Barafundle Bay Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, has been named the second best beach in Europe for 2026, according to new research by holiday rental platform Holidu. The beach achieved an overall Google Maps rating of 4.9 based on nearly 2,000 reviews, with visitors praising its white sands and crystal-clear waters that rival the Caribbean.
European Beach Rankings
Holidu analysed thousands of Google Maps reviews to compile the top 25 European beaches for 2026. The UK coastline performed strongly, with seven beaches making the list. Barafundle Bay Beach came in second, beaten only by Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lampedusa, Italy. The ranking highlights the beach's untouched natural beauty and growing popularity among travellers.
Third place went to another Welsh gem, Traeth Mwnt in Ceredigion, known for its scenic setting and dolphin spotting opportunities. Other UK beaches in the top ten include Woolacombe Beach in Devon at eighth place.
Access and Facilities
Barafundle Bay Beach is located in Stackpole, Pembroke, Pembrokeshire (SA71 5DQ). It is only accessible by foot, requiring a physically demanding half-mile hike from Stackpole Quay. The beach is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Visitors can park in Stackpole Quay, where there is a pub and shops with toilet facilities. The beach itself has no facilities, maintaining its untouched environment of golden sands backed by pine trees and sand dunes.
One visitor shared in a Tripadvisor review: "Stunning beach after a short walk from the National Trust car park. I don't think I have ever seen a more beautiful beach." Another wrote: "This is the gem of Pembrokeshire. National Trust car park at the end of some very, very narrow lanes and then a short walk across the stunning cliff tops to the stunning bay. It really is beautiful. Would highly recommend."
Impact and Recommendations
The beach's growing number of reviews indicates it is becoming more prevalent on travellers' radars. For a tranquil experience, it is best visited early in the morning and outside of school holidays. The beach offers a peaceful retreat away from tourist-heavy towns, though it requires visitors to bring all necessary supplies for a day out.
Europe's top 10 beaches for 2026 according to Holidu are: Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Italy; Barafundle Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire, UK; Traeth Mwnt, Ceredigion, UK; Platja de Muro, Islas Baleares, Spain; Cala Mariolu, Sardegna, Italy; Playa de Cofete, Canarias, Spain; Simos beach, Attica region, Greece; Woolacombe Beach, Devon, UK; Playa de Sotavento de Jandía, Canarias, Spain; and Praia da Adraga, Lisbon Region, Portugal.
