Off the Beaten Path: Underrated Coastal Paradises to Explore

18 January 2025

Are you tired of going to the same crowded beaches everyone else flocks to? The ones where you can barely find a spot to put your towel down, let alone relax? What if I told you there are still unspoiled, underrated coastal paradises out there—places where you can have an entire stretch of beach to yourself, surrounded by nothing but the sound of crashing waves and the scent of salty sea air? Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?

Well, dream no more. In this guide, I’m taking you on a journey to some lesser-known coastal destinations that offer tranquility, beauty, and just the right amount of adventure. These hidden gems are calling to every beach lover who’s keen to escape the well-worn tourist trails.

Read on for your personal guide to underrated coastal paradises—perfect for your next getaway.

1. Sibaltan, Philippines: The Quiet Side of El Nido

Everyone’s heard about El Nido, right? It’s one of the top spots in the Philippines, known for its limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons. But what if you could experience a more secluded version of it? Enter Sibaltan, a coastal village about an hour away from El Nido's tourist center. It doesn’t have the crowds or the noise, but it’s got plenty of charm.

Why Visit:

Sibaltan is perfect if you want to soak up Philippine island life in a chilled setting. The area is surrounded by mangroves and has a stretch of nearly untouched beach. The sunsets here? Oh, they’re nothing short of marvelous, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. Plus, you can still get in on the island-hopping action, but without bumping shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow travelers.

What to Do:

- Explore nearby lakes and virgin mangrove forests.
- Visit historical museums and learn about the traditions of Cuyonon people.
- Take a boat out to nearby islands like Imorigue for some snorkeling and diving.

2. Ke Ga, Vietnam: Your Own Private Beach

About 180 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Ke Ga is a quiet coastal escape that often flies under the radar compared to the busy resort towns like Mui Ne or Phan Thiet. If you're after a quiet place where the only rush is the tide coming in, Ke Ga is the spot for you.

Why Visit:

This is coastal Vietnam at its most relaxing. Ke Ga is home to long, uncrowded stretches of sand, picturesque beachside bungalows, and views of a century-old lighthouse—the oldest one in Southeast Asia, actually. The beach feels almost untouched by tourism.

What to Do:

- Visit Ke Ga Lighthouse, set on a small islet reachable by a quick boat ride.
- Sample the fresh seafood served right on the beach by local vendors.
- Watch fishermen haul in their daily catch—you might even get a chance to cast a net yourself!

3. Comporta, Portugal: An Untouched Gem on the Atlantic

If you're thinking of Portugal’s coastline, the Algarve region likely comes to mind. But head north, and you'll find Comporta—a low-key coastal village about an hour from Lisbon. It's often dubbed Portugal's "best-kept secret," and for good reason.

Why Visit:

Comporta’s beaches stretch for miles. They’re wild, windy, and uncrowded, offering an authentic coastal vibe far from the bustling Algarve resorts. This is a place where locals still outnumber tourists, and the area's charm lies in its simplicity. Simple beach shacks, rice paddies, and white, sandy dunes define the landscape.

What to Do:

- Rent a bicycle and explore the surrounding cork forests.
- Try your hand at surfing or windsurfing along the shore.
- Visit Carrasqueira Palafitte Pier, an ancient wooden pier built on stilts that’s an Instagram-worthy stop.

4. Isola di Capo Rizzuto, Italy: Crystal Clear Waters Without the Crowds

When it comes to Italy, coastal travelers usually head for the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, or Puglia. But if you’re looking for a hidden coastal corner with all the Italian charm and none of the crowds, Isola di Capo Rizzuto in Calabria is it.

Why Visit:

This stretch of coastline is part of a protected marine area, which keeps its waters pristine and its beaches less built-up. The water is a striking shade of blue, so clear you'd think it's glass. Plus, there’s plenty of history here, too—from ruins of ancient fortified cities to centuries-old churches tucked into the hills.

What to Do:

- Snorkel in the protected marine reserve. The underwater visibility here is second to none.
- Explore Le Castella, an ancient Aragonese fortress that rises directly from the sea.
- Enjoy the slow pace of village life, sipping espresso under the Calabrian sun.

5. Sabtang Island, Philippines: The Philippines’ Best Kept Secret

Not far from the more famous islands in the Batanes group, Sabtang remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. It offers rugged landscapes with sweeping coastal views that are often compared to the rolling hills of Scotland, but with a tropical twist.

Why Visit:

It's the ideal destination for adventurers who want to explore places that seem frozen in time. The quiet charm of Sabtang comes from its combination of dramatic cliffs and wind-swept shores. And the best part? You’ll encounter more cows than tourists. Need I say more?

What to Do:

- Hike up the Chamantad-Tinyan viewpoint for panoramic cliffside views.
- Visit the Ivatan villages, where houses are built from limestone and thatch to withstand the elements.
- Relax on Morong Beach, one of the island’s most serene spots, famous for Nakabuang Arch, a stunning rock formation.

6. Macleod Island, Myanmar: Nature in Its Purest Form

Macleod Island, part of Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, is a place where time seems to have stood still. The entire area has only just started to open up to tourism, meaning you'll be among a rare few who get to experience this slice of paradise.

Why Visit:

Imagine an island with thick, jungly forests surrounded by white-sand beaches and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Feel like Robinson Crusoe yet? It’s just that remote. There’s only one eco-resort on the island, so you can expect privacy, tranquility, and a close connection with nature.

What to Do:

- Snorkel or dive in the coral reefs that surround the island. You might spot turtles, rays, and even the odd shark.
- Hike through the jungle to discover hidden waterfalls.
- Kick back and enjoy the sunset from a hammock on the beach—because, seriously, where else would you want to be?

7. Chiloé Island, Chile: Mystical Beauty on Chile’s Coast

Chilean Patagonia might steal most of the limelight, but Chiloé Island, located just off Chile's southern coastline, is a mystical place well worth your attention. Fog often blankets the island, adding an air of mystery to its rugged cliffs and colorful stilt houses.

Why Visit:

Chiloé is infused with folklore and legends, which only adds to its allure. The island offers untamed beaches, vast wetlands, and thick forests that seem designed for explorers and dreamers alike. The coastline, backed by rolling green hills, is dotted with sea lions and penguins!

What to Do:

- Visit Cucao Beach, a vast, untouched expanse of sand that seems to stretch on forever.
- Explore the Chiloé National Park, where you can hike through ancient Valdivian rainforests.
- Visit Castro, the island's main town, and admire the iconic palafitos (colorful wooden houses on stilts).

Final Thoughts: The World’s Coastlines Have More to Offer Than You Think

While popular beaches have their charm, nothing beats the sheer joy of discovering an underrated gem—a place where you can reconnect with nature, enjoy the ocean without the hustle and bustle, and maybe even find a bit of peace and quiet. These coastal paradises, tucked away from the crowds, promise just that.

So, the next time you're planning a beach vacation, why not try something a little different? Pack your bags, head off the beaten path, and prepare to be amazed by what the world’s lesser-known shores have to offer.