A new study has crowned Playa de la Concha in San Sebastian, Spain, the most underrated beach in the world, and it’s just a short flight from the UK.
Areport by Ibiza Summer Villas analysed beaches around the globe using a blend of online search data, user satisfaction, and weather statistics. While some coastal destinations suffer from overcrowding and overhype, Playa de la Concha quietly earned top marks for its charm, cleanliness, and visitor experience – all without the chaos of viral fame. With a remarkably low 0.02% of reviews rated negatively, La Concha outperformed hundreds of more high-profile destinations.
It sees solid online interest, with over 74,000 monthly Google searches and 49,100 TikTok searches, yet still feels like a hidden gem.
The beach also benefits from a mild climate, receiving just 99.8mm of rainfall annually, making it a reliable spot for sun-seekers nearly year-round.
Set against the backdrop of San Sebastian’s Belle Epoque architecture, Playa de la Concha offers calm surf, soft golden sands, and a curved shoreline that hugs the bay like a natural amphitheatre.
Its proximity to the city centre means visitors can swim in the morning, wander through old-town streets by afternoon, and dine at world-class pintxo bars by night without needing a car.
“Getting there from the UK is simple as British Airways now operates direct flights to San Sebastian from both London City and Edinburgh airports, and it’s only a short one hour and 55 minute flight to get there.
Second on the list was Playa de Bolonia, a wild, unspoiled stretch of sand on the Andalusian coast backed by rolling dunes and ancient Roman ruins.
Rounding out the top five were Playa de la Barrosa, also in Spain, Tropea Beach in Italy, a picturesque strip beneath a dramatic cliffside town, and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Beach in France’s Camargue region, known for its peaceful, natural setting and flamingo-filled wetlands.
More travellers are looking to get away from crowded, overdeveloped resorts and find authentic, beautiful spots with fewer crowds and more character.
Playa de la Concha and its quietly spectacular peers are proving that underrated can sometimes mean unbeatable.
