An award can put a country on your radar. The holiday becomes personal when you discover which part of it feels right for you.

The original story on this page celebrated Greece’s recognition in the 2016 Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Travel Awards. That was a particular readers’ vote in a particular year, not a permanent or universal title. Greece’s variety is a much better starting point for planning than asking whether it is still “number one”.

White waterfront buildings and a blue sea in the Greek islands
White waterfront buildings and a blue sea in the Greek islands.

Begin with the days you hope to have

Picture an ordinary afternoon on the trip. Would you rather walk between archaeological sites, settle into a seaside town, find a village lunch or follow a mountain path?

The official Visit Greece website introduces mainland regions alongside the islands. That broader view is useful: a Greek holiday does not have to mean several ferry crossings or the most photographed Cycladic village.

Choose the experience first, then the place. You may discover that a single mainland region gives you more of what you want than a complicated island route.

Give the mainland a proper place on the map

The mainland combines cities, heritage, coasts and mountainous landscapes. Meteora is one example of a destination whose setting and religious history deserve time and attention together.

Build days around opening hours, the amount of walking involved and time for a meal. Leave some room to follow a local recommendation that fits your interests. A holiday is more enjoyable when lunch is part of the plan rather than the thing postponed until every landmark is finished.

Choose an island for its character

Naxos offers one kind of balance between a town base, beaches and inland villages. Chania in Crete offers another, with its urban history and a larger island to explore. Santorini has a distinctive volcanic landscape and very different practical demands.

Compare arrival options and travel time with the number of nights available. Adding another island is worthwhile when you want to spend time there; it is less useful when the transfer consumes the relaxed day you were hoping to have.

Let food lead you beyond a checklist

A market, a bakery or a meal based on what is available locally can become a favourite memory. Ask what a dish contains and how it is served, especially if you have allergies or dietary requirements.

There is no need to turn every meal into a hunt for the most “authentic” hidden address. A welcoming place that communicates clearly and serves something you enjoy has already done a great deal right.

Match the season to your priorities

Beach time, long walks, city visits and evenings outdoors do not all favour the same conditions. Check the climate, transport season and facilities for your chosen area, then build a plan with alternatives for heat, wind or rain.

The best reason to return to Greece is not to confirm somebody else’s ranking. It is to give a different corner of the country the time and curiosity that made the first journey worthwhile.

A readers’ award with a year attached

The country list in the source places Greece first, followed by Italy, the United States, South Africa, France, Spain, India, Australia, Thailand and Mexico. The separate island list begins with the Maldives, Greek Islands and Balearic Islands. These are two different categories from the 2016 Readers’ Travel Awards account, not one combined ranking.

A readers’ poll records the preferences of its participants. It does not establish that one country is objectively best for every kind of journey, and the result should not be presented as a new award in a later year. The celebrity list and tourism forecasts were background reporting at the time. Keeping the category, publisher and year visible gives the historical recognition a clearer meaning than an undated “best destination” headline.