The early year cascade of travel and holiday “bucket lists” ahead of the summer season continues unabated this month, with the hundreds of millions of users eagerly lapping up the various countdowns and categories of recommendations, while local operators scan the same material to see whether their location is included.

This week, for instance, the European Best Destinations review published the top 20 places it recommends in Europe, with two Greek locations, both islands, are included on this list.

A view of the island of Kythira.

The two Greek entries on this year’s “best destinations” list are the small Cyclades islet of Ano Koufonisi, described as the “purest summer dream of the Aegean,” in 13th place, and the Avlemonas site on the southwest Aegean island of Kythira, “where tranquility becomes a way of life,”, at 16th place.

According to the site, travel experts at European Best Destinations reviewed more than 500 destinations across Europe, initially examining key indicators such as Eurostat data on tourism growth, increases in online searches, rising popularity on social media, and each destination’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and local development.

Inland Madrid was picked at the best travel destination for 2026, while a surprise on the review as the Cypriot capital of Nicosia, also an inland city located on an island dotted with beaches.

Scenes from an annual musical concert held on uninhabited Keros, considered a sacred isle during antiquity, which is located just across Ano Koufonisia.