Two Greek islands stood out in the European Best Destinations poll this year for the best travel destinations in Europe. They are not the ones you might expect!
Over one million travelers from 154 countries voted for the Best European Destination for 2026, conducted by the platform promoting tourism in Europe, European Best Destinations. The annual list highlights destinations that cover every kind of trip, offering the perfect combination of history, culture, gastronomy and natural beauty.
Two Greek islands - not the ones we are used to seeing on such lists - managed to stand out and enter the top twenty for 2026.
Koufonisia and Kythira among the top 20 destinations in Europe for 2026
The heavenly Ano Koufonisi ranks 13th on the list. «Ano Koufonisi - and its tiny Chora - is one of Europes most enchanting island escapes for 2026,» writes EBD on its website. «Whitewashed lanes, blue doors, bougainvillea and crystal-clear turquoise waters create a scene that feels timeless and effortlessly chic. Everything here is simple in the best way: beaches connected by seaside paths, natural pools carved by the sea and boat trips to nearby Kato Koufonisi for complete serenity. Chora features small cafes, boutiques with handmade products, jewelry shops and tavernas serving fresh fish and Greek meze on warm nights».
A little further down the list, specifically in 16th place, we find Kythira with picturesque Avlemonas, the seaside village with Cycladic charm and its aquamarine natural «pool». EBD notes about Avlemonas that it is «one of Europes most captivating small destinations for 2026 - a serene seaside village shaped by sunlight, turquoise coves and an atmosphere seemingly made for laid-back living. Charming white houses surround a natural cove where morning dips are taken in rock-carved pools with water as clear as glass. Terraces overlook the water, children leap from stone ledges and the village moves at a leisurely pace that instantly restores your calm».
The 20 best destinations in Europe for 2026
Madrid topped this years list, while Nicosia appears in second place. Italy makes a strong showing with several destinations among the top 20. Here is the ranking of the 20 best European destinations for 2026, according to travelers votes on European Best Destinations:
1. Madrid, Spain
2. Nicosia, Cyprus
3. Stajerska Region, Slovenia
4. Verona, Italy
5. Paris, France
6. Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal
7. Alaçatı, Turkey
8. Burano, Italy
9. Lisbon, Portugal
10. Almeria, Andalusia
11. Stavanger, Norway
12. Costa Vicentina, Portugal
13. Ano Koufonisi, Greece
13. Begur, Spain
14. Cefalù, Sicily
16. Avlemonas, Kythira, Greece
17. Bosa, Sardinia, Italy
18. Ravello, Italy
19. Procida, Italy
20. Taormina, Sicily, Italy
