Hydra named top island in Europe for 2026

Hydra has secured first place among the best islands in Europe for 2026, according to the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. The Saronic island achieved a score of 98.12, narrowly surpassing Italy’s Sardinia, which received 98.01.

Greece demonstrated a dominant presence in the rankings, with seven islands appearing in the top 20 list, more than any other country including Spain, Italy, and France. Other highly ranked Greek islands include Naxos in third place, Sifnos in sixth, and Paros in ninth.

Additional Greek islands featured in the top 20 are Santorini (16th), Mykonos (18th), and Crete (20th). The publication noted Hydra’s unique character and hospitality, making a special mention of the island’s connection to the late Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen.