Greece has been ranked the 3rd top country in the world by readers of Condé Nast Traveler.
Europe dominated this year’s list of Reader's Choice Awards winners for the world's best countries to travel to, matching what we were hearing anecdotally (and seeing on Instagram) about where travelers have been choosing to go. Here are the best countries in the world, according to you.
The ranking is as follows:
- Japan 92.43
- Italy 91.43
- Greece 91.16
- Ireland 90.75
- New Zealand 90.43
- Spain 90.39
- Portugal 90.34
- Israel 90.04
- Norway 90.01
- Switzerland 89.98
- Turkey 89.79
- Australia 89.38
- Iceland 89.10
- Croatia 89.09
- Germany 89.03
- United Kingdom 88.96
- South Africa 88.79
- Austria 88.74
- Sri Lanka 88.36
- France 88.35
Greece is ranked highly among the world's top countries due to several factors that make it an attractive destination for travelers. Here are a few reasons why Greece might have been ranked highly:
- Historic and Cultural Significance: Greece is known for its rich history and ancient civilizations, including the Byzantine, Roman Empires. It is home to iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis in Athens and ancient ruins like Delphi and Olympia.
- Beautiful Landscapes: Greece offers diverse landscapes, from stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters to mountain ranges and picturesque islands. Places like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete are popular tourist destinations for their scenic beauty.
- Delightful Cuisine: Greek cuisine is renowned worldwide. From traditional dishes like moussaka and souvlaki to delicious Greek salads and fresh seafood, the country offers a variety of tasty and healthy options for food lovers.
- Warm Hospitality: Greek people are known for their warm and friendly nature, creating a welcoming atmosphere for travelers. The concept of "philoxenia" or showing hospitality to strangers is deeply ingrained in Greek culture.
- Vibrant Island Life: Greece is famous for its beautiful islands, each with its own unique charm. The Greek Islands offer a relaxing and laid-back lifestyle, with picturesque villages, white-washed buildings, and beautiful sunsets.
- Ancient Heritage and Mythology: Greece is the birthplace of Western civilization and has a rich mythology connected to various ancient gods and goddesses. Its historical sites, such as the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and the Palace of Knossos in Crete, are fascinating for history and mythology enthusiasts.
These factors, among others, contribute to Greece's popularity and its ranking as one of the top countries in the world for travelers.
Being a Greek myself I would not want to live in Greece and moved to USA. Greece has many problems and it is only good for a short summer visit. Prices have gone way up making Greek citizens depressed and overworked, staying home or shortening their vacation time. Also, tourists from outside EU BEWARE: ALL Greek Banks now charge a huge 11% transaction fee from the amount you withdraw using their ATMs. It used to be just a 5 Euro fee then in 2021 it became a10 Euro fee charge and withing 2022 they started charging 11% of the amount you withdraw. I used my USA debit/credit card to withdraw 1,600 Euros and the Bank charged me 189 Euros transaction fee which they call it “mark up” on the ATM receipt. I visited almost all Banks and they ALL have adopted this 11% transaction fee charge which they call “Timologio”. So if you plan to visit Greece bring CASH and you will pay only a 2.5% transaction fee to exchange your currency into Euros at any bank. NEVER use any Bank’s ATM machine.