A popular Mediterranean destination beloved by Brits has been named ‘Short-Haul Destination of the Year’ in the 2025 Food and Travel Reader Awards.
The annual event, held by Food and Travel Magazine in London on 20 October, celebrates excellence across every corner of the global travel and tourism industry, with categories ranging from hotels to restaurants to holiday hotspots.
Results are determined by the British magazine’s loyal 31,000 readership, many of which are professionals aged 26-54 with a burning enthusiasm for travel, food and wine.
In a surprising blow to Spain, indisputably one of the leading holiday spots for British tourists seeking a quick getaway, Greece has seized the crown for best short-haul destination this year.
Not only is the country easily accessible for UK visitors, with direct flights from London to Athens just over 3 hours, the award underscores Greece’s position among travellers who value getaways with culture, accessibility and gastronomy at its core.
As reported by Travel and Tour World, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) said the accolade has strengthened Greece’s ‘visibility in the British market and supporting its broader goal of promoting year-round, high-value tourism.’
In recent years, Greece has seen a significant increase in short-term getaways, with key destinations for quick escapes including popular spots like Athens, Rhodes, and Crete.
According to Euro News, visitor arrivals increased by 4.1 per cent in the first months of 2025 compared to the previous year, with non-European Union tourists showing especially strong growth.
In a surprising blow to Spain , indisputably one of leading holiday spots for British tourists seeking a quick getaway, Greece (pictured) has seized the crown for best short-haul destination this year
In an era where travellers are increasingly seeking out destinations that offer culturally rich experiences, Greece offers a unique blend of ancient sites, dozens of diverse islands, picturesque villages, pristine beaches and world-class cuisine
Visitors can immerse themselves in history by exploring renowned archaeological sites such as the Acropolis in Athens and the Palace of Knossos in Crete, or indulge in traditional fare such as gyros (pictured), dolmades, moussaka and baklava
In an era where travellers are increasingly seeking out destinations that offer culturally rich experiences, Greece offers a unique blend of ancient sites, dozens of diverse islands, picturesque villages, pristine beaches and world-class cuisine.
Visitors can immerse themselves in history by exploring renowned archaeological sites such as the Acropolis in Athens and the Palace of Knossos in Crete, or indulge in traditional fare such as gyros, dolmades, moussaka and baklava.
From iconic Aegean and Ionian islands to mainland spots such as Delphi and Meteora, to lesser-known storybook villages, such as Kardamyli, Molyvos and Kythnos, the country boasts a wide variety of scenery and sites.
While Greece’s warm hospitality – known as ‘filoxenia’ – is frequently praised by tourists, the allure of its affordable luxury, historic towns, crystal-clear waters and dry climate make it a year-round destination for visitors of all ages.
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Brits’ short-haul destination of the year revealed – and it’s not Spain
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