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Vista aérea cenital de la Praia do Amado, en Aljezur. Aparece la arena en la mitad inferior y las olas que rompen en la orilla en la mitad superior de la imagen.

6 ‘Hidden’ Gems of Spain, Portugal, and Italy

Enjoy Spring with these Secret Beach Escapes

We are already into the month of May, and surely many of you are planning a getaway to enjoy a few days of disconnection. And, if you’re reading this, you probably fancy spending some time at the beach, so let’s delve into 6 new proposals of slightly less frequented beaches to enjoy in spring.

Vista aérea de la playa de Algaiarens, en Menorca. Aparece el mar de color azul turquesa a la derecha, la arena a la izquierda, y al fondo una casita y el monte cubierto de pinos.
Aerial view of Algaiarens Beach in Menorca

In Spain:

Cala de Algaiarens, in Menorca

Algaiarens, or La Vall, is a charming beach with fine sand divided into two halves (Es Bot and Es Tancats) by rocky formations and surrounded by pine forests. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Its calm and shallow waters make it ideal for families. Like many other beaches in Menorca, it’s great for hiking enthusiasts who dare to explore the area’s trails (stages 7 and 8 of the Camí de Cavalls respectively end and begin in Algaiarens).

Located in the north of the island, it’s easily accessed from Ciutadella, and there is parking near the beach (about 250 meters away).

Vista aérea de la playa de Algaiarens, en Menorca. Aparece el mar de color azul turquesa a la derecha, la arena y el monte con hierba seca a la izquierda, y al fondo una casita y el monte cubierto de pinos.

Algaiarens, La Vall

Ciutadella de Menorca

Gulpiyuri Inland Beach, in Llanes

Gulpiyuri is a small inland beach located amidst a meadow about 70 meters from the coast, where seawater reaches through tunnels in the rock. Its small size and shallow waters make it unsuitable for swimming, but it’s so unique it’s worth visiting and listening to the water passing through the rock.

You can walk there from the nearby village of Naves. Don’t forget to check the tide schedules on the app, as if the tide is low, there will be little water, and it won’t be as appealing.

Vista de la playa interior de Gulpiyuri, en Llanes. Aparece la arena en primer plano, el agua con la marea baja, y las rocas que cierran la playa al fondo.

Gulpiyuri

Llanes

In Portugal:

Praia de Almograve, in Alentejo

Located within the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Almograve is a beach with a wild appearance, surrounded by rocky cliffs and dunes, and with great biodiversity. Being an isolated beach, it’s ideal for those looking to escape the crowds. It’s a beach with strong waves and currents, so it’s frequented by surfing and bodyboarding enthusiasts.

There is good car access and parking, and a beach bar nearby. In the surroundings of the beach, there are trails that run along the cliffs and offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Playa de Almograve, en el Alentejo. Aparece algo de arena en el primer plano, rocas a la izquierda de la imagen, y el mar rompiendo en las rocas ocupa el resto de la foto.

Praia de Almograve

Odemira

Praia do Amado, in the Algarve

Praia do Amado is a wide sandy beach surrounded by cliffs, known especially for its excellent surfing conditions, and frequented by both beginners and experienced surfers. The surrounding landscape is impressive.

It’s easily accessible by car, with parking nearby. Next to the beach, there’s a bar and a surf school.

Vista cenital de la Praia do Amado, en Aljezur. Aparece la arena en la parte inferior de la imagen y las olas que rompen en la orilla en la mitad superior.

Praia do Amado

Aljezur

Mujer tumbada sobre una tabla de surf nadando mar adentro al atardecer.

In Italy:

Spiaggia di Cavoli, on the Island of Elba

Located on the southwest coast of the island of Elba, Cavoli is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, and not one of the most frequented, especially in spring. It stands out for its fine golden sand and calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Being shallow and sheltered from the wind, it’s ideal for families with children.

Car access is easy, and there is parking next to the beach. The beach has several areas for renting sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as bars and restaurants.

Fondo del mar en una playa mediterránea de arena, con peces nadando y rayos de luz que atraviesan la superficie.

Loc Cavoli

Campo nell’Elba

Spiaggia di Is Arutas, in Sardinia

Is Arutas is a very striking beach due to its unique sand, made up of small grains of quartz that resemble rice grains, hence it’s known as the “rice sand beach”. It’s located on the west coast of Sardinia, away from the more common tourist destinations, and within the protected area “Penisola del Sinis – Isola Mal di Ventre”. Its waters are turquoise and crystal clear, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Even though it’s an isolated beach, it has parking spaces and a nearby bar and restaurant.

Detalle de la arena gruesa de la playa, que se asemeja a granos de arroz por su forma y tamaño.

Punta Is Aruttas

Cabras

We hope you’ve enjoyed these suggestions and that you’re encouraged to discover the charms of these places off the beaten path. Remember that both in the app and on the website, you have plenty more recommendations, with beaches for all tastes.

If you know or visit any of these beaches, tell us about it on the app! As you already know, your beach reviews and photos help the entire iPlaya community and we’re always happy to read them.