The Algarve beach that is causing people to talk among the British is on the west coast, far from the busiest resorts, and was named the best in Europe for 2026. It is Monte Clérigo Beach, in Aljezur, highlighted by the British press for its natural beauty, peaceful environment and sunset over the Atlantic.
The distinction was given by European Best Destinations, which chose Monte Clérigo as the best European beach for 2026. The choice was reported by the British newspaper, which presented this beach as a calmer getaway within the Algarve, a region very popular with tourists from the United Kingdom.
The article highlights that the Algarve attracts millions of Brits every year in search of sun, golden beaches and seaside holidays. Still, the beach now highlighted is not among the best-known destinations, such as Albufeira, Vilamoura, Alvor, Falésia or Praia da Rocha.
A beach far from the big resorts
Monte Clérigo Beach is in the municipality of Aljezur, on the western coast of the Algarve. Unlike other more touristy areas of the Algarve, it maintains a wilder environment, marked by cliffs, the Atlantic sea and a preserved natural environment.
According to the British publication, Monte Clérigo stands out precisely because it is far from the crowds that usually fill some of the region’s most popular resorts. The wide sandy beach and the Atlantic landscape help create a different experience from the more urban and touristy image of the central Algarve.
The beach is part of the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, one of the most valued coastal areas in the country for its biodiversity, trails, cliffs and landscapes less altered by construction.
Golden cliffs and Atlantic landscape
European Best Destinations evaluated several European beaches taking into account criteria such as natural beauty, water quality, family atmosphere, available activities, accommodation and general atmosphere. The best-ranked beaches were then put to a vote by an international panel of travelers and tourism enthusiasts.
Monte Clérigo has been described as a beach of golden cliffs and wild Atlantic landscapes. The combination of extensive sand, open sea, colorful hillside houses and sunsets over the ocean has helped reinforce its image as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
The place is also known for the natural pools that form at low tide, the conditions for surfing and its proximity to the village of Aljezur. For those looking for nature, hiking and a more peaceful environment, it is an alternative to the busier Algarve destinations.
Brits highlight sunsets
The British press presented Monte Clérigo as one of the so-called “Sunset Beaches” in Portugal. The position of the beach, facing west, allows you to see the sun disappear over the horizon over the Atlantic, one of the aspects most valued by foreign visitors.
The Sun cites comments from tourists who describe the beach as beautiful, preserved and away from the more intense pace of tourist centers. Some visitors highlight the jagged coastline, the tranquility and the possibility of staying until the end of the day to photograph the sunset.
This combination of natural scenery and less tourist pressure helps explain the growing interest in Monte Clérigo. For many travelers, the beach offers a different version of the Algarve: less urban, more Atlantic and more connected to nature.
Aljezur gains international visibility
The distinction also represents an opportunity for Aljezur, a municipality that has been establishing itself as a destination for nature tourism, surfing, hiking and local gastronomy. International visibility can attract new visitors, especially those looking to escape the busiest areas during the summer.
Despite this, the increase in demand must be monitored carefully. Beaches located in sensitive natural areas require respect for environmental rules, adequate parking, preservation of the dunes and care with waste left on the sand.
Easy access for British tourists
The British newspaper also highlights that the beach is relatively accessible for those traveling from the United Kingdom. Faro Airport is about an hour and a half by car from Monte Clérigo, which allows you to combine short flights with a getaway to the Vincentian coast.
The publication also mentions the existence of economical flights to Faro during the month of June, reinforcing the idea that the destination can be an attractive option for British tourists looking for sun, beaches and competitive prices.
Still, anyone visiting Monte Clérigo should keep in mind that it is a different area from the large resorts. The offer is calmer, the landscape is wilder and the experience is more linked to nature than to mass tourism.
Greece, Italy and Norway also on the list
In the list of the best beaches in Europe for 2026, Monte Clérigo appears in first place, ahead of several well-known destinations. The second position was awarded to Voutoumi Beach, in Antipaxos, Greece, followed by Fteri Beach, in Kefalonia.
The list also includes Elafonisi, in Crete, known for its pink sand, Bogliasco Beach, in Italy, Cala Mesquida, in Mallorca, Kvalvika Beach, in Norway, Rovinia Beach, in Corfu, Kaputas Beach, in Turkey, and Paleokastritsa, also in Corfu.
An alternative to the better-known Algarve
For those who associate the Algarve only with large resorts, nightlife and crowded beaches, Monte Clérigo shows another side of the region. The beach combines wide sand, Atlantic sea, cliffs and a small town close to the coast, maintaining a calmer atmosphere than more popular destinations.
The international distinction may increase curiosity about this area of Aljezur, but it also reinforces the importance of visiting with respect for the territory. Parking in appropriate areas, protecting the dunes and avoiding leaving trash are essential precautions to preserve the balance of the beach.
Voted the best beach in Europe for 2026, Monte Clérigo confirms that the Algarve continues to surprise beyond the best-known names. Far from the crowds, this west coast beach is now the center of attention for the British.
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