A great distinction that puts Kythera on the world tourist map is brought by 2026. The seaside settlement of Avlemonas has been named one of the top destinations in Europe, ranking 16th in the list of the renowned European Best Destinations (EBD).
The Vote of Confidence
The choice of the Alemon was made after a huge vote involving more than one million travellers from 154 countries. Visitors from all over the world were enchanted by the authenticity, serenity and untouched beauty of the settlement, making it one of the most attractive «hidden gems» on the continent.
Why Avlemonas stood out
EBD describes Avlemonas as a destination that offers an authentic glimpse into the serene Greek everyday life:
Architecture & Atmosphere: White houses and captivating views of the creeks create a serene setting.
Slow Travel: the settlement is considered ideal for those seeking simplicity and quality, away from the crowds of saturated tourist destinations.
Natural Beauty: The nearby beaches, such as Kaladi and Melidoni, with their crystal clear waters, are a point of reference for nature lovers.
Shift to quality and sustainability
The inclusion of Kythera in the list of the best destinations (along with Ano Koufonissi, which ranked 13th) marks a change in the preferences of travellers. Authenticity and respect for the environment are now the main criteria for selection. Kythera, with its unique natural landscape, offers exactly this «experiential» journey that the modern traveller is looking for.
The announcement of the Agency
Every year, millions of travellers from around the world help shape the final list of Europe's Best Destinations in Europe, and 2026 is no exception. This prestigious ranking reflects the votes of travellers from 154 countries, highlighting the most captivating places for unforgettable European travel experiences.
Before the public vote starts, our team of experts looks at more than 500 destinations across Europe. This first stage combines key performance indicators such as tourism growth (Eurostat), growth in online searches, rise in popularity on social media and each destination's commitment to sustainability, accessibility and local development (including EDEN destinations, European Capitals of Culture, Green Capitals, UNESCO sites and other EU-recognised initiatives).
From this extensive analysis, 20 outstanding destinations are selected in collaboration with the network of professional travel media. These destinations are then put to the judgement of voters worldwide, who determine the final ranking.
This combination of expert judging and traveller voting makes the European Best Destinations award the only award in Europe that combines professional knowledge, media relevance and the voice of millions of travellers. The final ranking is based on the votes cast by registered European Best Destinations travellers (1,330,682 votes), with each participant able to vote for up to three destinations, resulting in over one million votes from a global panel that has been continuously built up since 2009. From iconic cultural hubs to hidden gems, these destinations offer the perfect blend of history, culture, gastronomy and natural beauty.
Planning a romantic getaway? Travelling with the family? Or exploring Europe on your own? These award-winning destinations cater for every travel style, offering unforgettable cultural adventures and culinary experiences. Out of more than 500 breathtaking destinations, the 20 with the most votes were named Best European Destinations 2026, earning their place among the top choices for your next European adventure. Who will succeed Marbella (Best European Destination 2024) and Monaco (Best European Destination 2025)? The answer is in the rankings below.
Need more inspiration? Discover the most beautiful islands in Greece, the most incredible castles in Germany, the best secret destinations in Italy, the best places to visit in Turkey, the most beautiful beaches in Croatia and much more... Choose from this list of the Best European Destinations 2026, book your tickets, accommodation, excursions and activities and discover the best Europe has to offer.
Learn more about the trip to the Kythera.
