castle that looks out over the town and a superb bay.
- Relax at the town’s pebble beach, stroll around the town, and watch the vibrant-colored buildings along the seafront.
- Visit galleries around the town and find out how the town has embraced art in the past few years.
Why Collioure is a hidden gem
Collioure can be a rather interesting option if you want to get away from the mainstream French Riviera and get to one of Europe’s most beautiful seaside towns.
5. Trogir, Croatia
Although, most tourist fails to recognize Trogir today, with Croatia’s other major cities like Split or Dubrovnik; it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is endowed with a long historical background, medieval structures, and beautiful beaches making it one of the most underrated but real Croatian coastal towns in Europe.
What to do
- Discover the beautiful walkways in Trogir Old Town featuring Romanesque buildings built in a glories style.
- Take a tour to the Cathedral of St. Lawrence is boasts Romanesque-Gothic architecture in the region.
- Stroll at Medena Beach one of the few areas of beach not located close to the town’s center.
Why Trogir is a hidden gem
Most tourists head to Dubrovnik and Split, but Trogir is still untouched it is blessed with a stunning Croatian coastline which it shares with its touristy counterparts making it a highly recommended place for any tourist seeking a scenic coastal town in Europe.
6. Folegandros, Greece
Folegandros is an island for those who do not wish to indulge in touristic crowds in Santorini and Mykonos. Featuring cliffs, snow-washed houses, and crystal-clear sand beaches this is one of the most beautiful and still relatively unknown places on the EU coast.
What to do
- Drive up to the village of Agios Ioannis to the church of Panagia where you will get great views of the island and Aegean Sea.
- Another beach-related water activity to consider is swimming at Katergo Beach, a beach that you can only gain access to by boat, making it a perfect isolation beach destination for travelers.
- Dine in Chora, the island’s picturesque capital inhabited by locals and various interesting shop owners, and eat a tasty Greek dinner in a taverna.
Why Folegandros is a hidden gem:
The island of Folegandros is stunning in its picturesque beauty, but it is far from being overcrowded; thus, it remains one of the most charming off-the-beaten-track coastal towns across all of Europe to rest and isolate oneself for a while.
Why You Should Visit These Hidden Coastal Gems in Europe
Those visitors who are in search of a more laid-back and realistic European vacation will surely fall in love with these little-known coastal villages across the continent. Each of these quiet coastal towns in Europe has its share of charm from the colorful town of Collioure to the beautiful beaches of Ksamil. Here are hidden treasures of Europe that can be visited by those, who are tired of overcrowded destinations but still want to explore Europe’s coast.
By traveling to these beautiful beach towns of Europe, one can get a glimpse of real Europe without having to face the rush and commercialization of today’s traveling. Whether you want to have a bearing sun sea holiday or are looking for some unconventional trips to these beaches are sure to offer you an unforgettable Tablet.
