Sandy Beaches, Blue Waters: Seaside secrets

Lubenice

Croatia

This white pebble beach is nestled in a cove near the village of Lubenice on the Croatian island of Cres. Steep cliffs surround the beach and ensure that visitors are offered peace and quiet. However, the cliffs also mean that there are only two ways of getting to the beach: via boat or by descending the steep slopes. Lubenice Beach is not as famous as some other Croatian beaches, but German daily newspaper Bild listed it as the 15th most beautiful beach in the world. With a deep navy blue sea, it certainly deserves its place on our list.

Zlatni Pyasatci
Bulgaria

One of the most attractive destinations for Serbian tourists and one of the most beautiful beaches on the Black Sea, Zlatni Pyasatci (Golden Sands) is located near the city of Varna. The beach gained popularity thanks to its long, wide fine-sandy strip and affordable prices. The sand is pure, tiny granuals that are, as the beach’s name notes, golden. Although the beach itself is great, the waters of the Black Sea aren’t that impressive. The water is clean, but dark, as its name suggests. And there is no salty sea aroma in the air, thus lacking the pleasant sensation that you are beside the seaside waking up to the smell of sea.

Plavi horizonti
Montenegro

Situated at the end of Przno Valley, Plavi horizonti is a secluded beach in a small bay. Fine sand stretches over 300 metres and is surrounded on both sides with rocky plateaus. While the beach itself is not that crowded, the olive groves and pine woods that surround it are packed – with most bathers seeking to take advantage of the shade. The sea is clean and shallow, meaning that it will take you some time to get far enough to reach deeper waters and that this place is excellent for water games. Just don’t get too nervous afterwards as you attempt to clean the sand from your swimsuit.

Ksamil beach
Albania

Located in southern Albania about 900 kilometres from Belgrade, the small coastal village of Ksamil boasts a beautiful, white sandy beach. Across the water there are several little islands, each with its own bar. The islands are not far from the mainland, meaning that you can swim there if you don’t fancy taking a ride on one of the boats travelling back and forth between the beach and the islands. The water here is clean and not too cold or deep. Add the fact that this beach is rarely crowded and you may have found the perfect destination for your summer beach holiday.

Kraljicina plaza
Montenegro

Kraljicina plaza (Queens Beach) is named after Queen Marija Karadjordjevic, who spent her summers here. It is a favourite destination for all kinds of Serbian celebrities. And for good reason: this beach offers 120 metres of fine, golden sand, adorned with cypress and olive trees on its climbs and fringed by a turquoise blue sea. Although there is a cafe on the beach, make sure you bring water with you, as you won’t be offered a glass of water if you are not a guest of the cafe. You can buy a bottle there, but the price will be a few times higher the regular cost.

Zlatni rat
Croatia

Zlatni rat (Golden cape) is one of the Adriatic coast’s most beautiful beaches. Located on the southern coast of the island of Brac near the town of Bol, this white pebble beach on a point shifts shape with the changing tides, currents and winds – giving you the sensation that the beach has a life of its own. The beach is surrounded by clean, cold water and framed by fragrant pine trees. The mixture of aromas of sea, salt and pine resin will follow you wherever you go.

Dhermi
Albania

Dhermi may not be stylish, but undoubtedly offers a unique and rustic charm. Those heading for this southern Albanian village, located a three-hour drive from Tirana, shouldn’t not be lazy and settle with the main beach in the village. The best beaches are a bit further along the road leading to the Drymades Beach. You can ask locals for directions, but even if you are alone you will inevitably come across cove after cove of fine pebble beaches. There are few people and the colours of the water resemble a postcard that has been subjected to a Photoshop touch-up.

Ada Bojana
Montenegro

Ada Bojana has three kilometres of sandy beaches and is one of the most popular Montenegrin destinations.  Located on a river island, it is surrounded on two sides by the River Bojana and on one side by the Adriatic Sea. With reed and rod parasols offering shade, the beach is at its most beautiful during sunset. The island is famous for two things: it boasts the biggest nudist colony in the country and has some of the finest seafood restaurants.