Not in Spain or Portugal – Europe’s #1 seaside has been named

The seaside got here out on prime after greater than 1,000 journey professionals nominated their favorite spots.

Amazing Fteri beach lagoon, Cephalonia Kefalonia, Greece. Tourists under umbrella relax near clear blue emerald turquise sea water. White rocks in bac

The seaside lies on the north coast of Kefalonia within the Ionian Sea (Picture: Getty)

Europe is house to 1000’s of spectacular seashores, which suggests holidaymakers are spoiled for selection each summer time. Spain, Portugal and Italy, particularly, have a number of the most pristine stretches of sand. However a brand new rating has revealed that the outdated continent’s primary seaside isn’t in both of these nations.

As a substitute, it’s tucked away in Greece. The listing was compiled forward of the vacation season by World’s 50 Greatest Seashores, with greater than 1,000 journey professionals nominating their favorite spots. Seashores had been judged on eight standards, together with wildlife and untouched nature, the “soundtrack of nature”, calm waters, crowd ranges and the way typically situations are idyllic.

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Landscape with Fteri beach on Kefalonia, Greece

Fteri Seashore is surrounded by white cliffs and a stretch of white pebbles combined with sand (Picture: Getty)

The highest spot went to Fteri Seashore in Greece, which lies on the north coast of Kefalonia within the Ionian Sea.

It’s surrounded by white cliffs and a stretch of white pebbles combined with sand, main into clear turquoise waters.

Its secluded location has additionally helped protect its pure magnificence. Guests can attain it both by mountaineering down a steep two-kilometre path or by taking a water taxi from Zola port.

There are only a few services, so travellers are suggested to convey water, meals and sunscreen.

Those that have visited have shared glowing critiques on-line. One individual wrote on TripAdvisor: “Such stunning waters are arduous to see! In fact it requires an effort as a result of they’re solely accessible by a mountain path, however it’s completely price it!”

One other added: “Fteri Seashore is the actual deal – glistening turquoise water, towering white cliffs, and the sort of peaceable silence you need to bottle and take house.”

The remote and beautiful Fteri Beach on the island of Kefalonia, Greece

Fteri Seashore is secluded and stuffed with pure magnificence (Picture: Getty)

A 3rd wrote: “We had been instructed that Fteri was probably the most stunning seaside in Kefalonia! I completely agree! This seaside is breathtakingly stunning. The color of the water is a really specific blue. Given the warmth, we went there by taxi boat.”

Another person commented: “Fteri Seashore is a surprising spot, however the hike to get there’s lengthy and hard, with difficult terrain. If in case you have hassle strolling, I recommend taking a ship as an alternative, which is less complicated and sooner. When you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with crystal-clear waters and delightful pure environment. Whether or not you hike or take the boat, Fteri Seashore is nicely well worth the go to.”

Nevertheless, like many European seashores, Fteri is way busier on the top of summer time.

Excessive season peaks in July and August, when temperatures are at their hottest and faculties are on vacation throughout Europe.

Throughout these months, the seaside can really feel far much less secluded than its pictures recommend, notably in the course of the day when boats start arriving.

Travellers searching for fewer crowds might want June or September. The climate continues to be heat and sunny, however customer numbers are decrease.

Beautiful beaches and coast of Ionian island

Guests can attain it both by mountaineering down a steep two-kilometre path or by taking a water taxi (Picture: Getty)

The Ionian Sea is usually a lot calmer from June via October, which is taken into account the perfect time of yr to go to.

Outdoors of these months, stronger winds could make boat entry harder and the water much less inviting.

As a result of the seaside is distant and area is restricted, timing your go to may also make a giant distinction.

Arriving early within the morning offers you the perfect likelihood of having fun with quieter situations earlier than day-trippers and boat taxis start to reach. Late afternoon will also be calmer as soon as some guests have left.

So far as different European seashores are involved, Spain and Italy nonetheless dominated the broader prime 20 listing, with six Spanish seashores and 4 Italian spots included.

Right here is the complete listing of Europe’s 20 greatest seashores for 2026: