A new ranking of Europe’s most spectacular beaches has been unveiled for 2026, sparking fresh inspiration for summer travel.

While Greece has secured the top spot this year, Spain has delivered a strong performance with one of its most iconic destinations taking second place.

Greece named home to Europe’s best beach

The coveted title of Europe’s best beach for 2026 has gone to Fteri Beach, a secluded cove celebrated for its striking natural beauty. Carved into the coastline of the Greek island of Kefalonia, Fteri Beach is known for its dramatic white cliffs, luminous blue waters and untouched, almost otherworldly setting.

Part of its appeal lies in its relative inaccessibility. Visitors typically reach the beach by boat or via a more challenging пеш hike, which has helped preserve its pristine condition and keep crowds to a minimum. Travel experts praised its raw, unspoilt atmosphere – a key factor in securing the top ranking this year.

Spain’s Cala Macarella takes an impressive second place

Hot on its heels is Cala Macarella, which has been named the second-best beach in Europe for 2026. Located on the southern coast of Menorca, the beach is widely regarded as one of Spain’s most picturesque coastal spots.

Cala Macarella is instantly recognisable for its horseshoe-shaped bay, framed by rugged limestone cliffs and shaded by pine trees. Its calm, shallow waters shimmer in vivid shades of turquoise and emerald, creating a tranquil environment that is ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Despite its popularity, the cove retains a sense of escape. Access is managed during peak months, with visitors often arriving via a scenic coastal path or shuttle service, helping to preserve the natural surroundings while still allowing access to its beauty.

What sets these beaches apart

The ranking, compiled by travel experts, evaluates beaches based on a wide range of factors beyond simple aesthetics. Water clarity, environmental preservation, crowd levels, accessibility and overall experience all contribute to the final list.

Fteri Beach stood out for its dramatic isolation and untouched landscape, offering visitors a rare sense of discovery. In contrast, Cala Macarella impressed with its balance – combining postcard-perfect scenery with a more accessible, visitor-friendly experience.

This contrast highlights a growing trend in European travel: while remote, hidden beaches are increasingly desirable, there is still strong demand for destinations that offer both beauty and ease of access.

Spain continues to shine on the European beach scene

Although Greece has taken the top honour this year, Spain’s presence near the top of the list reinforces its reputation as one of Europe’s premier beach destinations. From the Balearic Islands to the Atlantic coast, the country offers an extraordinary variety of shoreline, each with its own unique character.

Cala Macarella’s runner-up position is particularly significant, as it showcases the enduring appeal of Menorca – often considered the quieter, more natural island in the Balearics compared to its neighbours.

A summer hotspot for 2026

With its high ranking now confirmed, Cala Macarella is expected to attract even more внимание in the coming months. Travellers planning a visit are likely to encounter increased demand, particularly during peak summer weeks.

Those looking to experience the beach at its most serene are advised to visit early in the day or outside the busiest periods. Even then, its natural beauty and calm atmosphere remain its defining features.

For 2026, the message is clear: Greece may officially be home to Europe’s best beach, but Spain’s Cala Macarella is a very close contender – and for many travellers, it may offer the perfect balance of beauty, accessibility and Mediterranean charm.

Cat lovers are positively purring over the chance to move to the Cyclades after a unique volunteer initiative confirmed that pussycat lovers can enjoy a rent-free life on the stunning island of Syros. The opportunity, organised by the non-profit Syros Cats, provides a dream escape for those willing to trade their time for feline companionship.

Living expenses and pricey rent often act as a barrier to extended stays in the Mediterranean, yet this scheme removes that hurdle entirely. Accommodation, utility bills, and occasionally meals are fully covered by the charity. Successful applicants find themselves residing in a shared house boasting private bedrooms and spectacular views of the Aegean Sea, located just a stone’s throw from the water.

Volunteer duties in the heart of the Aegean

Daily life involves dedicated care for the island’s feline residents. Syros hosts approximately 3,000 stray cats that rely on human intervention for survival. Volunteers spend several hours each morning and evening managing feeding stations, cleaning designated shelters, and providing vital social interaction for rescued kittens. Helping with veterinary transport for sterilisation clinics also forms a big part of the weekly routine.

Experienced handlers are particularly welcomed, as some animals require regular medication or specialised attention. Reliability remains the most important quality for the charity, making sure that the high standards of animal welfare are maintained throughout the year.

Exploring Syros and other Greek islands

Free time remains abundant once the morning rounds are complete. Syros offers a more authentic experience than its busier neighbours, Mykonos and Santorini. Ermoupoli, the island’s capital, features grand neoclassical architecture and marble-paved squares that are perfect for afternoon strolls. Local beaches provide quiet spots for swimming, while traditional tavernas serve fresh seafood away from the usual tourist crowds.

International interest in the programme continues to grow as remote workers and retirees look for meaningful ways to travel. Applying for a position requires a genuine love for animals and a commitment to stay for at least one month. This arrangement proves that a life in the sun is achievable for those with a big heart and a passion for animal rescue.

Contact Syroscats if you think you may be a likely candidate.

Thousands of homemade rockets lit up the night sky over Vrontados on the Greek island of Chios during the annual ‘Rocket War’ (Rouketopolemos), a long-running Orthodox Easter tradition staged between two rival parish churches.

Local reporting says the event went ahead after several days of uncertainty and public debate about whether it would take place. Organised firing was carried out from pre-agreed launch points, in an effort to keep the evening more controlled and safer.

The two churches at the centre of the tradition are Agios Markos (Saint Mark’s) and Panagia Ereithiani. Their congregations traditionally fire rockets towards each other’s bell towers as part of the Orthodox Easter celebrations, turning the area between the parishes into a dramatic display of light and noise.

The display of rocket firing is said to be one of the most unusual traditions for the country

The 2026 event drew large crowds, including visitors from Greece and from abroad, the spectacle also attracted the attention of media teams and journalists who travelled to Chios to film and photograph what is often described as one of Greece’s most unusual Easter customs.

In the wider Orthodox world, fireworks are commonly used during the Paschal Vigil, the midnight Easter service marking the Resurrection. In Vrontados, Rouketopolemos is a local version of that tradition, shaped into a symbolic “battle” focused on the two churches’ bell towers. After the firing ends, hits are traditionally counted, and each side typically claims victory. Older celebrations involved cannons, which were later prohibited, leading to the use of rockets instead.

This year’s staging carried extra weight because it followed a tense period for the tradition. Strong pressure, checks and a heavy atmosphere were in the days leading up to Easter, with decisions repeatedly pushed back and some locals believing it might be cancelled at the last moment. A final decision was taken on Holy Saturday afternoon, confirming the Rocket War would go ahead. 

The official start was marked with a parade of the teams along the seafront

Earlier in the evening, at around 6pm, there was a joint parade of the ‘rocket teams’ along the Vrontados seafront, marking the official start of the night’s organised programme. After that, the teams moved into their firing positions, and planned pauses were included during the launches to help manage crowd movement and access around the two parishes.

Supporters of the event argue the Rocket War is an important part of local identity and a tradition that brings the community together during the most significant period of the Orthodox calendar. They also point to the tourism impact, because the spectacle draws visitors and international attention that can benefit local businesses over Easter.

Critics, however, say the event carries unavoidable risks. Large numbers of rockets and fireworks can lead to injuries, fires or accidents, and complaints about damage to homes and buildings near the firing zone have been a recurring issue over the years.

Public figures say the event should continue but with caution and reduced danger

This year’s debate also links to a recent incident involving a fire at a rocket-making site. The incident caused burns and led to arrests and criminal charges related to fireworks and pyrotechnics legislation, as well as charges connected to negligent arson. In total, seven people were reported as arrested, with three taken to the prosecutor’s office and others remaining in hospital. The case sparked strong reactions in Vrontados, with residents and professionals gathering outside the police directorate and the prosecutor’s office to show support for those facing prosecution. Public figures also weighed in, locally born astrophysicist Stamatis Krimizis attended the parade and spoke in favour of protecting participants rather than criminalising them, while stressing that children’s safety and proper training should come first. Public comments from the president of the Chios Tourism Board, Kostas Moundros, who said the custom is deeply rooted and should continue with reduced danger, and from the mayor of Chios, Giannis Malafis, who emphasised the need for caution so the event remains manageable without extremes.

For those in Vrontados, the 2026 Rocket War going ahead proved the tradition is still appreciated and alive.