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Europe's secret beaches
  • Ok, so  you might not be the only visitors to this beautiful beach, but as it's rather off the beaten track, the journey tends to put people off. It's worth the energy, though. Butterfly Valley beach is nestled in the walls of a rocky canyon, this sheltered, white sandy beach has crystalline turquoise waters and can be reached by water taxi from Olu Deniz beach. Nearest airport: Dalaman.

  • While this might seem an obvious pick for Tenerife, sometimes the places you think are the most popular turn out to be the most secluded. Unlike the black, volcanic sand of most of Tenerife's beaches, Las Teresitas' fine yellow sand was blown in from the Sahara. Its warm, shallow waters can be reached by car, five miles from the provincial capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, on the northeast coast. Nearest airport: Santa Cruz.

  • Torimbia in Asturias, northern Spain, might be a nudist beach but don't let that discourage you! It can only be reached on foot and, with its semi circle of soft, golden sand and calm waters, it makes the perfect beach for a secluded swim. It gets busy in July and August but remains relatively empty for the rest of the year. Nearest airport: Bilbao (Biscay).

  • One of the most pristine beaches near Italy's capital, Sabaudia beach can be reached by the Roma-Napoli train from Rome's Termini station followed by a bus from the Priverno-Fossanova station to Sabaudia town. While this might seem like a lot of effort the beach itself is worth the wait with its golden sand, turquoise water and secluded location. Nearest airports: Rome/Terracina

  • The Akamas Peninsula was named after an Athenian warrior and local legend has it that Aphrodite used to bathe in the pristine coastal waters. Nowadays its craggy shoreline and secret coves make it the ideal destination to find your own private beach paradise. Hire a 4x4 and head to Lara Bay and beyond for a taste of Cypriot seclusion. Nearest airport: Paphos.

  • The tiny seaside village of El Golfo is famous for the Charco de Los Clicos (green lagoon), its fresh fish, stretch of black sand and the volcanic crater walls that surround the beach. The only other beach goers you're likely to bump into here will be the locals. Nearest airport: Arrecife.

  • Dasaki Pylas Beach is one of the quieter offerings on Lanarca's beach scene. Found along the Larnarca Dhekelia road, opposite Pyla village this long beach has remarkably clear, green waters and fine, grey sand. Nearest airport: Lanarca.

  • Molino de Papel Beach is one of Malaga's quieter, more wild beaches surrounded by cliffs, agricultural fields and grassy headland. This stretch of unspoilt beach is an ideal place for scuba-diving as the surf is sheltered by rocks on either side of the shore. Reached by car on the Mediterranean expressway on the way to Almeria. Nearest airport: Malaga.

  • Found near the Capuchin Convent, Praia do Portinho is one of Portugal's most beautiful beaches. Surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Sierra and the Arrábida hills, the clear sea is packed with marine wildlife and this quiet beach remains a natural reserve of peace and tranquility. Reach this beach by car from nearby city of Setúbal. Nearest airport: Lisbon
  • This little cove can be found 25 minutes north of Dubrovnik, far below the main road and populated by a handful of private residences. There are no facilities at the beach, just clean, pebbled shores, calm tides, cobalt blue waters and unbeatable views out to the Elafiti Islands. Nearest airport: Dubrovnik.

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