“Santorini has claimed the top spot in the coveted “Bucket List Destinations” category at the Travellers’ Top Picks Awards hosted by Air Canada Vacations, underscoring the island’s enduring allure among Canadian travellers. 

In its official statement, the company described the Aegean island as “a postcard-perfect vision,” with whitewashed houses and blue-domed chapels perched above volcanic cliffs, as the sun sets over turquoise waters that blaze into the horizon in shades of crimson and gold.

The awards, held to mark the 50th anniversary of Air Canada Vacations, invited Canadians to vote for their favorite international destinations across ten categories, while also sharing personal travel stories. Nino Montagnese, Vice President of Air Canada Vacations, noted that the program aims “to shine a light on the world’s hidden gems and make them accessible and inspiring for Canadian travelers.”

The awards ceremony, held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Toronto, brought Greece into the spotlight. Representing the Hellenic Tourism Organization in North America, Consul Konstantinos Charokopos received the award on behalf of Greece. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Ioannis Chatzantoniakis, Greece’s Consul General in Toronto, underscoring the symbolic resonance of the recognition.

Speaking to the eKathimerini the Consulate General of Greece in Toronto, Ioannis Chatzantonakis, emphasized the broader implications of the award: “Santorini’s recognition as a top destination in the Travellers’ Top Picks Awards brings Greece to the forefront of Canadian preferences and confirms the vitality of Greek tourism in North America. Greece is not merely a summer destination. Our country offers year-round experiences shaped by culture, hospitality, gastronomy, and natural beauty. To Canadian travelers and friends of Greece, I extend a warm invitation to discover the wealth and authenticity of what Greece has to offer, and in doing so, strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.”

“The distinction reflects a growing desire among Canadian travelers for journeys that combine natural beauty with cultural depth. For Greece, this recognition strengthens its foothold in North America, presenting an opportunity to redefine itself not simply as a seasonal escape but as a destination of timeless resonance.”

This article originally appeared in ekathimerini.com

Demetris Vohaitis is a journalist based in Toronto.