Tripadvisor 2016 ‘Travellers’ Choice Awards’ has 3 Greek islands in Europe’s top 10 (photos)

Santorini takes top spot

Tripadvisor has rated the top 10 islands in Europe, according to its 2016 Travellers’ Choice Awards, and its list includes three Greek islands, with Santorini taking top spot.

1. Santorioni

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Even if you’ve never been to this Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, you’d still recognize it immediately – candy-colored houses carved into cliffs, sapphire waters, gleaming white buildings topped with half-spheres the color of a stormy sky. Here you’ll find peace as you roam the black sand beaches or the streets of a provincial village like Imerovigli. Beautiful Oia is world famous for its sunsets, which seem tinted with every shade of an artist’s palette.

2. Majorca, Balearic Islands

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3. Madeira, Madeira Islands

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4. Crete, Greece

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The birthplace of both the king of the Olympian gods and of modern European civilization, Crete is a Mediterranean jewel. It’s rich with archaeological and mythological history that’s reflected in its ancient ruins and cultural attractions. Soak up the charming atmosphere of Chania Town’s Old Venetian Harbor or the fortresses and monasteries of Rethymonon. The awesome Minoan ruins of Malia date to 1900 BC, and majestic Mt. Ida is said to be home to the cave where Zeus was born.

5. Tenerife, Canary Islands

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6. Rhodes, Dodecanese

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The largest of the twelve Dodecanese islands on the Aegean’s eastern edge, Rhodes is also its most popular. The well-preserved medieval city of Rhodes sits at the north of the island of the same name. High rise hotels line the northern and eastern coastlines. Small villages and resorts dot the island’s other shores. Whether your interests are beaches, bars or ancient sites, Rhodes offers an abundance of all three. Authentic Greece can be found in the hilly interior of the 50-mile-long island.

7. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

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8. Corsica, France

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9. Jersey, Channel Islands

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10. Island of Capri, Province of Naples

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