When a pan-European travel survey asked readers to rate their favourite islands, the results turned the usual holiday map on its head. Hydra a tiny gem off the Peloponnese where motorised traffic is virtually absent, topped the list with a score of 98.12. The island’s serenity, historic stone harbour and pedestrian-only streets captured the imagination of voters, pushing well-known destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos far down the leaderboard. The ranking, compiled for the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, reflects the preferences of a global readership rather than any official tourism metric.
Greece dominated the tally, contributing seven islands, while Spain and Italy supplied four and three entries respectively. The spread of scores reveals a clear appetite for authenticity over mass-market resort experiences. Islands that rely on towering beaches and nightlife struggled to keep pace with those offering a blend of culture, nature and a slower rhythm of life. Below we explore the leaders, the strong runners-up and the surprising outliers that completed the top-20 roster.
Hydra’s unique appeal: a car-free sanctuary
Hydra’s acclaim rests on its car-free policy, a rarity in the Mediterranean archipelago. With no cars roaming the narrow lanes, visitors move on foot or by water taxi, allowing the island’s pastel-coloured mansions, stone stairways and crystal-clear coves to be experienced without the din of traffic. The harbour, framed by historic houses and the island’s iconic clock tower, serves as the social hub where artists, writers and tourists mingle. Notable past residents include the poet-singer Leonard Cohen, who purchased a modest home in the 1960s, adding a layer of bohemian mystique to the locale.
Rather than sprawling resorts, Hydra offers modest guesthouses, family-run tavernas and pebble-lined swimming spots that are often reached by a short boat ride. The island’s culinary scene celebrates fresh seafood, locally produced olive oil and the famed Greek wine, all served in intimate settings that reinforce the laid-back atmosphere. For travellers seeking a blend of heritage, natural beauty and a break from the automobile, Hydra stands out as the definitive European island destination for 2026.
Sardinia and Naxos: diverse landscapes and cultural depth
Just 0.11 points behind the champion, Italy’s Sardinia claimed second place with a score of 98.01. The island balances world-class white-sand beaches such as La Pelosa with rugged interior mountains, traditional villages and the enigmatic Nuragic ruins. The Costa Smeralda, known for luxury yachts and upscale hotels, represents one facet of Sardinia, yet the La Maddalena Archipelago—an untouched National park of tiny islands and turquoise coves—appeals to those craving solitude. Hiking trails wind through pine-covered hills, while inland towns preserve culinary traditions that have survived centuries of external influence.
Greece’s Naxos earned the third slot with 97.14 points, offering a contrasting mix of expansive beaches, verdant valleys and historic sites. The iconic Portara—a massive marble doorway perched above the harbour—symbolises the island’s ancient past and serves as a magnet for photographers. Unlike the party-centric vibe of Mykonos or the postcard sunsets of Santorini, Naxos emphasises family-run tavernas, olive groves and a slower-paced tourism model. Visitors can trek from the bustling Main Town to secluded coves such as Plaka, or explore mountain villages where stone houses cling to terraced hillsides.
Surprise entrants and the fall of familiar favourites
Among the remaining top-six, Sifnos (95.71) impressed with its white-washed villages, cliff-side chapels and a culinary reputation that blends traditional dishes—like chickpea stew cooked in clay pots—with contemporary gastronomy. The island also maintains a thriving pottery tradition, with workshops still hand-crafting ceramics using centuries-old techniques. Further down the list, Corsica (96.43) and Sicily (96.19) highlighted the Mediterranean’s capacity to merge beach holidays with rugged mountain adventures, historic towns and rich, multicultural cuisines.
Notably, stalwarts such as Santorini and Mykonos slipped to 16th and 18th places respectively, underscoring the growing fatigue with overtourism. Crete, Greece’s largest island and a perennial favourite among Israeli tourists—recording nearly 180,000 visitors in 2025—plummeted to the very bottom of the ranking with a modest 87.81 score. While Crete boasts the Palace of Knossos, the dramatic Samaria Gorge and idyllic beaches like Balos, the survey suggests that sheer size and resort-heavy development no longer guarantee top marks in a market that now values authenticity and low-impact travel.
