Revealed: Europe’s best beaches, according to travellers

The pink sand at and turquoise water at Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece.

TripAdvisor have released their list of Europe's most best beaches. (Getty: Patryk_Kosmider)

BY Rachael Thompson

Last updated . 20 February 2026

TripAdvisor has released its Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best list.

Every year, TripAdvisor releases its Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best list, which recognises the destinations, beaches, hotels, things to do and restaurants around the world that consistently receive excellent reviews from travellers.

If you’re in the midst of planning your Euro summer getaway, the 2026 list of incredible European beaches has you covered on where to spend sun-soaked days. From Greece to Portugal, these pristine coastlines offer crystal-clear waters, soft sands and postcard-perfect views, year-round.

The ranking is based on real customer reviews and ratings collected over 12 months. Greece was the most celebrated country, with four beaches in the top 10, followed by two in Italy and two in Spain.

Here are the most popular beaches in Europe, according to travellers’ reviews on TripAdvisor.

Elafonissi Beach in Crete is Europe’s most loved beach. (Getty: Patryk_Kosmider)

Elafonissi Beach in southwestern Crete takes the top spot as Europe’s most-loved beach. This unique, natural paradise boasts pink-tinged sand, turquoise waters and shallow lagoons that are perfect for swimming and for children to splash in. The beach has sunbeds, umbrellas and a few snack bars.

Balos Lagoon features the tiny, uninhabited island of Imeri Gramvousa. (Image: Getty/SCStock)

The second most popular beach in Europe is another Crete favourite: Balos Lagoon. Formed by the peninsula of Gramvousa and the tiny, uninhabited island of Imeri Gramvousa, this top spot is framed by rugged coastline and features calm, shallow waters and a bar serving drinks and snacks. In third, Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Água, Portugal is adored for its dramatic red and orange cliffs, golden sands and clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and long walks along the shore.

And in fourth, another Crete favourite: Falassarna Beach on the island’s western coast. This haven draws in crowds for spectacular sunsets over the Libyan Sea, beach clubs and sparkling waters.