Every year Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards provide a precise snapshot of the preferences of millions of travellers. The 2026 edition of the “Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches” has selected the 19 most extraordinary European beaches, based on the analysis of reviews collected between 30 November 2024 and 1 December 2025. A collective verdict, built on a global scale, which confirms some historic destinations and reserves some surprises.
The European podium
The peak belongs to Elafonissi Beach, Crete. The pink-tinged sand and exceptionally transparent turquoise waters have made it one of the most famous seaside destinations in the Mediterranean. The shallow lagoons make it ideal for families, while the open offshore areas offer perfect conditions for swimming and snorkelling.
Also in Crete, Balos Lagoon takes second place. Shallow waters, light sand and a landscape with a strong scenic impact distinguish it in the Greek panorama. The calm waters attract families, but the lagoon retains an authentic atmosphere that is difficult to find in more crowded destinations.
The third step of the podium goes to Portugal, with Praia da Falésia in the Algarve. The ocher cliffs that fall into the Atlantic Ocean represent the most photographed scenery on the Portuguese coast. The wide beach and the panoramic paths along the cliffs offer complementary experiences: seaside relaxation on one side, nature excursions on the other.
The Italians in the ranking
Italy brings four beaches into the top 20, confirming a seaside record that is not surprising but is always a pleasure to record.
La Pelosa, in Sardinia, comes in fourth place. The shallow and extraordinarily clear waters, with a gently sloping seabed, make it perfect for those traveling with children. The high popularity brings with it a considerable turnout in the summer months, so remember to plan ahead.
In eighth position we find the Spiaggia dei Conigli di Lampedusa, often cited among the most beautiful in the entire world. The quality of the water and the fineness of the sand are accompanied by an environmental value that is not secondary: the area is a nesting site for the Caretta caretta turtle, a detail that makes it even more precious.
Cinta di San Teodoro, still in Sardinia, enters the ranking in eleventh place. A long sandy stretch overlooking a turquoise sea, frequented by those seeking relaxation but also by kitesurfing and snorkelling enthusiasts.
The Italian representation Cala Mariolu, also in Sardinia, closes in 17th place. The light pebbles, the water of extraordinary transparency and the richness of the seabed make it one of the most sought after destinations in the Mediterranean for those who practice snorkeling and diving.
The complete ranking
Here is the general ranking drawn up by Tripadvisor:
- Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece
- Balos Lagoon – Crete, Greece
- Praia da Falésia – Algarve, Portugal
- La Pelosa Beach – Sardinia, Italy
- Falassarna Beach – Crete, Greece
- Platja de Muro – Majorca, Spain
- Paleokastritsa Beach – Corfu, Greece
- Rabbit Beach – Lampedusa, Italy
- Playa de Maspalomas – Gran Canaria, Spain
- Plage de Palombaggia – Corsica, France
- La Cinta Beach – Sardinia, Italy
- Fig Tree Bay Beach – Protaras, Cyprus
- Horsey Beach – Horsey, England
- Playa de Cofete – Fuerteventura, Spain
- Cala Comte – Ibiza, Spain
- Tsambika Beach – Rhodes, Greece
- Cala Mariolu – Sardinia, Italy
- Omaha Beach – Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, France
- Bamburgh Beach – Bamburgh, England
