European Best Destinations has named Praia de Monte Clerigo in Portugal the best beach in Europe after a panel of tourism experts voted on thirty shortlisted coastal spots across the continent.
The travel organisation evaluated hundreds of beaches across Europe, selecting around 10 standout locations per country before an international jury of travel and tourism experts decided the final top 10 list.
Each destination was judged against nine criteria: natural beauty, water quality, activities, beach services, accessibility, authenticity, environmental preservation, nearby accommodation quality, and overall atmosphere. The resulting selection ranges from remote Arctic bays in Scandinavia to secluded Mediterranean coves, offering pink sands, dramatic cliffs, and hidden lagoons.
Praia de Monte Clerigo in Portugal
Praia de Monte Clerigo, located along the Costa Vicentina in Portugal's Algarve region, secured the top spot and was also ranked among the continent's most beautiful beaches. The destination is known for its golden sand, wild Atlantic landscapes, and sunsets that have earned it the nickname Sunset Beach.
Set within the protected Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina, the beach is popular with surfers and holidaymakers seeking nature and uncrowded shores. The area also draws distinguished visitors, including Alexandre Grimaldi, son of Prince Alvery II of Monaco, and fashion designer Christian Louboutin.
On Friday evenings, locals and tourists frequently book tables at the nearby Restaurante O Sargo for fresh seafood and live Musica Ao Vivo performances overlooking the sunset. Travellers can reach the beach by flying into Faro Airport, which sits about 110 kilometres, or a 1.5-hour drive, away, with car rentals available at the terminal.
Voutoumi Beach and Fteri Beach in Greece
Voutoumi Beach on the small Ionian island of Antipaxos claimed second place in the European ranking. Celebrated for its turquoise waters, white pebbles, white sand, and lush green hillsides, the peaceful cove offers calm waters popular with families for swimming and snorkelling.
During peak season, a local taverna serves Greek favourites including souvlaki and tzatziki above the bay. The beach is accessible primarily by boat. Visitors fly into Corfu International Airport, take a one-hour ferry to Paxos, and board a water taxi or boat to Antipaxos.
Fteri Beach on the island of Kefalonia took third place, described as an introvert's dream for its solitude and untouched scenery. The secluded shoreline features bright turquoise water, white pebbles, and towering limestone cliffs, remaining completely undeveloped.
Nearby Zola village offers freshly caught seafood and traditional Kefalonian meat pie for those arriving by taxi boat. Reaching Fteri requires flying into Kefalonia International Airport, taking a one-hour drive covering 30 kilometres to Zola, and continuing to the beach by taxi boat or along a hiking trail.
Elafonisi Beach and Bogliasco Beach
Elafonisi Beach, situated on the southwestern coast of Crete, took fourth place. The shoreline is famed for its distinctive pink-hued sand, shallow crystal-clear water, and calm lagoons set within a protected nature reserve, making it especially popular with families.
The beach offers sunbeds, umbrellas, toilet facilities, and several snack bars, while nearby tavernas serve traditional Cretan dishes such as dakos and kalitsounia. Holidaymakers reach the beach by flying to Chania International Airport and hiring a car for the 75-kilometre, 1.5-hour drive.
Fifth place went to Bogliasco Beach, a pebble cove tucked into one of Liguria's prettiest fishing villages on the Italian Riviera. Colourful houses overlook the clear water, creating a relaxed setting that draws local residents during the summer.
Surrounding cafes and trattorias serve regional specialities such as trofie al pesto, focaccia, and fresh seafood, with sunbeds and umbrellas available to hire in high season. Bogliasco is located 15 kilometres from Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport, requiring a 20-minute drive or a three-minute regional train ride from Genoa.
Cala Mesquida and Kvalvika Beach
Cala Mesquida on Mallorca's northeastern coast placed sixth. The 300-metre bay features white sand, turquoise waters, and rolling sand dunes backed by rugged hills, providing a more natural atmosphere than the island's bustling resort beaches. Bars and restaurants serve traditional dishes including pa amb oli (bread with oil) and tortillas.
The beach provides rental sunbeds, umbrellas, freshwater showers, and seasonal lifeguards, though visitors are advised to exercise caution due to potential winds and waves. Travellers reach the bay from Palma de Mallorca Airport via an 80-kilometre, 1.5-hour drive.
Seventh place was awarded to Kvalvika Beach, an Arctic bay on Moskenesoy in Norway's Lofoten Islands. Framed by towering mountain peaks, golden sand meets turquoise water in an untouched wilderness that attracts adventurous travellers and wild campers.
The beach is entirely undeveloped with no facilities, and visitors must carry their own provisions for a rugged hike lasting one to two hours. In the nearby fishing village of Reine, restaurants serve regional dishes like klippfisk (dried and salted cod) and fresh seafood. The trailhead near Fredvang is a 40-kilometre, 60-minute drive from Leknes Airport.
Kaputas Beach and Paleokastritsa
Rovinia Beach on Corfu's western coast took eighth place. Tucked beneath steep cliffs and lush greenery, the pebble bay is celebrated for pristine waters so clear that the seabed remains visible from above.
The site has no commercial facilities, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies, though nearby tavernas serve Corfiot specialities such as sofrito and pastitsada. Access is by boat or a 15-minute footpath from Liapades, which sits 20 kilometres and a 30-minute drive from Corfu International Airport.
Kaputas Beach on Turkey's Mediterranean coast ranked ninth. Nestled between the resort towns of Kas and Kalkan, the cove is famous for its vivid turquoise waters and cliffside setting. A steep staircase leads down from the coastal road to calm waters suitable for swimming and snorkelling.
Onsite amenities include sunbeds, umbrellas, changing rooms, toilets, and a small cafe offering drinks and snacks, while nearby restaurants serve Turkish staples such as meze, kebabs, seafood, and baklava. The beach is a two-hour drive covering roughly 130 kilometres from Dalaman Airport.
Tenth place went to Paleokastritsa Beach on Corfu. Famed for its rocky coastline, green hills, and sheltered bays, the area is popular for boat trips, scuba diving, and snorkelling around hidden sea caves.
Waterfront tavernas prepare Corfiot dishes including pastitsada (spiced meat stew) and sofrito (veal in white wine and garlic sauce). The beach offers sunbeds, umbrellas, restrooms, changing facilities, and watersports centres providing rentals and diving. Reaching Paleokastritsa takes a 25-kilometre, 40-minute drive or taxi ride from Corfu International Airport.
