Greece Named Top Country in 2026 Reader Awards
Greece topped the 2026 Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards as the world's best country.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Europe
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In the 29th edition of the annual competition, Greece earned the top spot as the world's best country for 2026. Readers based in the UK selected the nation through an annual survey.
Why it matters
These awards reflect shifting traveler preferences and destination popularity among discerning international tourists. The rankings help define global tourism trends and highlight specific regional appeal for upcoming travel cycles.
Greece secured a score of 98.14 in the 2026 awards, outpacing Japan which finished with a score of 97.01. Additionally, the island of Hydra achieved a score of 98.12 to earn the title of best island in Europe.
The players
Conde Nast Traveller
This is an internationally recognized luxury travel magazine that conducts annual reader surveys to rank global destinations.
Canaves Epitome
Located in Santorini, this luxury property was voted the best hotel in Greece by readers.
Ikos Odisia
Situated in Corfu, this hospitality venue was identified as the premier resort in the country.
The details
The survey identified specific hospitality leaders in the region, naming Canaves Epitome in Santorini as the best hotel in Greece. Furthermore, Ikos Odisia located in Corfu was recognized as the best resort in the country.
Timeline
The 29th edition of the competition took place in 2026.
Travel Outlook
These results reflect established trends in European tourism where visitors prioritize high-end hospitality experiences on islands like Santorini and Corfu. This ranking follows the pattern of established preference set by the 29th edition of the Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards.
Travelers should note that award-winning destinations like Santorini and Corfu may experience higher demand and advanced booking requirements throughout the season. These rankings provide a clear indicator of which locales are currently favored by luxury-focused tourists.
The takeaway
Travelers can use these annual reader rankings to identify high-quality destinations that have been vetted by a large, discerning audience. Booking well in advance for top-rated properties like those found in Hydra or Santorini is recommended to secure availability.
Further reading
Explore more European destinations in our Europe section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ekathimerini.
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