Greece has been named the world’s best country to travel to by UK readers of Condé Nast Traveler, praised for its cuisine, beaches, hospitality and accommodation in the magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.
The country took first place with a score of 98.14, ahead of Japan (97.01) and Italy (96.48) in the 29th edition of the awards, based entirely on votes from the magazine’s UK readership.
The magazine said its readers’ love affair with Greece had “reached fever pitch” this year, pointing to the country’s record tourist numbers and its “millennium-hopping culture”.
Long-standing favorites such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete remain the preferable destinations. However, the magazine noted that more visitors are now venturing to lesser-known islands, including Paros, Hydra, Ios, and Tinos.
Athens also earned praise again. According to the magazine, the capital responded to the debt crisis with a wave of creative energy that brought new restaurants, galleries and hotels, and now ranks among Europe’s coolest capitals.
Greece finished ahead of Japan, which held the title in 2024. Turkey (4th), Portugal (5th), Costa Rica (6th), Croatia (7th), Indonesia (8th), Kenya (9th) and Thailand (10th) completed the top 10.
Great food, friendly people
The world famous cuisine also impressed travelers to Greece. It ranked second among the best countries for food, with a score of 96.72, just 0.20 points behind Italy (96.92) and ahead of Portugal and Japan.
The magazine highlighted Cycladic menus in the tavernas of Mykonos and Athens chefs who are reinterpreting classic recipes, as well as staples such as souvlaki, tzatziki and olives. It added that outdoor dining with sea or mountain views makes each meal even more memorable.
Greece also ranked eighth among the world’s friendliest countries, with a score of 96.31. Costa Rica took first place (98.67). The same score placed Greece fourth among the friendliest countries in Europe, with Ireland taking top place.
The magazine credited philoxenia, a Greek word meaning “love of strangers”, for the warm welcome visitors receive, along with traditions such as long family lunches and the evening volta, a leisurely stroll that remains part of everyday social life.
Eight Greek beaches in Europe’s top 20
Greece dominated the travelers’ ranking of the best beaches in Europe, with eight entries in the top 20, more than any other country. Spain followed with three.
The Greek beaches travelers voted best are:
• Falassarna Beach, Crete (5th, 93.33)
• Porto Katsiki, Lefkada (9th, 90.00)
• Kathisma Beach, Lefkada (11th, 89.17)
• Plaka Beach, Naxos (12th, 88.33)
• Voidokilia Beach, Messinia, Peloponnese (13th, 85.56)
• Agios Ioannis Beach, Lefkada (14th, 85.42)
• Balos Lagoon, Crete (15th, 82.50)
• Elafonissi Beach, Crete (20th, 77.33)
Sperlonga in Italy took first place with a 96.67 score.
Travelers’ favorite hotels and resorts
In the hotel category, travelers to Greece favored Canaves Epitome, Canaves Collection in Santorini was named the best hotel in Greece with a score of 99.07, followed by The Dolli in Athens (98.69) and Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino in Pylos (98.32).
The Rooster in Antiparos (98.18), Kalesma Mykonos (98.00), The Roc Club (97.67), and Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens (97.31) followed, the last two on the Athens Riviera. Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens (97.11), Canaves Oia Suites (96.25), and Perivolas Lifestyle Houses (95.53), both in Santorini, completed the top 10.
In the resort category, Ikos Odisia on Corfu took first place with a score of 99.82, one of the highest scores in the resort rankings. Porto Zante Villas & Spa on Zakynthos (99.33) ranked second, followed by Sani Resort in Halkidiki (99.17) and One&Only Kéa Island (98.92).
Corfu Imperial (98.74) ranked fifth, followed by Ikos Dassia (97.72), Santa Marina in Mykonos (96.39), Elounda Peninsula Luxury Resort on Crete (96.29), Creta Palace on Crete (96.07) and Nido, Mar-Bella Collection on Corfu (95.85).
Corfu secured four places in the resort top 10, the highest representation of any Greek island in the category.
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