An unknown Greek beach ranks second on the Worlds 50 Best Beaches list for 2026.
This years list of the 50 best beaches in the world was released by Worlds 50 Best Beaches. From Australia to Brazil, the beaches featured in this ranking are selected each year by travel industry professionals together with the organizing team. For 2026, first place belongs to Entalula Beach in Palawan, in the Philippines. The surprise, however, lies in the lists second place, where a heavenly yet little-known beach on an island in the Ionian appears.
Fteri Beach in Kefalonia second best in the world
In second place in the Worlds 50 Best Beaches is Fteri, one of the most exotic and unspoiled beaches of Kefalonia. It lies near the village of Zola, half an hour from Argostoli. As The Worlds 50 Best Beaches notes, the beach is tucked away in a secluded cove, surrounded by striking white cliffs, and is accessible mainly by boat or by hiking.
Its isolation has kept it pristine and serene, making it stand out from many tourist destinations. Imposing white cliffs frame the beach of pebbles and sand that meet the crystalline turquoise waters of the Ionian. Its untouched beauty and dramatic natural setting make it ideal for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.
Two more Ionian beaches in the top 50
This years Worlds 50 Best Beaches list for 2026 has an Ionian flair. Porto Katsiki of Lefkada is in 34th place on the list. Sheer white cliffs and brilliant, crystal-clear waters set the scene at this famed beach on the islands southwest coast.
A beach of Corfu appears in 46th place. We are talking about Porto Timoni, located below the village of Afionas, in the northwestern part of the island. In essence, it is two different beaches separated by a narrow strip of land. The waters are pristine and the beaches are covered with fine, white pebbles.
Which is the best beach in the world for 2026
At the top of the list of the best beaches in the world for 2026 is the impressive Entalula Beach in Palawan, in the Philippines. The Worlds 50 Best Beaches website writes: «Entalula Beach in Palawan is one of those places you have to see to believe exist. It stands out for the towering limestone cliffs that rise abruptly behind a stretch of soft white sand, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes in the region and in the world. Compared to nearby beaches, it receives fewer visitors and this sense of space is felt the moment you arrive». The top 5, together with Kefalonias Fteri, are completed by Wharton Beach in Western Australia in third place, Nosy Iranja Beach in Madagascar in 4th place and East Beach on Vomo Island in Fiji in 5th place.
