The best beach in Europe has just been named, with a golden swathe in Portugal crowned king of the continent’s coastlines.
Praia de Monte Clerigo, a “Sunset Beach”, on Portugal’s Algarve, has been celebrated as one of Europe’s “most desirable Atlantic escapes” by travel website European Best Destinations.
The 2026 ranking of the top sands in Europe said the beach near Aljezur is increasingly attracting travellers “searching for authenticity, nature and understated luxury far from overcrowded resorts”.
Every Friday evening, locals and visitors gather barefoot by the ocean at the Restaurante O Sargo for live Música Ao Vivo, fresh seafood and one of the most beautiful sunsets in Portugal, said European Best Destinations.
Beaches were evaluated based on a combination of editorial, environmental, and traveller-experience criteria, including natural beauty, water quality, accessibility, family-friendliness, authenticity, available activities, environmental preservation, beach services, nearby accommodation quality, and overall atmosphere.
Also featured in the best 10 hotlist, Voutoumi Beach in Antipaxos, Greece, was hailed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine white pebbles, alongside Kefalonia’s Fteri Beach and Elafonisi Beach in Crete.
In Italy, Bogliasco Beach ranked fifth for its colourful houses and relaxed atmosphere, with the fine white sands of Cala Mesquida in Mallorca in sixth.
On the island of Moskenesøya in the Lofoten archipelago, Kvalvika Beach in Norway made the list for northern Europe as a “breathtaking beach with golden sands and turquoise waters” accessible only by hiking.
In April, a beach in the Philippines was named the best in the world for 2026, according to a report.
Entalula Beach in Palawan was named the most spectacular stretch of sand in the annual World’s 50 Best Beaches list.
Entalula earned its place for the towering limestone cliffs that skirt its soft white sand, creating one of the most breathtaking shorelines in the world.
Compared to nearby beaches, the judges say it sees fewer visitors and that the water is clear and gentle, making it easy to swim.
Read more: The best beach in the world for 2026 has been named