This Sydney beach is better than Italy, and I won't hear a word otherwise

Who needs Europe? This Sydney beach has rocks to dance over, cement platforms to laze on, wicker umbrellas to read under, calm waters to paddle in, protection from a southerly breeze and Acai bowls that would put Italy's best gelateria to shame. 

As summer unfurls its sticky tentacles, Aussies are feeling the love for the beach. 

But some slices of sand are better than others. 

And if you're tired of the unholy triumvirate of Bondi, Byron Bay and Manly, there's good news: other beaches do exist. 

Case in point: the following video, posted to TikTok by Aussie Hannah Rogers.

@hannahrogers.s

HOME is where the heart is. This is HOME #sydneyaustralia #cronullabeach #sliceoflife #europebeaches #sydneybeaches #travelsydney

♬ You Got the Love (Club Mix) - Rockin Moroccin

The video shows a montage of waveless water, beach umbrellas, wicker cabanas, sunscreen, white thongs, an iced coffee, a rock platform to lay on, and a topless man splashing water over his face. It has sparked a stir online.

Where is this place? Probably not where you might think. 

But while everyone is losing their minds over closer-to-the-city beaches, Cronulla has remained relaxed. Pictures via TikTok (@hannahrogers.s)

It's actually a very mainstream beach: South Cronulla. 

So while Bondi has been swarmed by influencers and tech bros, Manly has been infested by run clubs and Coogee has been renamed County Coogee due to the influx of Irish, Cronulla has remained relaxed.

See also: Prettiest hidden locations near Sydney (and how to find them)

So while it's hardly a secret beach, by 2024 standards, Cronulla is still quite chill. 

Especially midweek, on a day when the waves are flat, you can even see how it might be likened to Europe. 

A video of a Sydney 'Euro lookalike' beach has stirred the pot online. Pictures via TikTok (@hannahrogers.s)

With the straw umbrellas ruffling in the breeze, the rocks glimmering through the water, the cafes on the esplanade serving better coffee than you'll find anywhere in Europe, and the beachgoers primping and preening like something out of the Amalfi Coast, who knows, maybe it does feel a bit like you're in Italy?

Another Cronulla Beach, Salmon Haul, has even heavier Euro aura. Picture via Instagram (@placesweswim)

Encaptioned "a little slice of Europe 40 mins from Sydney CBD," Cronulla local Hannah Rogers certainly seems to think so.

Locals and tourists alike also rave about Salmon Haul beach in Cronulla. Pictures: left, @nswadventureguides, right: @jessadventuringabroad

There are even beaches in Cronulla with heavier European vibes, like Salmon Haul and Fisheries, where the greater lack of sand and abundance of rocks have even more of a touch of Polignano a Mare about them. 

@seeshots

Hidden gems in Sydney with the most turquoise blue waters. This spot is very well known to locals, but not much known to those outside of the area. In fact it took me a while to find it myself. Behind a residential cul-de-sac, head down the the stairs, and at the bottom, you’ll be see some of the most turquoise blue waters. The waters here are calm, and perfect for a swim or to sunbake along the shore. It’s also great to watch the sunset here in the summer. A much quieter and chilled out alternative compared to nearby Cronulla Beach. 
This is Salmon Haul in Cronulla. Save this for your next summer day out. #ilovesydney #feelnewsydney #seeaustralia #travelguide #sydneytravel #sydneyaustralia #theshire #sutherlandshire #cronulla #salmonhaul #godscountry #shirelife #beachlife #summervibes #hiddengem #turquoisewater

♬ 7am - RMT

But is it really time to park the pasta, throw the calzone in the trash, and head to The Shire?

See also: Australia's answer to Italy's Polignano a Mare is head and shoulders better

Not everyone thinks so. In fact, some people savaged the Cronulla As Europe comparison, writing things like: "I’ve never seen someone compare Cronulla to Europe this is so funny" and "Oh lol... I grew up in the Shire and it’s absolutely nothing like Europe in any way."

Another furiously typed: "Wow how dare you say that Cronulla LOOKS like Europe when it has no resemblance at all!? Have you ever been to Europe…. Wowwww obvi not."

See also: Best Sydney harbour beaches locals don’t want you to know about

The conversation then morphed into a discussion around how - although Cronulla is nothing like Europe - "Aussie beaches are elite' and only occasionally matched for their pristine sand and bountiful rays of sun overseas (by places like Lagos or maybe Hawaii). 

The upshot? Forget Europe: the pebbly beaches are uncomfortable and you can't surf. La dolce vita can wait; Aussie summer is here and it's time to go enjoy it...

Originally published as This Sydney beach is better than Italy, and I won't hear a word otherwise