The list of the world’s best destinations for 2026 was formed based on the entries of tourist regions in the recent top international WTM tourism exhibition includes Naxos, which records another international distinction.

The results came after extensive field research by award-winning “the most influential talent on the web” blogger Marta Ostoya, who combined the new travel trends presented at the major tourism exhibition in London with the hundreds of trips she has made to 40 countries around the world.

According to the travel blog “Where Life is Great”, read by hundreds of thousands of couples and travel enthusiasts, Naxos takes the top spot, followed by Barsovia, Costa Brava in Spain, Sicily, Mexico’s Nayarit Riviera, Brazil’s Baya, Sarza from the UAE, Okinawa in Japan, and Iceland.

Okina Faso, Japan, and Iceland
Iceland
Andorra, Japan, and India
Iceland
Andorra

The columnist who had visited Naxos at the invitation of the Municipality explains that “Naxos is the island of golden beaches, where time slows down, and the soul breathes. Of all the places I visited in 2025, Naxos is the one that quietly crept into my heart and categorically refused to leave. The island of Ariadne is everything you wish the Greek summer could be. Golden sandy beaches that seem to stretch out into infinity, crystal clear turquoise waters, small whitewashed villages nestled in the mountains, and tavernas where the food is so good it moves you. Plus, there is something about the island that makes it ideal for families. The locals love kids, the restaurants never make you feel unwelcome, and the beaches are perfect, so even toddlers can play safely.”

Looking ahead to the next season, the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of the Municipality of Naxos and Small Cyclades, Vangelis Katsaras, says that “our goal is to strengthen extroversion with continuous actions that systematically bring us to the forefront, such as this particular first place in this new international list. Naxos and the Small Cyclades represent the authentic Greece through the picturesque villages, the genuine hospitality, the special customs and traditions, the unparalleled natural beauties, the unique activities, and the unique local products. For 2025, Naxos has achieved a new record in arrivals with a 30.9% increase in air arrivals and a 5.8% increase in ferry arrivals, compared to last year for the tourist season,” said the Deputy Mayor of Naxos and Small Cyclades Tourism, Vangelis Katsaras.