Secluded Beaches -
Best of Europe!

So what to do? Pack a picnic lunch, a good read and a swimsuit (or not!) and head for the road less travelled. Here's a list of undiscovered beaches to help you navigate that road. And where does it lead? Away from the crowds. Wear sunscreen and enjoy your book!

1. Croatia's best secluded beach for bathing in your birthday suit - If you're a sun worshipper who prefers to bathe sans swimsuit, Croatia boasts some 20 official naturist resorts as well as numerous naturist beaches and hidden coves. Nudist Camp Beach, Vrboska, Hvar, has a bistro and grocery store as well as a pleasant pebble beach. Take the ferry from Trogir and get off at Starigrad. Go straight out the exit road and look for signs. A friendly, multi-purpose beach, this place attracts Czech, Danish, German and British visitors, but is rarely crowded. Wind surfing in the buff? Why not give it a whirl?

2. Secluded beaches: France's best strolling tan - The secluded, sandy beaches of Belle Ile en Mer are accessible by ferry from Quiberon. Located just off the coast of Brittany, this is the largest of the French islands in the Atlantic; its powdery sand beaches, freshwater creeks and excellent water-sports conditions are unsurpassed in the region, yet the area tends to be relatively overcrowded. The beach at Locmaria has delightful footpaths along which visitors can explore the coastal landscape at their leisure-while getting a remarkable tan.

3. Germany's sunny secret - Germany's East Frisian Islands, along the North Sea coastline, have miles of sandy beaches frequented mainly by nude sunbathers. Few visitors are aware of this stretch and, as such, you're likely to have a beach to yourself. These islands also have quaint fishing villages, seal watching opportunities, as well as an ancient language and culture.

4. Secluded beaches in Greece: What Greek locals know - While most of Greece's beaches are pebbly, Skiathos boasts soft sand as well as a quaint Old Town section. What's more, this area is relatively undiscovered when compared to touristy Mykonos, Rhodes and Corfu. As a result, Skiathos is said to be the Greeks' favorite island. It is one of the Sporades group in the north-western Aegean and can be reached by ferry from either Kimi or Volos.

5. Italian secluded beaches: Sardinia's best bronzing - Far from the crowds and about 31 miles southwest of Cagliari, La Costa del Sud has unspoiled beaches and many hidden coves to explore. The area also boasts crystal clear water and a temperate climate. Torre di Chia beach is easily accessible by bus from Cagliari. Capo Spartivento-the next beach over-is quite a bit larger and has two lovely islands on which to bronze oneself.

6. Spain's shy person's pick - If you're in need of some quiet time away from the crowds, head for the Costa Brava. This rugged coast, which stretches from Blanes to the French border, boasts rocky cliffs and miles of sandy beaches. The drive along this coastal road is spectacular: Greek, Roman, Phoenician and Arabic ruins dot the landscape as do fortified villages from the days of the pirate invasions. The beaches along the route are the country's most secluded.

7.Secluded beaches: Spain's original (and still best) nude beaches - Ibiza was the first place in Spain to offer nude beaches and it still has some great beaches for those who like to let it all hang out! El Cavallet in Cabo Falcon-with it's rolling sand dunes and many secluded areas-offers great sunbathing. Families flock to the northern end, while the south is a popular gay hangout. Another beach worth donning the birthday suit to is nearby Aguas Blancas. Be warned, it can get very crowded in July and August.

8. Ireland's rugged best - Just seven miles from Wexford Town, Curracloe Beach is an unspoiled and sandy white strand. Adjacent to a protected pine forest, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The water here is like champagne and the beach is rarely crowded. If you've seen Saving Private Ryan, you may feel a sense of déjà vu as you stroll along the strand: the D-Day Normandy landing scenes were filmed here.

Michael Russell

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