The 33rd edition of the World Travel Awards, held on 17 October at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in Montenegro, recognised the continent's finest in travel. Lisbon emerged as the night's biggest winner, claiming both Europe's leading city and top cruise destination for 2026.
Beyond the headline prizes, the awards spanned a wide range of categories, from country and city destinations to hotels, airlines, and airports. Here are the key winners you should know about.
Destinations: from beaches to heritage
For those planning a coastal escape, the Portuguese Algarve was named Europe's leading beach destination. Athens took the crown for city breaks, while Italy was recognised for cultural travel and Armenia for heritage tourism. Spain won the adventure category, and Montenegro was honoured as the continent's leading nature destination, a fitting accolade for a country that has become a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts.
Portugal's broader appeal was confirmed with the title of Europe's leading destination for 2026, adding to Lisbon's individual success. The awards reflect a growing trend towards diverse travel experiences across the continent, as noted in our recent piece on Expedia's 2027 travel trends.
Hotels: new openings and romantic retreats
The Chancery Rosewood in London was named Europe's leading new hotel, while AMOH, a Luxury Collection Resort in Rhodes, took the title for best new resort. For boutique stays, Avali at Mar-Bella Collection in Corfu was singled out, and the Fingal Hotel in Edinburgh—a floating property—won the boutique category with a twist.
Venice's Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, unsurprisingly claimed the most romantic hotel award. Honeymooners were directed to Domes Noruz Chania in Crete, while beach lovers were pointed to Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, also in Crete. For all-inclusive indulgence, Ikos Odisia in Corfu was the pick, and Sani Resort on Greece's Halkidiki coast was recommended for families. Design enthusiasts might prefer the 1908 Lisboa Hotel in Portugal, and Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa in West Cork was celebrated as a top island resort.
These choices reflect a broader shift in luxury travel, as highlighted in our analysis of privacy and slow itineraries shaping the industry.
Airlines and airports: who leads the skies
Turkish Airlines was named Europe's leading airline for 2026, while Volotea took the low-cost carrier title. Zurich Airport in Switzerland won the top airport award, a recognition of its efficiency and passenger experience.
The awards come as the travel industry adapts to changing consumer habits, with Europeans prioritising holidays but seeking more affordable options, as ABTA's findings show. For those planning their next trip, the World Travel Awards offer a reliable guide to the continent's best, whether you're after a cultural immersion in Italy or a nature retreat in Montenegro.
