Greece’s Crete has been named considered one of Europe’s high three locations for 2026 by Condé Nast Traveller, the globally acclaimed journey journal recognized for its influential annual rankings. Each yr, the publication highlights ten European areas anticipated to outline the way forward for journey—and this time, Crete takes middle stage.
The recognition holds particular that means, coinciding with Crete’s designation because the European Region of Gastronomy 2026—an honor that celebrates the island’s deep connection to its land, heritage, and meals tradition. As Condé Nast Traveller notes:
“Crete is evolving into an international hub of gastronomy, wellness, and refined hospitality, rooted in Minoan tradition and the Mediterranean diet—widely regarded as the world’s healthiest.”
Greece’s Crete as a rising hub of gastronomy and hospitality
The journal highlights a new wave of hospitality shaping Crete’s trendy id, together with the arrival of high-end resorts similar to Ikos Kissamos in Chania and Rosewood Elounda. According to Condé Nast Traveller, these developments set new benchmarks for luxurious which stays genuine to native tradition.
Equally transformative is the upcoming worldwide airport in Kastelli, set to open by 2026. The new facility is anticipated to boost connectivity and elevate the general journey expertise, solidifying Crete’s standing as a premier world vacation spot.
Greece doubles presence with Peloponnese
Crete isn’t the one area in Greece on Condé Nast Traveller’s record. The Peloponnese, described as a “cinematic destination” the place historical past, nature, and modern aesthetics converge, additionally earns a spot.
The article references Christopher Nolan’s upcoming movie The Odyssey, filmed in Messinia, and praises Costa Navarino’s sustainability initiatives, the place luxurious is in concord with the surroundings. By 2026, a 1,730-kilometer (1,075-mile) climbing community will join the area’s mountains and coastlines, providing guests a new strategy to expertise its tradition, nature, and sense of well-being.
A rising position for Greece in world tourism
Greece’s twin look on the Condé Nast Traveller record highlights the nation’s strategic evolution from a vacation spot for easy getaways to 1 providing deeply significant experiences.
Greece continues to strengthen its world picture by means of authenticity, sustainability, and excessive design requirements—qualities that place it amongst Europe’s main journey gamers.
Europe’s high locations for 2026 (Condé Nast Traveller):
- Seville, Spain
- Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France
- Crete, Greece
- Milan, Italy
- Upper Carniola, Slovenia
- Islay, Scotland
- Oulu, Finland
- Frankfurt, Germany
- Brussels, Belgium
- Peloponnese, Greece