Greece has once again made its mark on Europe’s annual travel rankings – this time with two lesser-known destinations joining the continent’s most recommended places to visit in 2026. According to the newly released Best European Destinations 2026 rankings by European Best Destinations, compiled and voted on by more than 1.3 million travelers worldwide, two Greek locales have secured spots among Europe’s Top 20 for the year ahead.

Ano Koufonisi: A Cycladic Standout

Claiming 13th place on the list is Ano (“Upper”) Koufonisi, a small island in the heart of the Cyclades known for its low-key character and compact scale. Editors described it as “one of Europe’s most enchanting island escapes for 2026,” highlighting its appeal as an alternative to busier Aegean destinations.

Life on Ano Koufonisi unfolds at a relaxed pace among whitewashed lanes, blue-painted doors, bougainvillea and clear, shallow waters, creating “a setting that feels both timeless and effortlessly chic.” The island attracts couples, honeymooners and slow travelers, as well as visitors interested in its growing food scene. Much of local life centers on Hora, where “small cafés, handmade boutiques, jewelry studios and tavernas where fresh fish and Greek mezze are served under warm island nights” line the waterfront.

Boat trips to nearby Kato (Lower) Koufonisi provide access to quieter coves and beaches, reinforcing the island’s reputation as a destination for unhurried travel and simple seaside pleasures.

Avlemonas: Low-Key Coastal Life on Kythira

Ranked 16th is Avlemonas, a small coastal settlement on Kythira, praised by editors as “Greece at its most authentic, soft, and deeply soothing.” Built around a natural harbor, the village is defined by whitewashed houses facing sheltered bays and beaches such as Melidoni and Kaladi.

Food is central to the experience here. Fresh fish, local cheeses, honey and citrus feature prominently on menus, typically enjoyed on shaded terraces overlooking the sea. With family-run rooms and small guesthouses forming the backbone of local accommodation, Avlemonas offers a quieter alternative to Greece’s more heavily developed island resorts, appealing to travelers seeking a slower, more local rhythm of life.

Greece’s Place on the 2026 Map

Greece’s presence in this year’s rankings reflects broader shifts in European travel trends, with growing interest in smaller destinations that balance natural scenery, food culture, and everyday local life. As travel demand continues to move beyond major capitals and established hotspots, places like Ano Koufonisi and Avlemonas point to a wider appetite for low-density, slower-paced destinations.

At the top of the 2026 list is Madrid, followed by Nicosia, Cyprus, with other high-ranking destinations including Paris, Verona, Lisbon, Norway’s Stavanger, and Costa Vicentina on Portugal’s Algarve. Together, the list highlights a mix of major urban centers and lower-profile coastal and regional destinations shaping European travel in 2026.