A wild, little-known beach that feels straight out of a film set: in Greece, this hidden gem lies on the island of Kefalonia. A true haven of peace, it has just been ranked the second most beautiful beach in the world by The World’s 50 Best Beaches.
Each year, The World’s 50 Best Beaches unveils its ranking of the most beautiful beaches on the planet—dream destinations that also have the advantage of remaining relatively untouched by mass tourism. From the wild shores of the Philippines to the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, the 2026 selection, revealed this week, once again shines a light on spectacular locations across the globe. Among the Top 3 is a still little-known beach: Fteri Beach. Tucked away in a secluded cove on the island of Kefalonia, this hidden paradise feels almost unreal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmMhxzrYv8g
Greece’s most beautiful beach is called Fteri Beach
What is the most beautiful beach in the world? That’s the question The World’s 50 Best Beaches aims to answer each year. With so many stunning coastlines across the globe, only a few can truly be considered exceptional. The ranking is based on a rigorous methodology: more than 1,000 travel professionals nominate their favourite beaches, before a panel of experts evaluates them according to several criteria, including natural beauty, biodiversity, tranquillity, water quality and site preservation.
This year, Fteri Beach takes second place—and it’s easy to see why. Nestled between towering white cliffs, the beach forms a perfect curve where pale pebbles, fine sand and the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea meet.
Its relatively discreet access—only by boat or via a steep trail—has helped preserve its authenticity. The result: no crowds, no large-scale infrastructure, just raw, almost untouched nature. It is precisely this combination of wild beauty and tranquillity that captivates both visitors and the World’s 50 Best Beaches jury. A preserved haven, best enjoyed with respect for its natural environment.
The 10 most beautiful beaches in the world
Here are the ten beaches featured in this year’s World’s 50 Best Beaches ranking:
- Entalula Beach, Philippines
- Fteri Beach, Greece
- Wharton Beach, Australia
- Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
- Vomo Island East Beach, Fiji
- Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
- Dhigurah, Maldives
- Playa Balandra, Mexico
- Koh Rong, Cambodia
- Donald Duck Bay, Thailand
Travelling to Greece? These articles should interest you:
