Two popular Greek islands, both in Greece and abroad, are included in the 15 most stylish islands for seaside getaways in Europe in 2026, proposed by European Best Destinations (EBD).
Specifically, high in the EBD ranking of the most elegant seaside areas of Europe for travel in 2026, and specifically in 8th place, Patmos, the “sacred island” of Revelation, a Greek tourist destination, stands out for its authenticity and spiritual element. While the ranking is completed with another Greek presence, that of Hydra, which has linked its name to the country’s naval tradition, while its strongly cosmopolitan character has attracted the interest of well-known personalities, both from Greece and abroad, for decades.
According to EBD, Europe has over 2,000 coastal destinations, ranging from legendary resorts to unspoiled fishing villages.
For the ranking of the 15 most beautiful coastal areas for 2026, European Best Destinations asked for the help of experts and travelers, who evaluated over 200 locations. Each finalist was evaluated by travel experts based on the following criteria: architecture and cultural heritage, lifestyle and elegance, and coastal beauty. In addition to travel industry experts, travelers from 134 countries voted based on a destination’s global appeal, the emotions it evokes, its popularity, and their intention to visit it again.
Patmos: Spiritual and authentic elegance
According to the EBD, “Patmos is an island where spirituality meets elegance.”
Known as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” it combines monasteries and whitewashed houses with quiet beaches and intimate harbors. Its elegance lies in the calmness it provides. Without excess, without crowds, just authentic Greek elegance. Patmos attracts travelers seeking both tranquility and beauty, where art, religion, and the sea meet harmoniously,” the publication notes.
Hydra: A timeless island of quiet elegance
According to the article, Hydra is an island where time seems to have stopped. “Without cars, only donkeys and boats, neoclassical mansions, and an artistic community that includes Leonard Cohen, Hydra is the epitome of Greek elegance: simple, noble, timeless. Hydra is not boisterous, not ostentatious, but quietly grand, offering a sense of elegance that few islands in the world can match,” the EBD states.
The most stylish coastal destinations in Europe in 2026
1. Konavle-Čavtata, Croatia
2. Cassis, France
3. Capri, Italy
4. Lafranc, Spain
5. Lerici, Italy
6. Newquay, United Kingdom
7. Saint-Tropez, France
8. Patmos, Greece
9. Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
10. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
11. Portofino, Italy
12. Dinars, France
13. Camogli, Italy
14. Cadacques, Spain
15. Hydra, Greece
