Europe’s Least Crowded Summer Destinations Revealed – This Balkan Country Dominates

Travel

The study included over 50 countries, and Albania appeared twice in the top five.

While popular destinations like Ibiza and Barcelona continue to attract large crowds, new research by Wizz Air highlights the contrast between overcrowded European tourist hotspots and lesser-known gems that offer pure beach enjoyment without the masses. By analyzing over 50 European countries and calculating the average number of daily visitors and how much towel space each person typically gets, the study ranked beaches across the continent based on how crowded or peaceful they are.

"From a secluded, untouched bay in Croatia to a hidden sandy stretch in Albania, there are plenty of lesser-known seaside spots where you can relax far from the busy crowds," says András Rado, Head of Communications, as reported by the Daily Mail.

At the top of the list is Durrës, whose beach is the least crowded among all those surveyed, despite being one of the most popular in Albania. Wizz Air’s calculations reveal that each visitor has plenty of space—just under 65 beach towels per person—making it an ideal spot for families and those who enjoy peaceful relaxation.

In second place is Camber Sands in East Sussex, England, known for its wide sandy beach stretching along the English Channel, where each person has enough room for up to 61 beach towels. Third is Zlatni Rat beach in Bol on the island of Brač, famous for its horn-shaped stretch of golden pebbles extending into the turquoise Adriatic Sea, offering room for 54.1 towels per person. Interestingly, Albania appears again in fourth place, this time with the stunning pebbled beach of Borsh in the south, surrounded by green hills and olive groves, with enough space for 43 towels per person.

The top five is rounded out by France’s Plage de Pampelonne, which—despite its fame and the nearby buzz of Saint-Tropez—offers enough space for just under 34 beach towels per person and is perfect for those seeking a mix of luxury and fun without the crowd.

On the other end of the list, the most crowded beach in Europe turned out to be Playa Sa Caleta in Ibiza, where you get room for only half a beach towel. Spain, in fact, took 8 out of the top 10 spots—see the full lists below.