A country is heaping all the praises recently, with a good number of its being featured in the 2025 edition of The World's 50 Best Beaches - Europe. The list ranks and highlights Europe's best beaches, and it is no easy feat when considering the sheer amount of stunning beaches on offer across the continent. One European country in particular fared incredibly well according to the list and is a firm favourite among many Brit travellers thanks to its warm climate, strong British expat communities and affordability.

Thanks to a medley of many other factors, this European country is fast becoming the number one spot for a sun-drenched getaway, including being home to picturesque landscapes, a unique cultural identity and, best of all, friendly locals. Its crowning glory, however, is found along its pristine coastlines and gorgeous beaches, with being the proud owner of not one, not two, but four of its beaches being proudly featured in the 2025 edition of The World's 50 Best Beaches - Europe category.

The Best Beaches list was curated by a website called which is co-founded and led by Tine Holst, with the selection process seeing contributions from over 1,000 travel industry professionals, experts, influencers, and local "Beach Ambassadors."

Finding the absolute best beaches around came about by analysing certain factors including uniqueness, natural soundscape, tranquility, biodiversity, environmental preservation and the all important, minimal overcrowding.

This year's ranking saw two Portuguese beaches praised for their beauty and included two from and two from the Azores.

Praia da Marinha beach, located in Lagoa in the Algarve was among the top rankings and placed 20th overall on the list.

Often dubbed as being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Praia da Marinha is unlike any other beach around with crystal-clear waters and limestone cliffs.

What sets this stunning Portuguese beach apart from many others is that, when viewed from above, you get a perfect heart-shaped image with its awe-inspiring rock formations adding to its uniqueness and is said to be an ideal spot for adrenaline junkies as their shape and caves are popular exploring spots during low tide.

The Vila Franca Islet in the Azores was also praised for its beauty, ranking 25th position and is described by many as being a paradisiacal beach destination.

This natural paradise beach is found on the south coast of São Miguel Island, only 0.62 miles off the coast of the town of Vila Franca do Campo and has been classified as a Regional Nature Reserve since 2004.

Famed for its volcanic origins and unique lagoon, the Vila Franca Islet attracts a host of travellers and outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its swimming and snorkelling opportunities and is also home to the Red Bull Cliff Diving competition which is held on its iconic rock formations.

The third highest ranked beach in Portugal went to Praia do Camilo with an overall ranking at 28.

This small sandy bay is reached via a stairway that involves around 200 steps and is perfectly sheltered by sun-coloured rocks and a jagged cliff and includes a number of arches and caves that have been dug by the sea.

Praia do Camilo is described as being the most iconic beach in the Algarve and is Portugal's hidden gem with visitors here provided with their very own small and secluded paradise.

The beach features dramatic cliffs with clear waters below which makes Praia do Camilo an ideal spot for diving or snorkelling enthusiasts with the unique rock formations underwater here providing a stunning backdrop for all aquatic adventures.

Finally, Praia do Fogo (Fire Beach) was also hailed for its beauty and placed 41 on the list.

The beach is famed for its unusual sea temperature that remains warm no matter the time of year and is thanks to the existence of underwater hydrothermal springs.

Adding to its one-of-a-kind charm, Praia do Camilo is set in a bay of outstanding natural beauty, even providing green mountains as a backdrop and is a nature lover's dream.