Two Greek islands long cherished by travelers “in the know” are stepping firmly into the international spotlight. Syros and Naxos have been named among the world’s most authentic travel destinations for 2026, following a public vote by readers of Condé Nast Traveler.

The distinction comes via a new list published by the global travel and business platform moneycontrol.com, which drew on the results of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Using the audience-voted ranking of the world’s top 20 countries as a starting point, the site carried out further research to identify standout destinations within each country that offer strong local culture, distinctive identity, and unspoiled natural beauty.

From a shortlist of 43 destinations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania and Africa, Greece ranked second overall for 2026, represented by Syros and Naxos – a pairing that reflects a clear shift in global travel preferences. Today’s travelers, the editors note, are increasingly drawn to places with “soul”: destinations that prioritize authenticity over spectacle and sustainability over speed.

“Sunlit islands, whitewashed villages and food that speaks to the heart,” the feature writes, painting a picture of a Greece that combines natural beauty with warm, lived-in hospitality. Within this landscape, Syros and Naxos emerge as “hidden treasures,” islands where local life remains visible and vibrant, and where visitors are invited to engage rather than simply pass through.

For Syros, the recognition underscores its growing reputation as a year-round cultural destination. According to Deputy Mayor of Tourism Ioannis A. Voutsinos, the island has steadily expanded its cultural offering beyond the summer months. “It is no coincidence that last year’s cultural program of the Municipality – with more than 50 activities including concerts, theatrical performances, dance events and children’s programs – ran from May through November, attracting strong interest from travelers in Greece and abroad,” he notes. The result is a different rhythm of island life, rooted in history, neoclassical elegance and a thriving cultural scene.

Naxos, meanwhile, continues to win admirers for its rare blend of scale, diversity, and warm hospitality – often described as the Cyclades’ ultimate all-rounder. As Deputy Mayor for Tourism of Naxos and the Small Cyclades Vangelis Katsaras puts it, “In Naxos and the Small Cyclades, no one is treated as a mass tourist.” The largest island in the Cyclades offers room to slow down – from fertile valleys and mountain villages to medieval castles, ancient sanctuaries and long stretches of golden sand. Its appeal spans families, couples, solo travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, drawn by everything from local gastronomy and hiking to watersports and island-hopping in the nearby Small Cyclades.

Together, Syros and Naxos tell a broader story about Greece in 2026: a destination that remains globally compelling not by chasing trends, but by staying true to itself – and inviting travelers to do the same.

Source: moneyreview.gr