The friendliest countries in Europe: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards
The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.
It is a fact unspoken that one of the most essential ingredients in the recipe for a memorable holiday is the people we meet along the way. 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. Here, as voted for by you in our Readers' Choice Awards 2023, are the friendliest countries across Europe – where an open-armed reception is always on the itinerary.
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10. Croatia. Score 91.78
Once the summer haven of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s elite, thanks to its cosmopolitan cities and over 1,000 dreamy islands, Croatia is still a favourite destination. People come here for the pristine beaches, shimmering lakes, ancient ruins, Michelin-starred restaurants, underwater wineries, vibrant nightlife and a genuinely genial atmosphere.
Where to stay: Maslina Resort in Hvar for its standout spa, which offers a variety of healing modalities, from traditional massage to vibrational healing, sound therapy and herbal tonics. In Rovinj, Grand Park Hotel has a fantastic location, slotted between a beach and a pine forest, with the marina and the town centre just a short walk away. See more of our favourite Croatia hotels here.
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9. Malta. Score 91.92
Malta is small enough to explore and big enough to get lost in. The ocean is never over 20 minutes away, and nothing feels too far. There's a lot packed into this charming archipelago, from ancient temples, dramatic cliffs and secret swimming coves to historic winding streets, traditional shops and a bubbling creative scene.
Where to stay: Ursula Street is a favourite balconied address to walk down in Valletta, with several small palazzo hotels; try 66 Saint Paul’s, which has a rooftop pool. We also like Domus Zamittello, a restored baroque masterpiece with painted coffered ceilings by the bombed-out opera house.
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8. Denmark. Score 91.93
The former heart of the Viking empire, Denmark is considered a middleman between the cultural and geographical differences of Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Those who visit will get a feel for both as they explore ancient burial sites (around 86,000 burial mounds have been registered in the country, many dating back to the Bronze Ages) beside glittering cities, such as the colourful waterfront streets of Aalborg, known for its concerts at the futuristic House of Music.
Where to stay: Foodies will like the Parisian-inspired Coco Hotel, created by the Copenhagen Food Collective (Cofoco), in the capital's trendy Vesterbro neighbourhood. Former factory Manon Les Suites is also full of character, having been reconfigured into a riad-style spot with a tropical courtyard garden surrounding an indoor pool.
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7. Portugal. Score 92.32
Portugal's location on the Atlantic Ocean has made it a must-visit for those seeking authentic maritime life and culture. With long stretches of golden coast, villages among rice fields and dunes, and 16th- to 19th-century architecture, it's a country with much to recommend it, not least the famous salt cod and grilled sardine dishes that have become synonymous with the region. Big-name cities like Lisbon and Porto attract big crowds, though a clutch of smaller settlements – the enchanting hamlet of Marvão with its 13th-century walls and Amarante in the north – each merit a visit in their own right.
Where to stay: The Iven, in Lisbon, made our list of the best new hotels in the world this year. For a live-like-a-local experience, Melides' boutique Vermelho Hotel has just 13 rooms, each paying homage to Spanish and Alentejo traditional design. For all our recommendations, here's our guide to the best hotels in Portugal.
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6. Norway. Score 92.50
Home to some of the most beautiful spots in the world, Norway is a quiet Nordic gem packed with natural wonders and picturesque seaside towns. Whether you want to see the Northern Lights, hike to the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), tackle a road trip on the sensational Atlantic Ocean Road or explore the contemporary delights of Oslo, Norwegians will proudly show you the wonders of their country.
Where to stay: In Oslo, secluded 18th-century townhouse Villa Inkognito has a low-key home-away-from-home vibe replete with Art Nouveau splendour. For the best chance to witness the Northern lights on your trip, several of our top Airbnbs for Aurora spotting are based in Norway, with cosy spots in Bodø and Sortland starting from just £40 per night.
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5. Iceland. Score 92.91
Unique to anywhere else on earth, Iceland is a country still shrouded in mystery, a concoction of lava rocks, imposing mountainscapes and magical black beaches. But the dramatic landscape, with its lung-cleansing, crop air, is only one of the reasons why this area of the world so enchants visitors. Go whale watching (more than 20 species circle the island), swim in the natural pools and try out the foodie scene, packed full of fresh seafood and fermented goodies, all while being embraced by the welcoming local spirit.
Where to stay: Take refuge from the elements at Hotel Rangá in the south, where you're greeted with a 10-foot taxidermy of Hrammur the polar bear upon entry, along with views over twin glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. In Reykjavik, there's the fashionable 101 Hotel, befitting a town full of creatives, and it'd be remiss not to mention the upscale Retreat, attached to the Blue Lagoon, with its sleek minimalist interiors and luxuriant spa. See all our best Iceland hotels here.
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4. Scotland. Score 93.97
Oh, bonnie Scotland. Striking moorland, misty mountains, epic castles, fresh seafood, mouth-numbing whisky, dramatic beaches, atmospheric islands and general good cheer can all be found here. Whether you drink a dram in a cosy bar in Glasgow or meet a fellow hiker halfway up a cliff, chances are you'll have a lovely blether.
Where to stay: At Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye, you can stay in the centuries-old home of the McDonald clan, still under family control. The Fife Arms is another former hunting lodge in Braemar, not far from Balmoral Castle. For unrivalled views of Loch Broom – and a seven-course supper-tasting menu – the Dipping Lugger in Ullapool is terrific. We've gathered the best hotels in Scotland here.
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3. Romania. Score 94.00
Romania is an eerie and captivating country of Gothic churches, medieval castles and picturesque towns, surrounded by dramatic landscapes, including the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea. But although it's a place of folklore and an inescapable link to Dracula with Transylvania, unlike the spooky Count, the people here are friendly and open.
Where to stay: The honey-hued Matca is one of Europe's most exciting new hotel openings this year, offering up bright rooms and villas within the hilltops of the Transylvanian Forest, along with a restaurant serving local produce.
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2. Slovenia. Score 94.18
Set between Austria, Italy and Croatia, Slovenia is so tiny you could skip over it, which would be a mistake. It's a visually stunning land of alpine forests, Disney-like castles, sparkling lakes, baroque architecture, dramatic caves and natural splendour – mixed with a nation proud of its green credentials and sustainable lifestyles, ready to welcome visitors to share in their verdant bounty.
Where to stay: Hotel Grad Otočec is like something out of a fairytale – a grand castle hotel that blends Gothic and Renaissance architecture, set within an island in the middle of River Krka.
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1. Ireland. Score 94.50
Countless global reports have continually dubbed the people of Ireland as some of the friendliest and most welcoming to visitors in the world, and our readers feel the same, voting it into the top spot for the friendliest countries in Europe once again. Of course, the breweries and lively atmosphere of Dublin are a must, but plenty of more natural discoveries will be made here for those willing to venture a little further. For example, Giant's Causeway in County Antrim is an area of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns – formed during an ancient volcanic eruption – and was named the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom. Then there's the Cliffs of Moher in the south, rising to 214 metres in places and offering visitors vistas across to the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the Maumturks, and Twelve Pins mountain ranges to the north.
Where to stay: The Shelbourne is one of Dublin’s most storied landmarks for those after a spell in the capital. Outdoorsy types should book into Ashford Castle in Co Mayo, where clay-pigeon shooting, fishing, horse-riding and falconry are the order of the day. There are more of our top Irish hotel picks here.