The list, published by travel website The Wanders, brings together 25 beaches across Europe that are described as being relatively unknown to mass tourism. Portugal appears more than once, with Praia da Ursa, near Sintra, and Praia do Carvalho, in the Algarve, both making the selection.

Praia da Ursa, Sintra

One of the Portuguese beaches highlighted is Praia da Ursa, located close to Cabo da Roca on the Sintra coast.

Despite being relatively close to Lisbon, reaching the beach requires a walk down a steep coastal path, which has helped it maintain its wild and relatively untouched character. The descent takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on the route and conditions, and visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear.

Praia da Ursa is particularly known for its dramatic rock formations rising from the Atlantic. Its name, which translates as "Bear Beach", comes from one of the large formations which is said to resemble a bear.

Its location also makes it an easy escape for those staying in the Lisbon region, with Cabo da Roca around a 30 to 40-minute drive from the capital, depending on traffic.

Praia do Carvalho, Algarve


The Algarve also earns a place on the list with Praia do Carvalho, a small beach surrounded by the region's characteristic golden limestone cliffs.

Located close to Benagil, in the municipality of Lagoa, the beach is particularly unusual because access is through a tunnel carved into the rock.

Once through the tunnel, visitors reach a small sandy cove enclosed by high cliffs, creating a much more secluded atmosphere than some of the Algarve's larger, better-known beaches.

The beach is popular for swimming and snorkelling when sea conditions are calm, while its cliffs and rock formations make it one of the more distinctive beaches along this part of the Algarve coast.

Portugal is in good company on the European list, which also features beaches in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Albania and Malta.

The selection focuses on places that offer a quieter or more natural beach experience, although some of the beaches included – particularly Praia da Ursa and Praia do Carvalho – have become increasingly well known in recent years.