In a landmark recognition, Greece has been voted the Best European Destination in The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, breaking Italy’s 25-year winning streak and securing the top spot in one of the UK’s most influential travel media rankings. Norway rounded out the top three destinations.

 

The results, determined by votes from over 20,000 readers of the British newspaper, were announced during a special awards ceremony held in central London. Representing Greece, Eleni Skarveli—Director of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) for the UK and Ireland—accepted the prestigious accolade on behalf of the country.

In an enthusiastic endorsement of Greece’s appeal, The Telegraph praised the country’s diverse offerings, stating: “There are few things in which the country does not excel. Its islands, scattered across the Ionian and Aegean seas, are exquisite. As is its ‘visible’ history, carved into the hillsides—from the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens to the ruins of Knossos in Crete.”

This recognition carries added weight due to The Telegraph’s considerable reach and influence. With more than 600,000 digital subscribers and a travel section drawing over 12 million unique visitors annually, the publication plays a pivotal role in shaping the travel decisions of its affluent, globally mobile readership.

The award marks a significant achievement for Greece’s tourism sector, reinforcing the country’s enduring appeal as a destination that offers both natural beauty and cultural depth.