The Algarve is home to some of Portugal's most beautiful beaches, and Praia da Falésia is certainly one of the most recognisable. With its long stretch of golden sand and impressive red cliffs, it has been attracting visitors for years. Now, it has received another international recognition.

Praia da Falésia achieved a score of 94.70 points in the latest ranking, placing it ahead of many popular European beach destinations.

Only three beaches scored higher: Sperlonga in Italy, which took first place with 96.67 points, followed by the Blue Lagoon in Malta with 96 points and Patara Beach in Turkey with 95 points.

The ranking includes 20 European beaches and is based on votes from readers of the British edition of Condé Nast Traveller. This year's Readers' Choice Awards received more than 296,000 responses from UK readers.

Two Algarve beaches make the list

Praia da Falésia was not the only Portuguese beach to receive recognition.

Praia de Benagil, located in the municipality of Lagoa, also made it into the European top 20, taking 16th place with 81.67 points.


Benagil is particularly famous for its surrounding cliffs and sea caves, including the well-known Benagil Cave, which attracts visitors from around the world.

Although the two beaches are very different, they both represent the natural beauty of the Algarve coastline.

While Benagil is a smaller beach surrounded by dramatic rock formations, Falésia offers a completely different experience.

Stretching for several kilometres between the Albufeira and Vilamoura areas, Falésia is known for its spacious sandy beach, which makes it popular with families, couples and anyone who enjoys long walks beside the sea.

One of its most distinctive features is the line of cliffs rising above the beach. Their shades of red, orange and ochre create a beautiful contrast with the golden sand and blue Atlantic Ocean.

The scenery is particularly impressive in the late afternoon, when the sunlight brings out the different colours of the cliffs.

Even outside the main summer season, Falésia remains a popular choice for beach walks and enjoying the Algarve's mild weather.

Another award for the Algarve

The latest recognition comes shortly after the Algarve was once again named Europe's Leading Beach Destination at the World Travel Awards 2026.

The region received the award for the 11th time, with the announcement made during a ceremony in Kotor, Montenegro.

The Algarve is also nominated for the title of World's Leading Beach Destination.

For Albufeira, the recognition of Praia da Falésia is particularly welcome.

Albufeira Municipal Council described the result as a reason for pride, not only for the municipality but also for everyone involved in welcoming visitors to the area.

The council also highlighted the importance of protecting the beach's natural surroundings so that both residents and visitors can continue to enjoy them in the future.

With its extensive coastline, the Algarve offers a wide variety of beaches, from small coves surrounded by cliffs to long stretches of sand where visitors can walk for kilometres.

Praia da Falésia is one of those places that continues to attract attention internationally, and its latest ranking is another reason for visitors to discover this part of Portugal.

For those who already know the beach, the result may come as no surprise.


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