Greece has secured a major distinction in the 2026 edition of The World’s 50 Best Beaches, with Fteri Beach on Kefalonia ranking No. 2 globally and taking the No. 1 spot in Europe.
The list, compiled by a team of judges who visited beaches across dozens of countries, highlights coastal destinations known for natural beauty, clear waters, dramatic landscapes, and a sense of escape. For Greece, the recognition is especially strong, with three Greek beaches included among the world’s top 50.
Fteri, located in a secluded cove on Kefalonia, stood out for its wild setting and striking scenery. Reaching the beach requires either a steep hike or a boat transfer, a factor that has helped preserve its serenity. Judges described it as a “magical beach with an incredible backdrop,” praising its untouched feel and cinematic landscape.
Beyond Fteri’s second-place finish, Greece also appears further down the global ranking with two iconic destinations.
Porto Katsiki on Lefkada ranked No. 34 worldwide and No. 5 in Europe, confirming its status as one of the most recognizable beaches in the Ionian Sea. Known for its towering white cliffs and vivid blue waters, Porto Katsiki remains one of Greece’s most photographed coastal landmarks.
Porto Timoni on Corfu ranked No. 46 worldwide and No. 9 in Europe. The double-bay beach, framed by green hills and turquoise waters, continues to attract attention for its unusual geography and unspoiled atmosphere.
The top position worldwide went to Entalula Beach on Palawan in the Philippines. Accessible only by boat, the beach is hidden among dramatic limestone formations and features soft white sand, blue-green waters, and a calm, remote atmosphere.
Judges praised Entalula for its authentic, low-impact appeal, describing it as dramatic yet still largely untouched by mass tourism. The best time to visit is considered to be from March to November, although the summer months bring typhoons.
Australia’s Wharton Beach ranked third, recognized for its white sand, rugged natural surroundings, surfing conditions, and dolphin sightings.
In fourth place, Nosy Iranja in Madagascar impressed judges with its two small islands connected by a sandbar visible at low tide. Its clear waters and sea turtles make it a strong destination for swimming and snorkeling.
Rounding out the top five was East Beach on Vomo Island in Fiji, a quiet tropical beach surrounded by dense greenery and palm trees.
The top 20 list also includes Shoal Bay East in Anguilla, a Caribbean favorite with calm waters, palm trees, beach bars, and snorkeling; Dhigurah in the Maldives, known for its long sandbank and turquoise lagoon; and Playa Balandra in Mexico, protected by local visitor limits and recognized for its famous mushroom-shaped rock, El Hongo.
Other standout entries include Koh Rong in Cambodia, Donald Duck Bay in Thailand, Cayo de Agua in Venezuela, Cala Macarella in Menorca, One Foot Island in the Cook Islands, Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda, Turquoise Bay in Australia, PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia, Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, Cala Dei Gabbiani in Sardinia, Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi, and Canto de la Playa in the Dominican Republic.
Canto de la Playa, surrounded by tropical vegetation and palm trees, is known for clear waters, coral reefs, and white sand. It has also been used as a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean.
The 2026 ranking underlines Greece’s continued strength as a global beach destination, not only through famous names such as Porto Katsiki but also through more secluded locations such as Fteri and Porto Timoni.
With Fteri leading Europe and ranking second in the world, Greece enters the 2026 travel season with one of its strongest showings yet in an international beach ranking.
