The sound of crashing waves, the heady smell of suncream mixed with salt water and the sun pressing warmly against your back… nothing can be better than a beach holiday, right? Well, sometimes even the most idyllic beaches can feel a little crowded, which can take the edge off your perfect getaway.
Recommended: The best beaches in Europe, according to Time Out
If you’re looking for peace and quiet while you sip your piña colada from the privacy of a cabana, then Cloudwards has done the hard work for you. The cloud and privacy software reviews site has meticulously scoured TripAdvisor reviews to pinpoint the most overcrowded beaches in the world.
Italian beaches draw the most crowds
Top of the list is La Pelosa in Sardinia, Italy, famed for its strikingly blue water and powder-white sand. It might be known as a dupe for the Maldives, but all that beauty makes it a little too popular. Another Sardinian hotspot came second, Spiaggia La Cinta. FYI, if you want to find some underrated spots, take a look at our guide to the best beaches in Italy – all chosen by locals who know their stuff.
Third place went to Praia da Falésia in Portugal, but while European beaches dominate the top 10, Poipu Beach in Hawaii is the only location to appear twice – in fourth and sixth place – likely reflecting different sections of the beach, according to Cloudwards.
So, if you’re dreaming of a truly tranquil beach day, it pays to do a little homework before you pack your sunscreen. A serene stretch of sand is out there - you just might want to give these locations a miss.
The top 10 most overcrowded beaches in the world
- La Pelosa, Italy
- Spiaggia La Cinta, Italy
- Praia de Falesia, Portugal
- Poipu Beach Park, US
- Cala Comte, Spain
- Poipu Beach Park, US
- Konnos Bya, Cyprus
- La Concha Beach, Spain
- Spiaggia La Cinta, Italy
- Playa de Muro Beach, Spain
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