Greece Triumphs as Best European Country This Year in Prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards, Unseating Italy After Twenty Five Years

Greece has been named the leading World’s Best destination and best European Country to visit in 2021 at the annual WTA – Telegraph Travel Awards, ringing the changes on the for the Best of the Best and ending a 25 year at the number one spot for Italy. Having received the votes of more than 20,000 readers in the UK, Greece stood out for its stunning islands, impressive history, delicious food and vast, multicultural landscapes, as well as outstanding experiences that appeal to every kind of traveller who is looking for a perfect combination of adventure and authenticity all over Europe.

Telegraph Travel Awards: etc Greek national opera among world’s greatest 22 Nov 2015 – 06:35 etc Greek The award, which was voted for by some 20,000 UK holidaymakers during the annual awards voting process, places Greece in first place among European destinations. Greece won for the with this victory Greece has broken Italy’s dominance, which continued for over 25 years, in the European territory and it has been a historic achievement for the Greek tourism sector.

The Telegraph Travel Awards, now in its 22nd year, are among the most comprehensive and reliable awards of their kind. They’re a reflection of the real opinions of travellers and their experiences, and are unrivalled in their authenticity – no one can buy a place on the award lists or influence the results. The awards consist of 20 separate categories, including everything from favorite countries and cities to airlines, hotels and travel experiences, that readers can cast votes for the places and services that made their travels special.

A Win Built on Beauty, Diversity and Timeless Appeal

‘Greece’s win at the 2025 awards was hardly unexpected, when you consider the calibre of tourism products offered in the country. So, whether it’s soaking up the sun along the sandy beaches of the Cyclades or hiking through the rugged mountains of Epirus, Greece has plenty of experiences to suit all kinds of travelers. A unique combination of natural beauty, historic importance, gastronomy and welcoming locals, the country has long held the world’s attention, and British visitors continue to pour into its islands and mainland year after year.

Its selection by readers of The Telegraph confirms Greece’s appeal for all tastes. Be it the allure of Santorini’s whitewashed buildings and clear blue waters, the ancient wonders of Athens, the nature of Peloponnese, or the unearthed quiet of less visited islands like Naxos and Symi — Greece still has the power to captivate.

Toppling a Long-Reigning Favorite: Italy

Among the most headline-grabbing features of Greece’s win in 2025 was the fact it brought to an end Italy’s 25-year reign at the top. Italy with its Renaissance cities, art treasures, wine regions and endless coastal beauty, has always been popular with UK residents. Image The change reflects a new travel mindset among British holidaymakers, many of whom increasingly prioritize authenticity, crowd-free escapes and value for money — all of which Greece has in spades.

Whilst Italy continues to assert itself among the rankings, the promotion of Greece is indicative of how trends in post-pandemic travel, such as a revived interest in heritage-focused, nature-based, and immersive travel, are shaking up the tourist landscape of Europe.

Third Place Goes to Note Norway

Among the other brighter spots in these awards, Norway is ranked third and celebrated for its dramatic fjords, sustainable tourism and stunning rural wilderness. Its spot in the top three of the list is another indication of the British public’s burgeoning interest in nature, slow travel and experiences that focus on wellness and respecting the environment.

Norway now stands as a leading example of Europe’s evolving travel values, representing a shift toward tranquil environments, pristine natural settings, and journeys rooted in deeper meaning and intention. This developing trend reflects a broader change in the values of tourists; one that Greece adopted more recently and established a course to become a destination combining cultural maturity with experience that abides by principles of sustainability.

Britain’s Love Affair With Greece Will SurviveолькоBritain’s Love Affair With Greece Will Survive

The relationship between British holidaymakers and Greece is one that goes back a long, long time. Millions of British holidaymakers flock to Greece every summer, year after year, seduced by its turquoise seas, sun-drenched beaches, ancient ruins and hospitable tavernas. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly resorts, luxury villas, city breaks filled with shopping and nightlife, or remote island hideaways, Greece has something to suit your taste and value range with high satisfaction and a great degree of flexibility.

Direct flights from the UK to a number of Greek honeymoon spots, as well as a favorable exchange rate and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, also help make it such a popular option. Greece is still one of the most popular foreign destinations in 2025, comparing bookings and arrivals to pre-pandemic numbers.

An Icon of Greece’s Tourism Strength

This victory also represents Greece’s strong recovery and excellence in tourism. For a country experiencing its share of global unrest (along with wildfires and economic woes), Greece has done a remarkable job of positioning itself as a country that not only holds onto its cultural heritage but also evolves to fit changing traveler appetites.

Strong investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure, better regional airport access and digital transformation of services have made Greece a modern destination reflecting its past. From managing and controlling overcrowding to preserving heritage sites and promoting eco conscious practices, many destinations across the country have put several rules and regulations in place — and in many cases, it seems international visitors are also beginning to appreciate that.

Endorsement by Reputed Media Powerhouse

The significant part of this recognition, is that it comes from a big UK publication with a huge readership, increasingly well engaged. The Telegraph stands as one of the United Kingdom’s most respected publications, with a longstanding reputation for excellence in travel reporting and destination coverage. Its web travel section draws more than 12 million unique visitors a year and has over 600,000 newsletter subscribers.

For Greece to be announced the best country in Europe in such an institution, constitutes a significant pat on the shoulder on the part of those who work hard for Greek tourism to become more modernized, more diversified and much better service-oriented. This recognition is anticipated to enhance Greece’s standing within the UK travel market and drive year-round interest from British holidaymakers seeking diverse and memorable experiences across the country.

Greece: Strategic Focus on the UK market

The UK is still one of the core markets for Greek tourism and specific campaigns, as well as cooperation with British tour operators and presence at key international travel fairs all boost the number of arrivals. Greece has also adapted its messaging to British travelers, not just selling summer sun-and-sea holidays but presenting alternative experiences, from gastronomy and wellness to religious tourism, hiking, sailing and city breaks.

The strategy has worked particularly well in 2024 and early 2025, driven by record demand from the UK across all age groups whether for backpackers in their 20s, honeymooners, retirees or solo travelers, to Greek destinations.

Broader Implications for European Tourism

Greece being voted number one in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards could also be seen as part of the bigger trends shaping the future of travel in Europe. As remote work blurs the line between vacation and way of life, as travelers look for longer, more meaningful stints in regions of history and warm community, destinations like Greece are well poised to be the ones leading the charge.

The trend also plays into tourists’ purposes shifting toward “second cities” and rural escapes — beyond overburdened hotspots — in line with Greece’s new culinary and experiential tourism initiatives. Due to targeted promotion, infrastructure upgrade and enhanced accessibility, destinations like Northern Greece, Thessaly and the Dodecanese have experienced substantial growth in international arrivals.

TOMORROW: A Promising Future for Greek Tourism

With this accolade under its belt, Greece is set to continue rolling strongly into the latter half of 2025 and beyond. Industry analysts predict that visitor arrivals, especially from important traditional-source markets — the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the United States, and Canada — will continue to rise. If anything, the next few years promise a further round of strategic investments in sustainable tourism, local community-driven projects and niche experiences, boosting Greece’s global appeal even more.

It is also an incentive for the country’s tourism professionals to continue looking after natural treasures, keeping monuments of history unspoilt, and ensuring that tourism development is in line with cultural and environmental preservation.

Greece’s Golden Moment

Named Best European Country for 2025, Greece’s accolade is a pivotal point in the story being told about its tourist industry. “It’s more than just an award — it’s a reflection of the decades of hard work and strategic evolution that has gone into cultivating a hospitality that strikes a chord with international travelers, particularly in the UK.

THIS is Brexit revenge – as the prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards has named Greece, for the first time in a quarter of a century it awarded the prize, the Best European Country of the year, in place of Italy. Following a vote by some 20,000 UK passengers, Greece received the first prize, to be awarded to a country with a range of islands for every type of holidaymaker, A rich historical legacy combined with an abundance of exceptional cuisine and captivating attractions to explore and enjoy.

With its spectacular sunsets over the Aegean to its ancient amphitheaters whispering echoes of centuries of history, Greece is still a land that awakens, refreshes and touches the soul of people around the world. As the world uses a new lens of travel and with a higher sense of purpose, Greece presents itself not just as a destination — but an experience.