A stunning beach on Portugal's Algarve coast has been crowned the best in Europe for 2026. Praia de Monte Clérigo, located near Aljezur, was named the continent's top seaside destination by travel website European Best Destinations.
Praia de Monte Clérigo: A Sunset Paradise
Described as a 'Sunset Beach', Praia de Monte Clérigo sits on the wild western coast of the Algarve. The ranking highlights it as one of Europe's 'most desirable Atlantic escapes', 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, according to European Best Destinations.
Evaluation Criteria
Beaches were evaluated based on a combination of editorial, environmental, and traveller-experience criteria. These included natural beauty, water quality, accessibility, family-friendliness, authenticity, available activities, environmental preservation, beach services, nearby accommodation quality, and overall atmosphere.
Top 10 European Beaches
Also featured in the best 10 hotlist, Voutoumi Beach in Antipaxos, Greece, was hailed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine white pebbles. Other Greek beaches in the top ten include Kefalonia's Fteri Beach and Elafonisi Beach in Crete.
In Italy, Bogliasco Beach ranked fifth for its colourful houses and relaxed atmosphere. The fine white sands of Cala Mesquida in Mallorca secured sixth place. 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.
World's Best Beach 2026
In April, a beach in the Philippines was named the best in the world for 2026. 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.
