Portugal’s Monte Clérigo Beach Crowned Best in Europe for 2026
According to the latest rankings released by the travel organization European Best Destinations, Praia de Monte Clérigo in Portugal has been named the “Best Beach in Europe” for 2026. The list, nominated by experts and voted on by global travelers, aims to provide an authoritative guide for summer vacationers.
The Winner: Portugal’s Monte Clérigo Beach for Nature and Value
This year’s winning beach, Praia de Monte Clérigo, is located on Portugal’s southwestern Costa Vicentina, within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The organization highlights that the beach captivates visitors with its “authenticity, ultimate natural beauty, and understated luxury,” attracting those looking to escape overly commercialized resorts.
Beyond its stunning cliff landscapes and Atlantic scenery, the area’s exceptional value for money was a key factor in its victory. The report specifically notes that accommodation costs around Monte Clérigo can be nearly three times cheaper than in traditional popular resort areas like the Algarve, offering tourists a high-value vacation option.
Greece’s Strong Showing: Half of the Top Ten
Greece made a strong impression on this year’s list, securing five of the top ten spots and becoming the biggest winner. These beaches are highly praised for their outstanding natural beauty:
- Second Place: Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos Island, hailed as one of “Europe’s most beautiful beaches” for its glass-like turquoise waters and white pebble shores.
- Third Place: Fteri Beach on Kefalonia Island, a secluded spot accessible only by boat or hiking, renowned for its steep white cliffs and azure waters.
- Fourth Place: Elafonisi Beach on Crete, world-famous for its unique pink sands, created by crushed red coral mixed with the white sand.
- Eighth and Tenth Place: Rovinia Beach and Paleokastritsa Beach, both on Corfu Island, also made the list for their picturesque scenery.
Other Diverse European Coastlines on the List
The top ten also features other distinctive beaches from across Europe, showcasing a variety of coastal charms:
- Fifth Place: Bogliasco Beach in Italy, located near Genoa, a picturesque fishing village beach brimming with Italian charm.
- Sixth Place: Cala Mesquida Beach on Mallorca, Spain, known for its vast sand dunes and crystal-clear waters, and is one of the island’s best-preserved beaches.
- Seventh Place: Kvalvika Beach in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, situated near the Arctic Circle and requiring a hike to reach. Its towering black mountains and isolated, wild beauty offer a starkly different experience from the Mediterranean beaches.
- Ninth Place: Kaputaş Beach in Turkey, tucked between two towering cliffs and celebrated for its golden sands and turquoise waters. It was also featured in another “World’s 50 Best Beaches” list in April of this year.
