Who would’ve thought that a country where you can walk in the footsteps of gods, sail off to an enchanting island on a whim, and grab a seaside drink pretty much anytime, anyplace, would be a favorite among discerning travelers?
You, us, and pretty much anyone else across the planet. And that includes Condé Nast Traveler, whose 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards just named Greece the Best Country in the World!
But it goes beyond blue-domed churches, sun-drenched coastlines, and having feta on tap. For what makes Greece so exceptional is the remarkable diversity of its discoveries. And today, we honor it by placing them on the pedestal.
So, get the olive wreath, because here are five reasons why Greece deserves to crown every discerning traveler’s wish list.
It's a Living Museum of History & Culture
If history has taught us anything, it’s that Greece knows how to make it.
It is, after all, a cradle of civilization. The home of the mighty Acropolis. The birthplace of ancient gods and modern democracy. A land where you could once get your fortune told at the sanctuary of Delphi, receive a royal welcome from Agamemnon at Mycenae, and play hide and seek with a Minotaur at Knossos in Crete.
In other words, never a dull moment in time.
Yet the spirit of Greece exists beyond its 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and iconic museums. Its culture endures through Byzantine artistry and warm traditions that live on in traditional villages, lively town squares, centuries-old monasteries, and seasonal Greek festivities.
And it is shared with all visitors through the time-honored custom of philoxenia, the Greek tradition of welcoming guests as friends. Inviting them to make some Greek history of their own.
It Has Some of the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches
From the sands of time to sands that are just sublime, Greece had plenty of reasons to beach happy about. And they come in all shades of blue.
Between its picturesque islands, turquoise coastlines, dramatic white cliffs and secluded coves, each region seems to have its own interpretation of the perfect beach.
Take Fteri Beach in Kefalonia, where towering white cliffs frame dazzling blue waters in one of the Ionian’s most secluded escapes. Reached primarily by boat or hiking trail, it offers the sort of unspoiled beauty that makes getting there half the fun. And apparently, the rest of the world agrees: Fteri was voted Europe’s Best Beach for 2026 and the second-best in the World’s 50 Best Beaches ranking.
Then there are the limestone cliffs of Myrtos, the dramatic coastline surrounding Navagio, and Santorini’s unmistakably volcanic shores, all of which make a compelling argument for setting aside a hefty budget for sunscreen.
There’s Always Something to Eat
If history has taught us anything else, it’s that Greece always serves it up with a side of something delicious.
Freshly caught seafood, sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant herbs, locally produced cheeses, and extra-virgin olive oil form the foundation of a cuisine celebrated for its simplicity and remarkable flavors. Meanwhile, every region brings its own unique ingredients, recipes, and homemade tsipouro to the feast.
And then comes the wine. From Santorini’s mineral-rich Assyrtiko to Xinomavro in northern Greece and Agiorgitiko in the Peloponnese, the country’s ancient winemaking traditions have aged like…well, you know.
Travelers can sample family recipes in village tavernas, discover contemporary interpretations in acclaimed restaurants, visit vineyards for guided tastings, or meet local producers whose crafts have been passed down through generations.
Because in Greece, every meal comes with a story (and a drink or two), meaning you always leave the table with plenty to tell.
It Keeps You Active
With all of its culinary offerings, staying active in Greece may undoubtedly become a necessity. Luckily, it offers plenty of opportunities to do just that.
On Crete, Samaria Gorge cuts through the dramatic White Mountains, creating one of Europe’s most celebrated gorge hikes. Stretching approximately 10 miles along the main hiking route, it takes adventurous travelers through rugged wilderness, impressive rock formations, and landscapes rich in biodiversity before reaching the scenic southern coast.
Further north, Vikos Gorge offers an entirely different kind of grandeur. Carved into the Pindus Mountains, this immense canyon is renowned for its extraordinary depth, while the surrounding Zagori region adds traditional stone villages, historic arched bridges, and winding trails to the mix.
That means whether you prefer to hike, explore, or simply swap a seaside lounger for a mountain view, Greece makes sure that you can always work off that extra helping of moussaka.
Everything Comes with a View
And how could it not when the country’s landscapes are as diverse as they are unforgettable.
In Santorini, the sun sets over the island’s iconic caldera, illuminating one of the Mediterranean’s most recognizable panoramas as whitewashed villages cling to cliffs above the sea. Not to mention how the island’s volcanic origins have also shaped its distinctive terrain, beaches, and celebrated vineyards into an Instagrammer’s dream.
Meanwhile, in Meteora, centuries-old monasteries rest atop extraordinary rock formations, creating a landscape that feels almost too dramatic to be real.
And there is plenty more where those came from. From the rugged peaks of the Pindus Mountains and the lush landscapes of Corfu to the wild beauty of Mani and the volcanic shores of Milos, Greece always gives you something to look at.
The Best of the Best
Worthy of the top spot? We’ll let you be the judge.
On paper, Greece certainly makes a compelling case for becoming Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Best Country in the World. However, with Greece by Travelive’s on-site presence, local knowledge, and curated selection of its top experiences, you can bet that it will live up to the title.
So, if your travelers are looking to find their new favorite country, contact Greece by Travelive at greece@travelive.com and we’ll introduce them to the best one in the world!