Situated on the Costa Vicentina in Portugal’s Algarve region, Monte Clerigo Beach has been named the best beach in Europe by the authoritative travel portal European Best Destinations. The ranking was compiled based on strict criteria ranging from water quality to authenticity and environmental sustainability, after which the top 30 locations were assessed by an international panel of travellers. The beach attracts wildlife lovers, surfers and those seeking understated luxury away from mass tourism. It is also known for its golden cliffs and iconic Friday evenings with live music at the O Sargo restaurant. The location has already become popular among international celebrities — fashion designer Christian Louboutin and Prince Alexander Grimaldi of Monaco have both been spotted here, driving the construction of designer villas. The other two beaches in the top three are Voutoumi (Antipaxos) and Fteri (Kefalonia) in Greece.
Monte Clerigo Beach, located in the popular Portuguese resort region of the Algarve, was named the best beach in Europe in 2026. This conclusion was reached by the team at the influential travel portal European Best Destinations after analysing hundreds of beaches across Europe.
Each destination was assessed against a set of criteria including natural beauty, water quality, accessibility, a family-friendly atmosphere, authenticity, available leisure activities, environmental protection, beach facilities, the quality of nearby accommodation, and the overall atmosphere.
The 30 highest-rated beaches were then presented to an international panel of travellers, who selected the best beaches in Europe for 2026.
Topping the rankings was the Portuguese beach of Monte Clerigo on the Costa Vicentina, which is increasingly attracting travellers seeking authenticity, unspoilt nature, sea air, surfing culture, walking trails and understated luxury away from crowded resorts.
Famous for its golden cliffs, wild Atlantic landscapes and unforgettable sunsets, Monte Clerigo is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the best ‘sunset beaches’ in Portugal. Every Friday evening, locals and tourists gather barefoot by the ocean at the iconic O Sargo restaurant to enjoy live music, fresh seafood and one of the most beautiful sunsets in Portugal.
At the same time, the area is gradually attracting an international crowd. This spring, Alexandre Grimaldi, son of Prince Albert II of Monaco, was spotted enjoying the atmosphere at Monte Clerigo. The renowned fashion designer Christian Louboutin is also a regular visitor to the area. Meanwhile, the region is seeing a rise in a new generation of exquisite private villas and designer holiday homes.
The ten most beautiful beaches in Europe in 2026:
- Monte Clerigo Beach, Algarve, Portugal.
- Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos Island, Greece.
- Fteri Beach, Kefalonia Island, Greece.
- Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece.
- Bollasco Beach, Liguria, Italy.
- Cala Mesquida Beach, Majorca, Spain.
- Kvalvika Beach, Moskenesøya, Lofoten Islands, Norway.
- Rovinia Beach, Corfu, Greece.
- Kaputas Beach, Antalya, Turkey.
- Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu, Greece.