When you think of a beach holiday in Europe, your mind immediately goes to the beaches of Sardinia, the Greek islands or the coasts of Spain. Yet, according to a new ranking dedicated to the best seaside destinations of summer 2026, the location that took first place is located in a country that many tourists still tend to underestimate.
In fact, Mogren Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Budva, Montenegro, took the top step of the podium. A surprising result, especially considering that the ranking includes some of the most iconic destinations in the Mediterranean.
The ranking that rewards not only beauty
The ranking was drawn up by the insurance comparison site Quotezone, which analyzed ten of the most popular beaches in Europe taking various parameters into consideration.
In addition to the landscape quality, practical factors were evaluated such as the average air and sea temperature during the summer, the cost of accommodation, the price of drinks, the distance from the airports and the reviews left by visitors.
The goal was to identify destinations that offer the best balance of beauty, accessibility and affordability.
Why Mogren Beach took first place
Located a few steps from the historic center of Budva, one of the most fascinating coastal cities in Montenegro, Mogren Beach is made up of two sandy bays connected by a suggestive passage carved into the rock.
Its clear waters, the landscape characterized by cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation and its relatively small size contribute to creating an atmosphere particularly appreciated by visitors.
But it’s not just the view that has made the difference. According to the study, Budva also offers one of the best value for money among all the locations analyzed. In particular, Montenegro stands out for the low cost of accommodation and food compared to other Mediterranean destinations now affected by a sharp increase in tourist prices.
Furthermore, summer temperatures are generally high but less extreme than in other areas of southern Europe, with an average of around 25.5 degrees in July.
Montenegro, an increasingly popular destination
In recent years, Montenegro has gone from being a little-known destination to one of the most interesting emerging destinations in European tourism.
Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this small Balkan country offers a coastline full of bays, beaches and historic villages, but continues to be less crowded than many Italian, Greek or Spanish locations.
Also contributing to its growing popularity are the generally lower costs, the ease of travel and the possibility of combining beach holidays and nature excursions in the mountainous hinterland.
The other most beautiful beaches in Europe according to the ranking
Behind Mogren Beach are some destinations much loved by European travellers. In second place we find Nissi Beach, in the Cypriot town of Ayia Napa, famous for its white sand and turquoise waters.
The bronze medal instead goes to Playa de Maspalomas, on the island of Gran Canaria, famous for its spectacular system of dunes which represents one of the most iconic landscapes of the Canary archipelago.
Also appearing in the top ten are Irakli Beach in Bulgaria, Elafonissi in Crete, Praia da Falésia in Portugal, Zlatni Rat in Croatia, La Pelosa in Sardinia, Bournemouth Beach in the United Kingdom and Plage de Palombaggia in Corsica.
Italy also enters the ranking
Although first place went to Montenegro, Italy can still boast one of the most popular beaches in Europe.
La Pelosa, located in Stintino, in the north-west of Sardinia, continues to be considered one of the most spectacular seaside resorts in the Mediterranean thanks to its transparent waters and colors reminiscent of those of tropical destinations.
In recent years the beach has also become an example of sustainable tourism management. To protect the coastal ecosystem and limit sand erosion, access has been regulated through quotas and specific environmental protection measures.
The emerging destinations that could surprise this summer
The ranking confirms an increasingly evident trend in European tourism: many travelers are starting to look for alternatives to the most crowded and expensive destinations.
Countries such as Montenegro, Bulgaria and Croatia are attracting increasing numbers of visitors thanks to a combination of spectacular landscapes, more affordable prices and less tourist pressure.
For those who are planning a beach holiday in summer 2026, they could represent an opportunity to discover places that are still relatively little known, without giving up postcard beaches and crystal clear waters.
