Croatia's Beritnica Beach named Europe's best hidden gem

Beritnica beach on the Croatian island of Pag has claimed the top spot as Europe's most beautiful hidden beach, according to a new ranking by car rental comparison site DiscoverCars.com. The beach's unique landscape, characterized by bare rocks and crystal-clear waters, creates an almost otherworldly, moon-like scenery.

Accessible via a drive from Zadar and a subsequent walk, Beritnica is praised for its seclusion, offering a tranquil escape for those looking to avoid crowded tourist spots. This recognition underscores a broader travel trend where visitors increasingly seek out pristine natural oases and quiet corners of coastlines over bustling resorts.

The ranking featured other notable European destinations, including Cala Banyalbufar in Mallorca, Spain, known for its picturesque pebble shores and surrounding cliffs; Playa de la Solapa in Fuerteventura, Spain, with its volcanic rocks and mixed sand; and Cape Possidi in Greece, a long sandy spit offering a sense of isolation.

Other beaches highlighted include Zlatna Beach in Cyprus, a long stretch of sand known for its tranquility and as a habitat for endangered sea turtles, and Gjipe Beach in Albania, nestled between steep canyon cliffs. The list also included Monti Russu in Sardinia, Ramla Bay in Malta, and two Portuguese beaches, Praia da Mata and Praia do Garajau.