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Beaches are a thing of great variety, be it the colour of the sand or the surrounding rock formations, or the kind of activities on offer to travellers who pay them a visit.
There are brilliant ones all over the planet, but ahead of Euro Summer 2026, World’s 50 Best Beaches has just unveiled its list of the continent’s finest spots, including in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia, and Albania.
How are Europe’s best beaches selected?
Well, more than 1,000 travel experts nominate a beach they deem worthy of a place on the list, and these are analysed by the team at World’s 50 Best Beaches (with the help of their Beach Ambassadors – who have each also nominated three) based on eight criteria: wildlife and untouched nature, the ‘soundtrack of nature’, ease of entering water and its calmness, crowds, uniqueness, and the frequency of idyllic conditions.
Six beaches from Spain and four from Italy have made the top 20, but the coveted number one position was awarded to Fteri Beach in Greece. It lies on Kefalonia’s north coast, and brags all the untouched white sand and pellucid waters you could hope for.
Remaining largely untouched thanks to its secluded location, visitors can access Fteri Beach by hike or water taxi from Zola port. There’s not much in the way of amenities aside from the views, but given they’re not only the loveliest in Europe, but second best in the world, that’s all you really need.
Europe’s 20 best beaches for 2026
- Fteri Beach, Greece
- Cala Macarella, Spain
- Cala Dei Gabbiani, Italy
- Kaputas, Türkiye
- Porto Katsiki, Greece
- Santa Giulia, France
- Playa Cofete, Spain
- Praia Da Falésia, Portugal
- Porto Timoni, Greece
- La Pelosa, Italy
- Keem Beach, Ireland
- Playa Bolonia, Spain
- Tuerredda, Italy
- Podrace Beach, Croatia
- Calo Des Moro, Spain
- Oludeniz, Turkey
- Grama Bay, Albania
- Playa De Rodas, Spain
- Cala Coticcio, Italy
- Playa De Sotavento, Spain
🌞 Oh, and have a read of Time Out’s revamped list of Europe’s best beaches.
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