Readers of the renowned travel magazine Travel + Leisure voted on the world's best islands for 2026. Three Greek islands made it onto the global list.
The American travel magazine Travel+Leisure has just published its lists of the best of 2026 (World’s Best Awards). More than 200,000 travelers and readers of the magazine took part in this year's survey and voted, among other things, for their favorite islands in the world, taking into account activities, attractions, natural beauty, beaches, food, and the hospitality of the locals.
Greece once again has a strong presence in Travel+Leisure's World’s Best Awards. These are the three Greek islands that received the highest scores and made the list of the world's 25 best.
Milos, Crete, and Paros among the world's best islands for 2026
Milos ranks 20th on this year's Travel+Leisure list of the best islands in the world. The Cycladic island managed to collect 89,50 points (out of 100) from the magazine's readers. More than 70 beaches, lunar-like landscapes, caves that tell stories of pirates, and crystal-clear waters that reflect summer dreams. The images of Milos rival one another in beauty.
A little further down, in 22nd place, we find Crete, one of the world's most famous travel destinations. Greece's largest island stands out for its culture, landscapes, cuisine, and mythic history, offering unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Following in 24th place is Paros, with 88,33 points. Combining natural beauty, tradition, gastronomy, a vibrant nightlife, and activities for all, Paros is the island where everyone can discover their own summer paradise.
Travel+Leisure: The 10 best islands in the world for 2026
Here is the list of the 10 best islands in the world for 2026, as shaped by the votes of the readers of Travel + Leisure:
1. Ko Samui, Thailand
2. Maldives
3. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
4. Bali, Indonesia
5. Phuket, Thailand
6. Seychelles
7. Fiji
8. Sri Lanka
9. Dominica
10. Zanzibar, Tanzania