Portugal’s Praia da Falésia earns spot in global top 50 beaches list

The Praia da Falésia in Portugal’s Algarve region has secured 43rd place in the annual World’s 50 Best Beaches index, which is determined by a panel of over 1,000 travel industry experts. The judges assessed coastal locations across the globe on a variety of metrics, including their natural beauty, wildlife, ease of access to the water, environmental conservation efforts, and the overall tranquillity of the setting.

While Entalula Beach in El Nido, Philippines, took the top spot, the competition was fierce, with Fteri Beach in Greece and Western Australia’s Wharton Beach rounding out the top three, according to a Portuguese media report.

[See more: Portugal named the world’s fourth-best place to retire in 2026]

While the Praia da Falésia fared well in global rankings, Portugal also performed well within the European category, with three of its beaches – Praia da Falésia, Madeira’s Praia do Seixal, and Praia do Camilo in Lagos – all earning recognition among the continent’s 50 finest strands.

A key factor in Praia da Falésia’s success, reports say, is its dramatic natural setting: a long ribbon of soft sand backed by towering red‑and‑orange cliffs and fronted by calm Atlantic waters that remain swimmable for much of the year. The judges also highlighted the relative lack of high‑rise development on the immediate beachfront, easy access via wooden stairways and clifftop trails, and the presence of basic facilities without the area feeling overbuilt or overcrowded in the shoulder seasons.

Praia da Falésia: a boon for tourism

For Portugal’s tourism industry, the recognition of Praia da Falésia reinforces the Algarve’s status as one of Europe’s marquee coastal regions, while also shining a spotlight on lesser‑known destinations such as Seixal in Madeira and the more intimate coves around Lagos. 

Travel experts behind the rankings say such accolades can influence visitor flows for years, particularly among long‑haul travellers planning “bucket list” itineraries that combine beach time with culture and gastronomy. With three entries spread across mainland Portugal and the islands, the 2026 list positions the country as a heavyweight among European sun‑and‑sea destinations.

This year’s edition of the list highlights a diverse array of global landscapes, featuring notable beaches across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, as well as islands throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Other nations to have beaches featured in the 2026 selection include Italy, Spain, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Ireland, the Maldives, and the Seychelles.