Greece has once again secured its place among the world’s leading beach destinations, with three of its coastal spots featured in the 2026 edition of The World’s 50 Best Beaches list. One Greek beach, in particular, came close to the very top of the global ranking.
Fteri Beach in Kefalonia reaches world No. 2
The standout Greek entry is Fteri Beach on the island of Kefalonia, which was ranked second worldwide. The remote beach, accessible mainly by boat or via a steep hiking path, is located in a secluded bay surrounded by dramatic white cliffs and crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
According to the ranking panel, Fteri’s untouched landscape and peaceful atmosphere set it apart from more crowded destinations, making it especially appealing to travelers seeking tranquility and a close connection with nature.
White pebbles mixed with sand line the shore, while towering limestone cliffs frame the secluded setting, reinforcing its reputation as one of Europe’s most pristine coastal locations.
More Greek beaches in the global top 50
Greece’s strong performance continues with two additional beaches included in the list. Porto Katsiki in Lefkada ranked 34th, while Porto Timoni in Corfu placed 46th, further highlighting the country’s diverse coastal appeal across different regions.
Porto Katsiki in Lefkada
Porto Timoni in Corfu
Only one European beach made it into the global top 10 aside from Fteri, with Cala Macarella in Spain’s Balearic Islands ranking 12th.
World’s No. 1 beach located in the Philippines
The top position in the 2026 ranking was awarded to Entalula Beach in the Philippines. Located on Palawan Island, it is also accessible only by boat and is known for its white sand, limestone formations, and clear, uncrowded waters.
How the ranking is decided
The World’s 50 Best Beaches list is compiled annually through votes from experienced travel professionals, who nominate and justify their selections. These votes are then reviewed and evaluated by the organization’s team along with input from “Beach Ambassadors” with extensive global travel experience.
