Greece has been named the Best European Country at The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, marking a significant victory in one of the UK’s most influential travel industry accolades.
In this year’s edition, over 20,000 readers of the British newspaper cast their votes across 20 categories, recognising their favourite travel destinations, airlines, hotels, villa rental services, and other experiences based on trips taken in the previous year.
For the first time in 25 years, Italy was unseated from the top spot, with Greece rising to number one. Norway rounded out the top three.
Also read: Greece ranks third, Cyprus first for Europe’s cleanest swimming waters
The announcement was made at a special ceremony in central London, where Eleni Skarveli, Head of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) UK & Ireland office, accepted the award on behalf of the country.
“Few places where Greece doesn’t excel”
The Telegraph’s online edition praised the decision, describing Greece’s win as “entirely deserved.”
“There are few things at which Greece doesn’t excel. Its islands, scattered across the Ionian and Aegean Seas, are exquisite—just like its ‘visible’ history, carved into the hillsides from the Parthenon in Athens to the ruins of Knossos in Crete,” the paper wrote.
Strong impact on UK travellers
First launched in 1998, The Telegraph Travel Awards are regarded as a key barometer of British travellers’ preferences and have a strong influence on the UK travel market.
The newspaper itself is considered one of the most prominent media outlets in the UK, with a readership that includes a high-income, travel-savvy audience. Its travel section alone attracts more than 12 million unique visitors annually, while its digital platform boasts over 600,000 subscribers.
The recognition marks a major win for Greek tourism as it continues to strengthen its international presence and appeal.
