The World's 50 Best Beaches has released its 2026 ranking, and Europe claims a strong presence with 11 entries. Topping the list is Entalula Beach in the Philippines, but the runner-up spot belongs to Greece's Fteri Beach on the Ionian island of Kefalonia.
Fteri Beach is a secluded cove accessible only by boat or a steep hike. The judging panel described it as "a haven for those in search of peace and a deep connection with nature." Its untouched landscape and tranquil waters earned it the second position globally.
Europe's Top Beach Destinations
Only one European beach made the global top ten: Fteri Beach at number two. The next best is Cala Macarella on Menorca, Spain, which came in 12th place. Its horseshoe-shaped cove keeps waters calm year-round, adding to its popularity.
Italy's Cala Dei Gabbiani in Sardinia secured 18th place, praised for its white pebble shoreline and crystal-clear waters framed by limestone cliffs. Turkey's Kaputaş Beach, located between Kaş and Kalkan, ranked 29th, noted for its electric blue waters at the base of a canyon.
Rounding out the top five European beaches is Porto Katsiki on Lefkada, Greece, at 34th place. Known for striking cliffs and bright blue waters, it remains one of the island's most famous spots.
Other European entries include Santa Giulia in Corsica, France (35th); Playa Cofete in Fuerteventura, Spain (39th); Praia da Falésia in the Algarve, Portugal (43rd); Porto Timoni in Corfu, Greece (46th); La Pelosa in Sardinia, Italy (48th); and Keem Beach in County Mayo, Ireland (50th).
Greece leads with three beaches in the top 50, followed by Italy and Spain with two each. The list also features beaches from Turkey, France, Portugal, and Ireland, reflecting the continent's diverse coastal offerings.
For travelers planning summer trips, Skyscanner's Summer 2026 Guide offers advice on best dates and budget-friendly destinations across Europe.
How the Ranking Works
The World's 50 Best Beaches is determined by nominations and votes from over 1,000 industry professionals, including travel writers, influencers, and agents. Each beach is judged on criteria such as uniqueness of the surrounding landscape, wildlife encounter potential, water calmness for swimming, and the overall likelihood of a perfect beach day.
This year's list highlights the growing emphasis on secluded and unspoiled locations, with many top-ranked beaches accessible only by boat or hike. The trend aligns with broader efforts to protect fragile coastlines, such as Greece's expansion of sunbed bans to 251 beaches.
For those seeking alternatives to crowded shores, Europe's top-ranked beaches offer a mix of dramatic cliffs, clear waters, and serene environments. Whether it's the pebbled shores of Sardinia or the canyon-backed sands of Turkey, the continent provides ample options for a memorable beach day.
