Greece has been voted as one of the friendliest countries in Europe by travelers in an apparent recognition of its world-famous hospitality or “filoxenia” (love toward the stranger).
The Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards recognized the friendliest European nations for travelers, with Greece coming in third behind Portugal and Ireland.
“We might travel to discover new cultures, to traverse new pathways and experience traditions, new and old, but it is a fact unspoken that one of the most important ingredients in the recipe for a memorable holiday are the people we meet along the way,” Conde Nast wrote in its article about the survey.
The publication wrote that friendly locals who extend a warm welcome, and are keen to help you fall in love with their home just as they have, can “turn an average escape into an unforgettable one.”
The top 10 friendliest countries according to the Conde Nast readers were:
- Ireland
- Portugal
- Greece
- Iceland
- Finland
- Turkey
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Italy
- Spain
Made up of thousands of islands peppered throughout the Aegean and Ionian Seas, Greece is a country that needs very little introduction, thanks to its myriad beach clubs, whitewashed villages and seaside towns creating universal appeal.
From its capital of Athens, strewn with ancient landmarks — most notably the Acropolis citadel, home to the Parthenon — to the luxurious islands of Santorini and Mykonos (offering more of a party atmosphere), and the smaller, more authentic islands of Paros and Milos, breathtaking sunsets, azure waters and faultless hospitality are always on offer.
