Photo: Greg Brave\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Milk Beach:<\/strong> Though not entirely crowd-free, Milk Beach is a local favorite in suburban Sydney and a far cry from tourist-riddled beaches like Bondi. It\u2019s located at the bottom of Hermit Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park and can be reached by car, bus, or boat.<\/p>\nChilders Cove:<\/strong> Much to the enjoyment of those who discover it, this opaquely marked beach along Victoria\u2019s Great Ocean Road is overshadowed by the iconic 12 Apostles rock formation nearby. If you do manage to find Childers Cove, expect unspoiled surf and sand, which you\u2019ll also get in neighboring Murnanes Beach and Sandy Cove.<\/p>\nBailey Beach:<\/strong> Offshore reefs make this modest beach near Perth, Western Australia, a better choice for snorkeling than swimming. Forming mini beaches of their own, the nooks and crannies found at Bailey\u2019s southern end are also prime for beachcombing.<\/p>\nThailand<\/h2>\n Thai beaches are public domain, but access can be tricky where there are hotels. Non-guests may be prevented from reaching these beaches via private property. Little can be done about alternate means of entry, however, such as arriving by boat or finding a trail off hotel grounds.<\/p>\n
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches<\/h3>\nPhoto: Simon Dannhauer\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Tonsai Beach:<\/strong> Tonsai is one of the quieter beaches on the Railay Peninsula, which is widely known among rock climbers but rarely inundated with sunbathers. Roughly 10 miles southwest of Krabi on the Andaman Coast, Tonsai is ideal for adventuring in peace, be it kayaking, scuba diving, or scurrying up the peninsula\u2019s less-crowded karst cliffs.<\/p>\nAo Khao Kwai:<\/strong> Also known as Buffalo Bay, Ao Khao Kwai is a secluded spot on Koh Phayam, which has been gaining in popularity but is still less crowded than many of the Thai islands. Visitors here will enjoy a quiet, rugged cove ringed by jungle and a mangrove forest on one end.<\/p>\nKoh Adang:<\/strong> Not a beach but an island, Koh Adang falls within the Tarutao National Marine Park near the Malaysian border. It neighbors Koh Lipe and is often described as a throwback to what the more popular Thai islands were like pre tourism. Though Koh Adang is only accessible by tail boat from busy Koh Lipe, we recommend heading straight there.<\/p>\nPortugal<\/h2>\n Portuguese beaches are open to all. Many are also designed to be accessible to all, including those with limited mobility. In total, Portugal has more than 200 accessible swimming areas, both coastal and inland, which are indicated by a white flag bearing a blue and yellow logo and the phrases \u201cpraia acess\u00edvel\u201d and \u201cpraia para todos,\u201d or \u201cbeach for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches<\/h3>\nPhoto: Raphael Rivest\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Praia do Baleal:<\/strong> Praia do Baleal is one of several beaches surrounding Peniche, which famously attracts some of the best surfers in Portugal and around the world. You\u2019re likely to see surfers and local families when you visit, but the beach is long, and there\u2019s plenty to go around.<\/p>\nDunas de S\u00e3o Jacinto:<\/strong> This wide-open beach belongs to a nature reserve near Aveiro, which happens to be one of our favorite small towns in Portugal. Visitors here are greeted by golden sand dunes, which draw a line between the Ria de Aveiro and the Atlantic Ocean, plus forested areas, freshwater ponds, and a wealth of birdlife.<\/p>\nPraia da Bordeira:<\/strong> Praia da Bordeira is a welcome respite from the busier beaches in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. A stone\u2019s throw from the village of Carrapateira, west of tourist centers like Lagos and Faro, this expansive, cliff-backed beach is popular with surfers and hikers who enjoy the surrounding Costa Vicentina nature park.<\/p>\nBarbados<\/h2>\n Barbados is one Caribbean island where all-inclusives have not claimed the coastline. Access can be made challenging by the presence of resorts, however, many of which also limit amenities like lounge chairs and restrooms to guests or those who purchase a day pass.<\/p>\n
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches<\/h3>\nPhoto: Maridav\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Ginger Bay:<\/strong> If you like admiring pink-sand beaches free of fellow admirers, Ginger Bay is the perfect alternative to neighboring Crane Beach. It\u2019s a little over a mile down the coast from Shark Hole. Swimming isn\u2019t advised, but beach strolls and picnics come highly recommended.<\/p>\nShark Hole:<\/strong> Blink and you might miss this beach in St. Philip Parish. Given its small size, it can feel crowded with only a few visitors but is often empty during the week. It\u2019s an excellent spot to start your day with a morning swim. Rest easy that there aren\u2019t actually sharks.<\/p>\nHarrismith Beach:<\/strong> Those fed up with the crowds at Bottom Bay will appreciate the calm lagoon at nearby Harrismith Beach, which shares the island\u2019s southeast boast. You can\u2019t miss it: An old plantation house overlooks the shore and the stone staircase leading to the sand.<\/p>\nCalifornia<\/h2>\n California law maintains that all beaches are public. In fact, this applies to all beaches on the West Coast, meaning that the entire Pacific coastline from where Washington meets Canada to where California meets Mexico is open to everyone.<\/p>\n
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches<\/h3>\nPhoto: Lucky-photographer\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Pfeiffer Beach:<\/strong> Pfeiffer Beach is tucked away at the heart of Big Sur. It\u2019s famous for its caves, coves, and rock formations, notably Keyhole Arch spanning the water. Also iconic is the purple sand on the northern end, made from manganese garnet. Though it gets more crowded than some Big Sur beaches, like secret San Carpoforo, Pfeiffer is worth sharing with a few others.<\/p>\nCarbon Beach:<\/strong> Malibu\u2019s Carbon Beach seems private owing to the ultra-luxe homes lining its shore, hence the nickname \u201cBillionaire\u2019s Beach.\u201d Though homeowners have tried preventing foot traffic in their supposed backyard, the California Coastal Commission has upheld the beach\u2019s communal status and created three public access points.<\/p>\nPoint Sal State Beach:<\/strong> Getting to Point Sal State Beach in Santa Barbara County is a trek. A 10-mile round-trip trek to be exact. Those up for the hike are rewarded with roughly 1.5 miles of remote, rugged oceanfront and gorgeous coastal wildflowers during spring.<\/p>\nSpain<\/h2>\n Throughout Spain, beaches are not only public and free, but seaside hotels are also forbidden from restricting beach access to the general public. Amenities like beach umbrellas and sunbeds may be reserved for hotel guests or come with a fee, however.<\/p>\n
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches<\/h3>\nPhoto: lunamarina\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Cala Estreta:<\/strong> Cala Estreta lies midway up the Costa Brava, which begins near Barcelona and extends all the way to the French border, near the town of Palam\u00f3s. That you can only reach the w-shaped cove on foot has helped keep visitors at bay. The fact that nudists are welcome might have also contributed, but depending on the visitor, that could be a selling point.<\/p>\nPlaya del Silencio:<\/strong> This beach near the fishing village of Cudillero on Spain\u2019s northern coast delivers what its name promises: silence. Though the rocky waters leave something for swimmers to desire, the cove\u2019s cliff-swaddled scenery is as gorgeous as it gets.<\/p>\nPlaya de Los Genoveses:<\/strong> Playa de Los Genoveses has been called the most beautiful bay in Andalucia\u2019s Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve. The park\u2019s protected status means there\u2019s little to no infrastructure, which makes for a delightfully rugged and relaxed outing. You\u2019ll want 4WD to navigate the reserve, but be prepared to walk to reach this beach.<\/p>\nMexico<\/h2>\n Oceanfront accommodations may deter travelers from accessing certain beaches in Mexico, but the beaches on which these properties sit are, in fact, open for public use.<\/p>\n
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches<\/h3>\nPhoto: Carlos Garrigos Saucedo\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Maruata:<\/strong> Enchanting Maruata made it onto our list of the top crowd-free coastal vacations in Mexico. And judging by the reaction of our readers, we\u2019re not alone in stanning this barely developed spit of shore in the Michoac\u00e1n state. Beach camping is encouraged for a rustic retreat.<\/p>\nXpu-H\u00e1:<\/strong> Xpu-H\u00e1 is what the Riviera Maya looks like when you strip away the tourists at resorts like Playa del Carmen and Tulum. With clear waters, killer snorkeling, a few fish taco spots, and a couple of beach bars, Xpu-H\u00e1 makes for the perfect beach day on Mexico\u2019s Caribbean Coast.<\/p>\nPlaya del Caballo:<\/strong> Some of the prettiest, calmest beaches in Mexico can be found in the state of Jalisco. Playa del Caballo is one example. Skip Puerto Vallarta and head to this quieter alternative roughly 12 miles down the coast, which is only accessible by water taxi or on foot.<\/p>\nCyprus<\/h2>\n Beaches in Cyprus are not only open to everyone, but resorts are also prevented from monopolizing the shore. Hotel guests do not have complimentary access to amenities that the general public does not, such as sunbeds, though such amenities may be available for a fee. Always look for Blue Flag beaches, which are considered the best in terms of quality and safety.<\/p>\n
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches<\/h3>\nPhoto: smspsy\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Lara Beach:<\/strong> A little paradise on the Akamas Peninsula in Paphos, Lara Beach is more populated with fauna like wild goats and green turtles than people. You\u2019ll need 4WD to get there, as well as your own chairs and umbrella as the beach offers neither shade nor amenities.<\/p>\nFreedom Beach:<\/strong> This beach in Paralimni does have amenities, namely sunbeds and umbrellas, which are up for grabs at no cost. Similar to Lara Beach, it\u2019s only accessible via dirt roads, but the off-roading here is less adventurous.<\/p>\nCape Greco:<\/strong> Cape Greco is not your typical sandy beach but a headland near the tourist resort of Ayia Napa. It\u2019s said that a sea monster lives here. As far as we can tell, that\u2019s the only entity you\u2019re likely to encounter while exploring the site\u2019s quiet caves and rocky shore.<\/p>\nHawaii<\/h2>\nPhoto: Robert Harding Video \/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Hawaii\u2019s beaches are public along the shoreline: state guidance recognizes shoreline access, including the right to transit along beach corridors seaward of the shoreline. Access can still be tricky where roads cross private land or require permits, but the sand and surf are broadly for everyone.<\/p>\n
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches<\/h3>\n P\u0101p\u014dhaku Beach:<\/strong> Also known as Three Mile Beach, this Moloka\u02bbi standout offers exactly what its nickname promises: a long, wide sweep of soft white sand with plenty of room to spread out. It\u2019s one of Hawaii\u2019s largest beaches, yet rarely feels overrun.<\/p>\nMakalawena Beach:<\/strong> Reaching this Big Island beauty requires a hike or a rugged drive into Kekaha Kai State Park, which helps keep the crowds down. Those who make the effort are rewarded with white sand, lava-rock contrast, and Kona Coast water that looks Photoshopped.<\/p>\nPolihua Beach:<\/strong> This remote L\u0101na\u02bbi beach is more often than not blissfully empty, partly because getting there requires a 4WD journey from L\u0101na\u02bbi City. Swimming is not the draw here; solitude, sunbathing, and two miles of wild coastline are.<\/p>\nGreece<\/h2>\nPhoto: Constantinos Iliopoulos \/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Greek beaches are legally protected for public use, with recent rules reinforcing free access and limiting commercial takeover of the sand. The country\u2019s MyCoast app even lets beachgoers check concessions and report unauthorized occupation, while Greece has expanded protections for \u201cuntrodden\u201d beaches in Natura 2000 areas.<\/p>\n
Three of our favorite crowd-free public beaches<\/h3>\n Katergo Beach:<\/strong> Folegandros is not hurting for quiet coves, but Katergo is the island\u2019s showstopper. Reachable by boat or a short hike, it remains blissfully spare: no resort wall, no loud beach club, just clear water and Cycladic rock.<\/p>\nSimos Beach:<\/strong> Simos is Elafonisos\u2019s marquee beach, split into two sandy arcs around a low peninsula. Its fine sand, shallow emerald water, and dune-backed setting make it popular, but the extra ferry hop from the Peloponnese keeps it calmer than Greece\u2019s headline islands.<\/p>\nNas Beach:<\/strong> On Ikaria\u2019s north coast, Nas is a small cove with outsized atmosphere: crystal water, a river gorge, and the ruins of an ancient Artemis temple near the sand. Go for sunset, stay for the reminder that \u201cbeach day\u201d can count as culture.
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