For more than three decades now, the World Travel Awards has been doing something that sounds delightfully simple but is actually quite enormous: it has been celebrating the very best of the travel industry, from the airlines that carry us across oceans to the tiny boutique hotels that make a weekend away feel like a revelation. The awards have been running for 33 years, which in travel terms is practically ancient history, yet every year they manage to feel fresh and exciting. The latest European ceremony took place on 17 October at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in Montenegro, a suitably stunning setting for an evening of golden statues and well-deserved applause. When the dust settled, it was Lisbon that walked away with the biggest prize of the night, being named Europe’s best city as well as the top cruise destination for 2026. That is a double win for the Portuguese capital, and it is easy to see why the judges were charmed. Lisbon has always had that irresistible mix of sun-drenched hills, nostalgic trams, pastel facades and a food scene that makes you want to linger a little longer. But the awards did not stop there. With such a broad scope, the list of winners can quickly become overwhelming, so the good news is that the most useful and intriguing winners from the Europe categories have been gathered together for anyone planning their next escape.
Where you should be heading on your next holiday is always the first question, and the World Travel Awards has answered it in wonderfully specific terms. If your idea of a perfect vacation involves sunbathing with your toes in the sand, the Portuguese Algarve was named the place to be, and anyone who has seen those golden cliffs and turquoise waters will understand why. If you prefer the energy of a city break, then the judges suggested booking a flight to Athens as soon as possible, with its ancient landmarks and buzzing modern life. For those who are truly passionate about culture, Italy is the destination that should be calling your name, and it is hard to argue with that when every corner of the country feels like a living museum. Heritage seekers, meanwhile, were directed toward Armenia, a country rich in history and tradition. If you like to turn your holiday into an adventure, Spain took top honours, while those who simply want to breathe in nature and slow down were told to look no further than Montenegro. As if that were not enough, Portugal was also given the title of Europe’s leading destination for 2026, making it a clean sweep for the country and cementing its place at the top of every traveller’s wish list. These destination awards are not just about pretty postcards; they reflect a collective vote from industry professionals and travellers alike, giving us all a reliable compass for where the world is heading next.
Of course, no travel awards ceremony would feel complete without a deep dive into where you should be resting your head, and the World Travel Awards delivered a remarkable list of hotels and resorts that cater to every kind of traveller. The Chancery Rosewood in London was crowned the leading new hotel for 2026, a stunning addition to the city’s luxury scene that blends classic British elegance with contemporary comfort. In the Greek island of Rhodes, AMOH, a Luxury Collection Resort, took the title of leading new resort, promising a fresh take on island living with plenty of style and serenity. For those who adore a boutique stay with personality, Avali, Mar-Bella Collection in Corfu, emerged as the place to book, offering an intimate atmosphere that feels light years away from big chain hotels. The awards also got wonderfully specific about the type of hotel you might be looking for. Unsurprisingly, a hotel in Venice took the crown for Europe’s most romantic hotel, and that honour went to The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which sits on the Grand Canal like a dream made of marble and velvet. If you are planning a honeymoon, the judges pointed towards Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection in Crete, where the sunsets and sea views are practically designed for newlyweds. It is the kind of place where you can imagine yourself toasting with local wine while the Mediterranean breeze ruffles your hair.
But the hotel awards kept going, because every holiday mood deserves its own perfect match. If you want to spend most of your time flopped on the beach with a good book and the sound of waves in the background, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas in Crete was named the spot for you, offering private coves and endless sunshine. If, on the other hand, you never want to leave the resort at all, then the all-inclusive Ikos Odisia in Corfu was singled out as the place to go, where everything you could possibly want is already waiting for you. Families were not forgotten either, with Sani Resort on Greece’s Halkidiki coast taking the award for the best family-friendly experience, complete with kids’ clubs, watersports and enough activities to keep everyone happy from breakfast to bedtime. For those who are obsessed with interior design, 1908 Lisboa Hotel in Portugal was celebrated for its stunning interiors, proving that a hotel can be a work of art in its own right. Island lovers were directed to Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa in West Cork, a beautiful retreat that feels wonderfully remote yet deeply welcoming. And if you want a boutique stay with a twist, the Fingal Hotel in Edinburgh was highlighted, with the twist being that the hotel is actually a floating ship permanently moored in the city. There is something magical about sleeping aboard a beautifully restored vessel, and it is exactly the kind of quirky, memorable experience that makes travel so special.
Getting to all these wonderful places is half the battle, and the World Travel Awards also crowned Europe’s best airlines and airports for the year ahead. Turkish Airlines was named the continent’s leading airline for 2026, a fitting honour for a carrier that has built its reputation on impressive routes, excellent service and a loyalty programme that keeps travellers coming back. For those who prefer to fly without the frills, Volotea took home the title of leading low-cost carrier, proving that budget travel can still be efficient and enjoyable. On the airport side, Switzerland’s Zurich Airport walked away with the top award, and anyone who has ever passed through will know it is a masterclass in organisation, cleanliness and calm efficiency. In a world where airports are often associated with stress and long queues, Zurich manages to feel almost pleasant, with its bright halls, punctual trains and seamless connections. These awards matter because they remind us that the journey is just as important as the destination. A great airline can turn a long-haul flight into a comfortable interlude, and a great airport can set the tone for the entire holiday. The recognition of Turkish Airlines, Volotea and Zurich Airport is a gentle nudge to consider not just where you go, but how you get there and how smoothly the whole experience can unfold.
As the European leg of the World Travel Awards wraps up, the excitement is already building for the next stage. All of the regional ceremonies have now taken place, and the overall global winners are set to be crowned on 12 December at a gala ceremony in Tanzania. That means the winners from Europe will go on to face the best of the rest of the world, competing for titles that truly span the entire planet. It is a bit like the travel industry’s version of the Champions League, where the strongest contenders from each region gather to see who comes out on top. For travellers, these awards are more than just shiny trophies and press releases; they are a wonderfully useful guide to the places, stays and experiences that have genuinely impressed the people who know the industry best. Whether you are dreaming of a sun-soaked beach holiday in the Algarve, a romantic escape in Venice, a family adventure in Greece, or a city break in Lisbon, the World Travel Awards has essentially given you a curated list of where to go and what to do. It takes the guesswork out of holiday planning and points you in the direction of excellence. So as the year comes to a close and everyone begins to dream about their next getaway, there is no better time to start taking notes from this year’s winners. The world is full of wonder, and with these awards in hand, the hardest part is simply choosing where to go first.
