A beach on Portugal’s wild southwest coast has been named the best beach in Europe for 2026 by travel platform European Best Destinations, reinforcing the growing international appeal of the country’s more natural and less crowded coastal escapes.
Praia de Monte Clérigo, located near Aljezur on the Costa Vicentina, topped this year’s European Best Beaches ranking, which evaluates destinations based on natural beauty, accessibility, atmosphere, environmental preservation and overall visitor experience.
Part of the protected Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Monte Clérigo was praised for offering travellers “authenticity, nature and understated luxury far from overcrowded resorts”.
Known for its rugged Atlantic scenery, golden cliffs and relaxed atmosphere, the beach has increasingly become a favourite among surfers, hikers, nature lovers and travellers seeking a slower pace of life away from Portugal’s busier tourism hotspots.
According to European Best Destinations, the annual ranking began with hundreds of beaches across Europe before a shortlist of 30 destinations was submitted to an international panel of travellers and tourism enthusiasts.
@rotavicentina 🇵🇹 O Caminho Histórico nunca deixa de nos surpreender… 😍🌞🥾 🇬🇧 The Historical Way never stops surprising us… 😍🌞🥾 #rotavicentina #sudoeste #algarve #alentejo #historicalway ♬ original sound – Rota Vicentina
The organisation said this year’s ranking aimed to celebrate beaches that offer more than scenic beauty alone, highlighting destinations where visitors can “disconnect from everyday stress, reconnect with nature and experience some of Europe’s most inspiring coastal landscapes”.
Monte Clérigo has quietly developed a reputation as one of Portugal’s emerging “Sunset Beaches”, with visitors gathering every Friday evening at the beachfront Restaurante O Sargo for live music, seafood and sunset views over the Atlantic.
The region is also attracting growing international attention. European Best Destinations noted that Alexandre Grimaldi, the son of Prince Albert II of Monaco, was recently spotted in the area, while French fashion designer Christian Louboutin is known to spend time nearby.
Despite this increasing profile, Costa Vicentina remains considerably more affordable than some of Portugal’s more exclusive coastal destinations. European Best Destinations said luxury accommodation prices in the region can still be up to three times lower than in celebrity-favoured locations such as Comporta.
The ranking also highlighted the rise of design-focused villas and holiday homes in the area, combining luxury amenities with preserved natural surroundings.
Beyond Portugal, Greece dominated much of the top 10 list. Voutoumi Beach on the island of Antipaxos took second place and was also named the most beautiful beach in Europe thanks to its crystal-clear waters and white pebbles.
Fteri Beach on Kefalonia ranked third, while Elafonissi Beach in Crete secured fourth place. Italy rounded out the top five with Bogliasco Beach, a picturesque seaside destination near Genoa.
Spain’s Cala Mesquida in Mallorca ranked sixth, while Norway’s remote Kvalvika Beach entered the list in seventh place despite only being accessible by hiking trails.
The ranking’s remaining top 10 included Rovinia Beach and Paleokastritsa Beach in Corfu, as well as Türkiye’s Kaputaş Beach, which was also featured earlier this year in the World’s 50 Best Beaches ranking.
