Greece has earned half of the spots in the list of the 10 Best Beaches in Europe, ranked by the organisation European Best Destinations, confirming once again its reputation as one of the continent’s top summer destinations.
This year’s list includes five Greek beaches, namely Voutoumi in Antipaxos, Fteri in Kefalonia, Elafonissi in Crete, Rovinia in Corfu, and Paleokastritsa in Corfu, ranking among Europe’s best coastlines.
The evaluation was based on a range of criteria such as water quality, accessibility, available activities, natural beauty, suitability for families, and environmental protection. The study also took into account both traveller’s experiences and the organisation’s editorial assessments.
Praia de Monte Clerigo in the Algarve region of Portugal got first place among Europe’s beaches. The sandy shore lies within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park and is a popular destination for hiking and water sports enthusiasts.
Five Greek beaches among Europe’s elite
The highest-ranked Greek entry is Voutoumi in Antipaxos, which came in second place out of the 10 best. Fteri in Kefalonia came in third place, with a distinction awarded shortly after having been named the best beach in Europe by another international travel ranking.
In fourth place is pink-sand Elafonissi in Crete, which remains one of Europe’s most iconic and award-winning coastal landscapes.
Rovinia in Corfu ranked eighth, while Paleokastritsa, also in Corfu, completed the top 10 in tenth place, giving the island two entries on the list.
The 10 Best Beaches in Europe
According to the European Best Destinations ranking, the top beaches in Europe for 2026 are:
- Monte Clerigo – Algarve, Portugal
- Voutoumi – Antipaxos, Greece
- Fteri – Kefalonia, Greece
- Elafonissi – Crete, Greece
- Bogliasco Beach – Italy
- Cala Mesquida – Mallorca, Spain
- Kvalvika Beach – Norway
- Rovinia – Corfu, Greece
- Kaputas Beach – Turkey
- Paleokastritsa – Corfu, Greece
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