Naxos has claimed the number-one spot on a global list of the eleven best travel destinations for 2026, as shaped by submissions from tourist regions showcased at the recent World Travel Market (WTM), the leading international tourism fair.
The prestigious recognition followed extensive on-site research by Marta Ostoya, an award-winning travel blogger widely described as one of the most influential digital voices in tourism. Drawing on emerging travel trends presented at the London exhibition and on her personal experience of hundreds of journeys across 40 countries, Ostoya curated a list that reflects the evolving desires of modern travelers.
According to the travel blog Where Life is Great, read by hundreds of thousands of couples and travel enthusiasts worldwide, Naxos leads the ranking, followed by Warsaw in Poland, Costa Brava in Spain, Sicily in Italy, Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, Bahia in Brazil, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, Okinawa in Japan, Iceland’s Northern Lights, the lakes of Switzerland, and Turkey’s coastline.
The columnist, who visited Naxos at the invitation of the local municipality, portrays the island as a place of golden beaches where time seems to slow and the spirit finds room to breathe. Reflecting on her travels in 2025, she suggests that Naxos quietly but decisively earned a permanent place in her heart, embodying everything one hopes a Greek summer can be.
She highlights the island’s seemingly endless sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, whitewashed mountain villages, and taverns where food is prepared with such care that it leaves a lasting emotional impression. She also notes that Naxos stands out as an ideal destination for families, pointing to the locals’ genuine affection for children, the welcoming atmosphere of restaurants, and beaches that are safe even for toddlers.
Looking ahead, the Deputy Mayor for Tourism of Naxos and Small Cyclades, Vangelis Katsaras, underlines the municipality’s focus on boosting international visibility through steady outward-facing initiatives, highlighting the island’s top ranking on the new global list.
He also notes that 2025 marked a record year for Naxos, with air arrivals rising by 30.9% and ferry traffic by 5.8%, confirming its rapidly growing international appeal.
