The World’s Most Beautiful Hidden Beaches And Coves
Who doesn’t like to feel like they’re getting the inside scoop when it comes to planning a trip? Sure, you could go to any old beach on your next trip to Australia and you’d be perfectly happy along with every other tourist… Or you could go to a more secluded, hidden location.
The problem with visiting a hidden beach is you have to know that it’s there, which is where we come in. We’re here to help you out by showing you some of the most beautiful hidden beaches and coves around the world.
Shark Fin Cove, California, USA
On your next trip to San Francisco, if you drive about an hour south of the city, you’ll be able to visit Shark Fin Cove. There’s no labeled parking place and it’s easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention, but you’ll know once you’ve found it.
Before you panic, the cove gets its name from the large rock formation that looks like a shark’s fin, not from the actual creature.
Maguana Beach, Cuba
Located in the coffee- and cacao-producing region of Cuba, Maguana Beach provides the perfect location to sit back and enjoy your coffee and chocolate away from the hustle and bustle of other tourists.
Pantai Tanjung Aan, Indonesia
Sitting on a wooden chair under an umbrella looking out at Indonesia’s Tanjung Aan beach will have you feeling like you stepped into a postcard. You can reach it by car or by scooter, but its a bit of a bumpy ride (literally), so only someone looking for an adventure would visit Tanjung Aan.
Kabira Bay, Japan
A glass-bottomed boat is the perfect way to explore the crystal clear waters of Japan’s Kabira Bay. It’s one of the most secluded and remote areas to be found on Ishigaki Island—one of more than 100 islands in the Okinawa region, so you’re sure to find some peace and quiet.
Calanque, France
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who would tell you they don’t see the beauty of the French Riviera, and Calanque is a testament to that. It’s a 10-mile stretch of coastline surrounded by cliffs, wildlife, and plants, found between Cassis and Marseille.
Makua Beach, Hawaii, USA
I know, who would’ve thought that Hawaii, of all places in the United States, would have a beautiful hidden beach? If your idea of a vacation day is getting to relax somewhere without anyone around you to disrupt you, Makua Beach is a great choice.
Kynance Cove, U.K.
Beaches might not be the first thing you think of when considering a trip to the U.K., but Kynance Cove could be a game-changer. It’s basically a little slice of the Caribbean dropped on the British Isles, and it’s the perfect place to relax on a summer day.
Kelebekler Vadisi, Turkey
Only accessible by taxi boat or by taking the Lycian Way Trail (which is not an easy hike), Kelebekler Vadisi—or Butterfly Valley—is one of Turkey’s hidden gems. For years, more than 60 different types of butterflies were the valley’s only inhabitants, hence the nickname. Now, you can experience the butterflies while relaxing in the blue waters or on the white pebble beach.
Shela Beach, Kenya
Located just outside of Lamu, Shela Beach in Keyna is a historic spot to visit, dating back to the 14th century. Shela Village is one of the oldest towns in Kenya, and its beautiful beach is enough of an attraction on its own.
Arrifana Beach, Portugal
It’s no secret that Portugal has some great beaches, and the Arrifana Beach in the Algarve region is yet another one of them. It’s a relatively small, secluded area that’s a perfect surfer’s destination.
Cathedral Cove, New Zealand
Just a 10-minute drive from New Zealand’s Hot Water beach, you can access Cathedral Cove on foot, and it’s well worth the extra trek. It’s considered one of the must-see places in the Coromandel Peninsula, yet you won’t find it overcrowded with tourists.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Ask anyone who has been to Australia’s Whitehaven beach, and there’s a good chance they’ll tell you it’s one of the best places they’ve visited. Accessible by boat, seaplane, or helicopter, it’s not a beach you can spontaneously drive to, but it’s worth planning ahead for.
Island Of Vis, Croatia
Due to its isolation from the mainland of Croatia, Vis island used to be a military zone but was officially opened to visitors in 1989. The clear beaches of the island have become a getaway for those on boats coming from Split, Croatia, and Pescara, Italy. The island has a number of beautiful locations to explore, including Stiniva Cove.
Pfeiffer Beach, California, USA
You didn’t even realize that a purple sand beach was something you needed in your life, but California’s Pfeiffer Beach can fulfill that requirement. On a clear day, the signature landmark Keyhole Rock perfectly frames the setting sun, so the beach is an all-around photographer’s dream.
La Playuela, Puerto Rico
Described as a nature-lover’s paradise, Puerto Rico’s La Playuela, a half-moon shaped beach, can be found in the town of Cabo Rojo. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from San Juan, but it’s worth it to escape to the hidden caves and beach coves.
Cala Moraig, Spain
Considered to be a bit of an insider secret destination for those visiting Alicante, Cala Moraig is a beautiful beach to visit in Spain. It can only be reached on foot, which helps to keep it from being overrun by other tourists, so you get the clear waters and cove all to yourself.
Trancoso Beach, Brazil
Brazil’s Trancoso Beach is located in the fishing village of Porto Seguro, which has come to be known as the Tulum of Brazil in recent years. Many celebrities have come to these beaches in search of privacy as well as incredible scenery.
Anapai Beach, New Zealand
Located in Abel Tasman National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, Anapai Beach has pretty much everything you’re looking for when it comes to choosing a beach day location. You’ve got a small, secluded lagoon perfect for swimming or sunbathing, plus a nearby rainforest and beautiful rock formations.
Helicopter Island, Philippines
The El Nido archipelago in the Philippines is a stretch of islands filled with white sand beaches, cliffs, and coral reefs. Helicopter Island is just one of the many secluded islands full of waterfalls and caves for you to visit.
Bahia De Las Aguilas, Dominican Republic
You know that you’re going to find some great beaches while visiting the Dominican Republic, but getting to go to a secluded beach that isn’t overrun with other tourists is a different kind of luxury. Bahia de las Aguilas is not far from the border with Haiti, and it boasts a long stretch of perfect sand and clear water.
