‘Europe’s Most Desirable Beaches’ Revealed: The Top Spot Goes to Portugal!
According to the latest data released by the British travel research platform Reboot Online, Madeira, Portugal, has been rated as the most popular beach destination in Europe for 2025, scoring 9.4 out of 10 on the 'Most Popular Holiday Score' list.
This ranking is based on global search popularity, with Madeira attracting an average of 1.32 million online searches per month. Not only did it outperform traditional tourist powerhouses like Italy, Greece, and Spain, but it also offers excellent value for money: a 7-night stay costs approximately 534 pounds per person (about 624 euros).
Golden Sands and Natural Pools: Why Madeira Takes the Top Spot?
Madeira, long known as the 'Pearl of the Atlantic,' is not surprising to stand out. Whether it's the natural seawater pools of Porto Moniz or the soft sandy beaches of Porto Santo, the volcanic coastline of the island combines wildness and gentleness, attracting travelers with different preferences.
Additionally, year-round sunshine, abundant hiking trails, and rich cultural experiences are also key reasons for its popularity.
Two Portuguese Cities in the List, Followed by Popular Destinations in Italy and Spain
In this ranking, Sorrento and Taormina, both in Italy, take the second and third places, respectively, but with significantly higher weekly costs of 591 pounds and 709 pounds, respectively, well above those of Madeira.
Palma, in Spain, and Cascais, in mainland Portugal, rank fourth and fifth. While Cascais attracts a considerable number of searches (188,800 monthly searches), a 7-night stay costs 656 euros, offering a lower value for money compared to Madeira.
Appendix: Top 20 Most Popular Beaches in Europe for Summer 2025 (Ranked by Search Popularity)
1. Madeira, Portugal
2. Sorrento, Italy
3. Taormina, Italy
4. Palma, Mallorca, Spain
5. Cascais, Portugal
6. Rovinj, Croatia
7. Naxos, Greece
8. Hvar, Croatia
9. Barcelona, Spain
10. Menton, France
11. Tarifa, Spain
12. Hydra, Greece
13. Nessebar, Bulgaria
14. Akyaka, Turkey
15. Posillipo, Naples, Italy
16. Sibenik, Croatia
17. Sarande, Albania
18. Llafranc, Spain
19. Bar, Montenegro
20. Assos, Greece