NEW YORK – Greece dominates the list of Top 20 Islands in Europe compiled by Travel + Leisure (T+L) magazine this year. Greece holds seven spots on the list, including the top two with Paros ranked at #1, scoring a 90.55 in T+L’s World’s Best Awards survey, and Milos at #2 with a score of 90.33.

“Year after year, when Travel + Leisure readers vote on the best islands in Europe, Greece emerges as a favorite destination,” T+L reported, adding that “every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe – to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.”

As T+L noted, “the Greek Isles duked it out for the No. 1 spot, with last year’s winner (Milos) coming in second and Paros returning to the top of the Continental heap.”

Also on the list, Crete at #6, Rhodes and the Dodecanese at #10, World’s Best Award Hall of Fame honoree Santorini at #11, Corfu and the Ionian Islands at #18, and Mykonos at #20.

“Returning to the list are Greece’s Rhodes and the Dodecanese islands (No. 10), which last appeared in 2017,” T+L reported, noting that “Rhodes, which at 541 square miles is the largest of these isles, is particularly rich in historic sites, including ancient ruins and a medieval Old Town that is a UNESCO World Heritage city.”

One voter wrote of Rhodes, “A favorite island to visit — chock-full of history, views, beaches, food, and many other delights,” T+L reported.

Paros topped the list for its “beautiful beaches… stretches of white sand embraced by craggy cliffs on one side and turquoise waters on the other,” T+L reported, adding that “inland, it charms visitors with its traditional Cycladic architecture, small villages, and ancient monuments.”

Paros also took the #2 spot on T+L’s Top 25 Islands in the World, with Milos at #3 and Crete at #15. Of all the countries of the world included on the list, Greece “scored the most wins,” T+L reported, adding that the three islands on the Top 25 list are “all rated highly by T+L readers.”

Some readers expressed concerns about revealing their favorite islands with one reader in particular writing of Milos, “I fear that this is going to be the next island to be widely discovered in Greece. Its appeal is due in no small part to the quiet ambience,” T+L reported.

The complete list of T+L’s Top 20 Islands in Europe is available online: https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/islands-in-europe.

The list of T+L’s Top 25 Islands in the World is also available online: https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/islands