Leading travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller has published its lists of Readers’ Choice Awards, which highlight the best travel choices for 2023, based on a vote by its readers.
Travellers voted for their favourite islands in the world, taking into account activities, attractions, natural beauty, beaches, food and the hospitality of the locals, among other things.
Greece has a strong presence in these awards again this year. In particular, it is the country with the most islands in the list of the “20 best islands in Europe”. Here are the nine Greek islands that were honoured.
The 9 Greek islands in the top 20 best in Europe
Mykonos
According to Conde Nast Traveller readers, Mykonos, with a score of 87.35, is the second best island in Europe for 2023. The countless winding alleys of Chora where the most famous people on the planet have walked, the sunsets in Little Venice, the famous nightlife, the beautiful beaches, the magic of Delos – all this and more make the windy island irresistibly charming and unforgettable.
Crete
Crete is in 4th place on the list. Greece’s largest island stands out for its culture, its landscapes, its cuisine and its mythological history. From imposing mountain ranges and gorges to stunning beaches and fascinating archaeological sites, Crete has something for everyone.
Santorini
The list of Europe’s best islands couldn’t be missing Santorini with its evocative landscape and cosmopolitan atmosphere, which this year came in 7th place. Conde Nast Traveller suggests its readers to visit Santorini outside the summer season to enjoy its beauty.
Sifnos
Sifnos follows in 11th place on the list. Sifnos has beautiful traditional villages with Cycladic architecture, picturesque chapels, beaches with crystal clear waters and of course good food – after all, this is the home of Nikos Tselementes. “Sifnos has earned a reputation as the most delicious Greek island,” says Conde Nast Traveller.
Skiathos
Papadiamantis’ island tops the list in 12th place. Skiathos is famous for its beautiful (more than 60) beaches. Here you will enjoy nature in all its glory, but also the nightlife.
Kos
In 13th place we find Kos. Important archaeological sites, unique historical sights from different periods, picturesque villages and a long coastline with beaches for all tastes, make up the profile of the third largest island of the Dodecanese.
Rhodes
Rhodes enchants visitors with one of the most well-preserved medieval cities (a UNESCO monument) and dozens of impressive beaches with emerald waters. This year, the largest island of the Dodecanese is ranked 17th on Conde Nast Traveller’s list.
Corfu
Corfu has once again enchanted travellers with its lush green nature, traditional villages, wonderful beaches, good food and beautiful Old Town. The readers of Conde Nast Traveller gave it the 18th place among the 20 best islands in Europe.
Paros
Paros, the island that brings together all the magic of the Cyclades, is in 19th place on the list. Combining natural beauty, tradition, gastronomy, vibrant nightlife and activities for every taste, Paros is the island where everyone can have a good time.
The list of the 20 best islands in Europe
- Sardinia, Italy (rating 88.08)
- Mykonos, Greece (87.35)
- Ibiza, Spain (87.07)
- Crete, Greece (86.95)
- Sicily, Italy (85.92)
- Azores, Portugal (85.36)
- Santorini, Greece (84.71)
- Minorca, Spain (84.42)
- Hvar, Croatia (83.86)
- Canary Islands, Spain (83.35)
- Sifnos, Greece (83.25)
- Skiathos, Greece (83.10)
- Kos, Greece (82.79)
- Bozcaada, Turkey (81.59)
- Malta (81.47)
- Ischia, Italy (81.43)
- Rhodes, Greece (79.93)
- Corfu, Greece (79.73)
- Paros, Greece (79.69)
- Mallorca, Spain (78.90)
Source: Condé Nast Traveller
