May 31, 2026, 5:26 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Praia de Monte Clérigo was named the best beach in Europe in 2026. Does it live up to the title? TRAVELBOOK author Anna Chiodo (formerly Anna Wengel) lived nearby for years and offers her assessment.
Ah, Monte Clérigo, just reading its name makes my heart ache with longing, while a blissful smile spreads across my face. Have I already revealed how much I love this beach? Oh, well. I gladly admit it: If one could marry a beach, this would be my betrothed, until death do us part–and happily beyond. So, saying I love this beach with all my heart is only a slight understatement.
I lived near it for two years and sometimes visited it multiple times a day. Many years before and after, I stayed nearby for weeks and months to see my beloved beach daily. Our story began with a week when I lived in a friend’s car directly in its parking lot. So, you could say I know Praia de Monte Clérigo quite well. That’s why I feel compelled to judge this beach and its nomination as Europe’s best. Recently, the travel organization European Best Destinations awarded it this title (TRAVELBOOK reported). Does the beach on the Costa Vicentina in southwestern Portugal live up to this title?
Monte Clérigo is Europe’s Best Beach 2026
Before I add my two cents, let’s turn this question around a bit. What makes a “best beach”? Is there a set formula–or is it a very subjective answer, depending on what kind of beaches one likes? I lean toward the latter. After all, some people prefer small, secluded coves, others love endless sandy beaches where they can’t see the end. Still, others want tidy, clean beaches with a promenade and numerous facilities, from clean restrooms to a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes. And then there are those who like to use the beach as their own club or bar, celebrating with as many people as possible or snuggling up towel to towel. In short, we all have our own image of an ideal beach. Certainly, not everyone would choose Monte Clérigo accordingly, as it is not many of the things I just mentioned.
Personally, I would describe my dream beach like this: Framed by dramatic cliffs, a soft sandy beach, large enough for a walk, yet manageable. Then, please, no high-rises or too many houses nearby, but a few cafes or restaurants are welcome. And I don’t want cars or too many people nearby. The sea makes it perfect: I love waves and find them more visually appealing than calm, wave-free water. Something like that. Pretty much like this: Praia de Monte Clérigo in the Algarve. So, for me alone–as well as for many friends, acquaintances, and guests of Aljezur and Vale da Telhas–the answer is clear: Yes, Monte Clérigo can only be the best beach in Europe. However, with some reservations now.
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What Speaks for Monte Clérigo as the Best Beach
Praia de Monte Clérigo is a sprawling yet quite manageable beach, lying in a lovely near-crescent shape against the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Depending on the wave conditions, surfers flock to these waters. I myself attempted my first surfing here. Sometimes, the waves are so whipped by the winds that surfers stay away. You’ll usually find them at the nearby and more famous Praia da Arrifana.
The west side of Monte Clérigo is adorned with charming, small, colorful, and a few white houses, which, to my knowledge, are now mostly rented out. They are built directly in and on the cliff, which rises a bit behind them. On this side of the beach, you’ll also find the three Monte Clérigo establishments: the now quite posh O Sargo–where the food and view are a dream, but prices have significantly increased in recent years–the still classic Portuguese restaurant O Zé, and the hipster-like café A Rede across the street.
The beach itself is golden and soft, initially hugging dunes on its east side and then dramatic cliffs. The road runs around the beach, adorned with a few small houses, also mostly rented to vacationers. But you hardly hear them. On one hand, the waves are often too loud, and on the other, there is only one lane in each direction. I’ve rarely experienced traffic jams here. Behind the restaurant parking lot, there are one or two surf schools and a few more mostly single-story houses.
There’s not much in the way of facilities to expect at Praia de Monte Clérigo. Personally, I find them sufficient, and the third café, when it opened, was almost too much.
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What Speaks Against Monte Clérigo as Europe’s Best Beach
The people. No, not everyone, of course, and not any individual. But the mass of bodies that populate this enchanting beach in the summer. The beach remains as beautiful as ever. But it is now simply too well-known. It can no longer be called a hidden gem. Too many want to lie, walk, play, and surf on it during the summer months. The result is lines of cars running uphill and too little peace.
For me personally, the charm of Monte Clérigo, besides its picturesque appearance, is mainly this: the many moments I spent here alone or with friends who also enjoy the silence. Melancholic, intimate, connected, with myself and this dreamy place. The sunsets in Monte Clérigo are especially magical, not only bathing the beach in the most romantic light but also changing its and my mood. Almost as beautiful were the morning hours here, when I often had the beach to myself. Walking alone here, sea salt on my face and feet, freshness all around me. These moments have become rarer. In the high season, they are hardly possible anymore.
Would I revoke the title of Europe’s best beach from my beloved former home beach because of this? Absolutely not. I understand why everyone loves it. I just don’t like to share, at least not this one.