Avoid the crowds and choose one of the following unique destinations for a blissful seaside getaway. Budva Bay in Montenegro. Alamy/PA The Baltic Sea and an empty beach in Estonia.
Alamy/PA. This is a photo of the Amrum Lighthouse which is located in the southern part of the German island of Amrum. See PA Feature TRAVEL Beaches.
WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA feature TRAVEL Beaches. PA Photo. Picture credit should read: Alamy/PA.
NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature TRAVEL Beaches. Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Alamy/PA Ksamil, Albania.
Alamy/PA A sandy beach in Montenegro. Alamy/PA Three Cliffs Bay in the Gower, Wales. Alamy/PA Piratenschlucht beach on Rugen Island, Germany.
Alamy/PA Fed up with wading through crowds and tiptoeing around towels to secure a sunbathing spot on a bustling beach? Holiday hotspots like Spain and Greece are well known for their beautiful beaches. But Europe also has plenty of other hidden seaside gems to explore. Enjoy uninterrupted, beautiful coastal views and some much-needed peace and quiet in one of the following destinations to end the summer holidays on a high.
.. Ksamil, Albania.
Alamy/PA Albania might be the ideal budget holiday destination for people looking to book a last-minute seaside break to soak up the final few rays of the summer. And this underrated Balkan country in Southeastern Europe offers stunning views of the simmering Adriatic and Ionian Seas and average summer temperatures of around 33°C. Orikum, Ksamil and Dhermi are firm favourites with locals and offer a mixture of pebbly and sand beaches, where you can hire a sun lounger for only a couple of pounds.
If you are feeling particular adventurous, take a ferry or speed boat to the gorgeous Karaburun Peninsula island to enjoy some of the best views Albania has to offer. Three Cliffs Bay in the Gower, Wales. Alamy/PA Wales often gets a bad rep for its grey skies and showers, but in reality, summers in Wales can be glorious and if you drive along the west coast on a sunny weekend, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the variety of beaches you encounter.
The Gower Peninsula, known for its pristine and untouched beaches and coves, is Wales' best kept secret. Beaches such as the Three Cliffs Bay, Rhossili and Oxwich are renowned for their excellent water quality, making them ideal for swimming and surfing too. You might even see a seal or dolphin bob its head out of the deep blue waves if you are lucky.
The Baltic Sea and an empty beach in Estonia. Alamy/PA. Estonians enjoy more than 3,700km of Baltic coastline, as well as hundreds of natural lakes and an array of unique beaches.
Some of the beaches, such as Parnu and Roosta, are long, empty expanses of sand, just perfect for hours of strolling. Meanwhile, others are rocky and feature historic lighthouses. The moderate climate, averaging at around 20°C in the summer, makes Estonia an ideal sea vacation for those who prefer to avoid scorching conditions.
A sandy beach in Montenegro. Alamy/PA Nestled between Albania, Serbia and Bosnia is the magnificent, and often forgotten about, country of Montenegro. This small country encompasses breath-taking fortified towns, magical coves and sparkly waters - with stunning beaches such as Budva Bay.
Its charming atmosphere and stunning scenery will make your trip to Montenegro the envy of all your Instagram followers. Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Alamy/PA Scotland is arguably home to some of the most striking landscapes and coastal havens in the UK.
And if off-grid holidays are right up your street, plan a road trip up north to scratch the surface of Scotland's 900 offshore islands. Claigan Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye, for instance, is a perfect example of a tranquil Scottish beach, offering picturesque views and plenty of sea birds and seals. The Scottish coastline is a great destination for campervan lovers seeking a unique adventure, too.
Piratenschlucht beach on Rugen Island, Germany. Alamy/PA Germany is known for its historic landmarks and cultural festivals, but the beauty of its northern coastline remains a mystery to most UK holidaymakers, who often see Germany as an autumn city-break destination. However, the country actually encompasses a surprising number of islands, such as Rugen and Amrum, with untouched tranquil beaches.
Sylt, Germany's northernmost island, has almost 25 miles of fine, sandy beaches to enjoy, and watching the sunset from the Rotes Kliff near Kampen is highly recommended by those in the know. The temperature of Germany's north coast and tiny islands peaks at around 22°C in the summer, so this is another great choice for travellers who thrive in slightly cooler temperatures. So, what are you waiting for? Peaceful, unspoiled beaches await.
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