Europe’s best secret beach is near much-loved coastal city – with cheap, short flights
THE best secret beach in Europe is easy to find – with cheap flights from the UK.
Pasjaca Beach in Croatia is found around 18 miles from Dubrovnik in the south.
The beach is found at the bottom of the Konavle cliff, so expect a steep walk down the steps.
According to European Best Destinations, the beach is a “miracle” by how it was formed.
Back in the 1950s, a tunnel was created from the fields which flooded to the sea.
The waves then turned the rocks into pebbles, then sand, which led to the beach.
Due to being off the beaten track, don’t expect any shops or toilets at the beach.
And other tourists have warned to take beach umbrellas, as there is little shade in the slim stretch of sand.
However, people have raved about how stunning it is.
One person said it was one of the “most beautiful places on the planet”.
Another wrote: “One of the most amazing places I have ever seen. Every way you look views are fantastic. “
A third agreed: “This beach belongs to the best beaches I’ve ever been.
“If you love being in pristine nature this beach is for you. No boats, no loud music.”
The best way to get there is to fly to Dubrovnik, which takes around 2hr30.
Ryanair has the cheapest flights, costing around £22 each way when travelling from London Stansted.
Pasjaca is then around 30 minutes by car.
Near to the beach is Cavtat, also listed by European Best Destinations as the Most Exclusive Destination 2024.
Dubbed the “Croatian Tuscany,” the website states: “The picturesque charming town of Cavtat is possibly the most famous place in Konavle region and it is situated only 18 km from Dubrovnik.
“Its best kept secret is the old town centre that hides many lovely cafés and restaurants.
“It has a stunning waterfront lined with palm trees and has been described as closely resembling Saint Tropez.“
Rather than the busy clubs and bars people might expect from elsewhere in Croatia, Cavtat is a more laidback holiday destination.
What is it like to visit Dubrovnik
The Sun’s Senior Associate Head of Features and Books Editor Emily Fairbairn recently visited – here’s what she thought.
The city is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic for good reason – the impeccably preserved Croatian city is a real treasure.
Wandering its cobbled streets or looking across the sparkling turquoise sea from its imposing medieval walls, it’s easy to imagine you’re in a fairy tale — or at least an episode of Game Of Thrones, which famously was filmed here.
It’s breathtakingly beautiful, compact enough to explore in a weekend and blessed with a mild climate which means days without sun are rare.
Stay within Dubrovnik’s old city walls and you can go everywhere on foot, as it’s completely pedestrianised and small enough to easily navigate.
For a view that’s better than any postcard, take the cable car up Mount Srd, which rises nearly 1,400ft above the old town.
On a clear day you can see for almost 40 miles.
The downside is that eating out in Dubrovnik can be a little pricey, so a good tip is to visit in October.
This is when the city enjoys a month-long Good Food Festival which sees its top restaurants offer special set menus at bargain prices.
Another person said it was like “paradise on earth” while others said it was like a “step back in time” with its old fashioned stores.
While visiting Cavtat, make sure to stop in at Dubrovnik too.