The Cycladic island of Naxos has been named one of the best places in the world to visit in 2026, taking first place on a new international list shaped by insights from the leading global tourism exhibition, World Travel Market (WTM) in London.

The ranking was published by the popular travel platform “Where Life Is Great”, following extensive on-the-ground research by award-winning travel blogger Marta Ostoya, recently described as “the most influential talent on the web.” Drawing on travel trends presented at WTM alongside her own journeys across more than 40 countries, Ostoya selected destinations that reflect how travelers want to explore the world in the years ahead.

At the very top of the list sits Naxos, ahead of destinations including Warsaw, Spain’s Costa Brava, Sicily, Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, Bahia in Brazil, Sharjah in the UAE, Okinawa in Japan, and Iceland.

In her tribute to the island, Ostoya describes Naxos as a place where time seems to slow and the senses come alive. “Naxos is the island of golden beaches, where the soul can finally breathe,” she writes. “Of all the places I visited in 2025, this was the one that quietly slipped into my heart and categorically refused to leave.”

She highlights what many travelers increasingly seek: “golden sandy beaches that seem to stretch out to infinity, crystal-clear turquoise waters, small whitewashed villages nestled in the mountains and tavernas where the food is so good that it moves you.” In essence, Naxos captures everything that people hope the Greek summer will be.

Particular emphasis is placed on the island’s appeal to families, an increasingly influential segment of the travel market. From shallow, calm beaches suitable even for toddlers to a culture that warmly welcomes children, Naxos offers a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that parents often struggle to find elsewhere.

Looking ahead to the next tourism season, Vangelis Katsaras, Deputy Mayor for Tourism of Naxos and the Small Cyclades, says the international recognition confirms the island’s long-term strategy. “Our goal is to strengthen our global presence through consistent, targeted actions that bring Naxos to the forefront,” he notes. “This distinction reflects the authentic Greece we represent – from our traditional villages and customs to our natural beauty, outdoor activities and exceptional local products.”

The figures support the momentum. In 2025, Naxos recorded a new tourism milestone, with air arrivals up by 30.9% and ferry traffic increasing by 5.8% compared to the previous year.

As global travelers look beyond the obvious and seek destinations that feel genuine and unhurried, Naxos appears perfectly positioned for the year ahead.

Source: moneyreview.gr