A stunning beach in Greece has been named the best in Europe, seeing off beauty spots from across the continent. Fteri Beach on the beautiful island of Kefalonia claimed the top spot in a vote of more than 1,000 travel professionals.

The idyllic beach has also been named second best in the world, pipped to the post by the tranquil Entalula Beach in the Philippines. Fteri Beach was noted as "majestic Greek perfection" by The World's 50 Best Beaches in its annual lists. It sees beaches assessed on a criteria including uniqueness, wildlife, crowd levels and how untouched it is.

Fteri Beach, on Kefalonia's Paliki Peninsula, was singled out as being "tucked away in a secluded cove, surrounded by dramatic white cliffs, and is accessible primarily by boat or via a hike down a steep trail".

"Its isolation contributes to its pristine and serene atmosphere, setting it apart from more tourist-heavy destinations," experts at The World's 50 Best Beaches added.

"Majestic white cliffs frame the beach, curving around a stretch of striking white pebbles mixed with sand, which meets the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.

"The untouched beauty and tranquil environment of Fteri Beach make it a haven for those in search of peace and a deep connection with nature."

Kefalonia has previously been described by travel experts as "Greece's best-kept secret".

It is the largest of the Ionian Islands and Greece's sixth largest island overall after Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, Rhodes and Chios.

Around 750,000 international visitors travelled to Kefalonia in 2024, significantly less than some of the other Greek islands.

Holiday giant TUI in December reported a "surge" in bookings to "lesser-known islands", including Kefalonia which it said offers great value for couples and families.

Other destinations growing in popularity are Samos and Halkidiki, with Brits increasingly turning to quieter islands, it said.

Cala Macarella in Menorca, Spain, finished runner-up to Fteri Beach in the 2026 list of Europe's 50 Best Beaches.

Cala Dei Gabbiani in Sardinia, Italy, came third, followed by Kaputas in Turkey and Porto Katsiki on the Greek island of Lefkada.