The Best Beach in Europe Is in Portugal

Far from the crowds and surrounded by wild landscapes, this Portuguese beach has been named the best option for a seaside vacation, according to the latest ranking by Europe��s Best Destinations.

Portugal has overtaken Greece in the European Best Destinations ranking for 2026.

When people think of Europe's best beaches, their minds often drift to the turquoise waters of Greece, the hidden coves of Spain, or the idyllic scenery of Italy's coastline. However, the latest ranking by European Best Destinations has delivered a pleasant surprise: in 2026, the title of Europe's best beach has gone to Portugal. Yes, you read that correctly.

"Europe's coastlines offer an incredible variety of beaches that appeal to every type of traveler, and European Best Destinations has conducted a thorough analysis to identify the very best among them," explains Time Out.

"Everything from water quality, accessibility, and available activities to natural beauty, family-friendliness, and environmental preservation was carefully evaluated based on the experiences of both travelers and editors, and the official top 10 has just been released."

Europe's Best Beach Is in Portugal

To the surprise of many—though perhaps not entirely—the winner is Monte Clérigo Beach, located near Aljezur on the Vicentine Coast. Far removed from the Algarve's more famous image of large tourist resorts and crowded beaches, Monte Clérigo stands out for the opposite reasons: preserved nature, dramatic cliffs, open Atlantic views, and a peaceful atmosphere that continues to attract travelers seeking authenticity.

Located within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, this beach won over experts and travelers alike thanks to its combination of natural beauty, environmental quality, and excellent conditions for surfing and hiking.

"Known for its golden cliffs, wild Atlantic landscapes, and unforgettable sunsets, Monte Clérigo is quickly earning a reputation as one of Portugal's premier sunset beaches," the ranking's organizers wrote. According to them, this stretch of the Portuguese coast has quietly become "one of Europe's most sought-after Atlantic escapes."

The organization also highlighted a local tradition in which residents and visitors gather barefoot by the ocean every Friday at the O Sargo restaurant to enjoy live music, fresh seafood, and the sunset.

The beach that has captured Europe's attention is located in Portugal.

It is therefore no surprise that this destination has attracted notable figures such as Alexandre Grimaldi, son of Prince Albert II of Monaco, and renowned designer Christian Louboutin.

"In recent years, it has also become the setting for several private villas emerging throughout the region, including Sounds of the Sea and Villa Nana," adds NiT magazine.

The Ranking of Europe's Best Beaches for 2026 Has Been Revealed

But what exactly makes a beach the best in Europe? The selection is far from simple. After all, what makes one traveler fall in love with a destination may be entirely different for someone else. Some seek long stretches of sand for seaside walks, others prioritize crystal-clear waters for diving and snorkeling, while many are drawn to breathtaking scenery worthy of a magazine cover.

It is precisely this diversity that makes Europe's coastline so fascinating.

In the European Best Destinations ranking, Greece remains one of the continent's leading beach tourism destinations.

In fact, five Greek beaches appear among Europe's top ten for 2026. Among them is Voutoumi Beach on the small island of Antipaxos, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and near-paradisiacal atmosphere.

Just behind it is Fteri Beach on the island of Kefalonia, accessible mainly by boat or hiking trails, which helps preserve its wild character. Meanwhile, Elafonisi Beach in Crete continues to enchant visitors with its pink sands and shallow turquoise lagoons.

Greece stands out once again. Pictured here is Voutoumi Beach.

Spain also appears among Europe's standout destinations with Cala Mesquida in Mallorca. Farther north, Kvalvika Beach in Norway demonstrates that the world's best beaches do not necessarily require tropical temperatures. The ranking also includes Bogliasco on Italy's Ligurian coast and Kaputaş Beach in Turkey.

The 10 Best Beaches in Europe, According to European Best Destinations

Here are the beaches selected in the European Best Destinations ranking:

Monte Clérigo Beach, Portugal.
Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos, Greece.
Fteri Beach, Kefalonia, Greece.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece.
Bogliasco Beach, Italy.
Cala Mesquida, Mallorca, Spain.
Kvalvika Beach, Moskenesøya, Norway.
Rovinia Beach, Corfu, Greece.
Kaputaş Beach, Turkey.
Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu, Greece.

A New Travel Trend

The success of beaches such as Monte Clérigo also highlights a growing trend among travelers: the search for less crowded destinations. Today, many tourists value not only a location's beauty but also its sustainability, environmental preservation, and the opportunity to enjoy more authentic experiences.

As a result, beaches located within protected areas or far from major tourist centers are gaining prominence in leading international rankings.

In Portugal's case, Monte Clérigo's recognition confirms what many travelers have suspected for years: some of Europe's most beautiful beaches are found precisely where nature still sets the rules.

News Reference

Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe. European Best Destinations. May 2026.

Liv Kelly. Portugal Has the Best Beach in Europe, According to European Best Destinations. Time Out. May 30, 2026.

Izabelli Pincelli. Portugal Overtakes Greece and Wins Europe's Best Beach Award. NiT. May 27, 2026.