The friendliest countries in Europe: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards
There are lots of factors to consider when booking your dream holiday: accommodation, climate, and cuisine, to name a few. Yet, ultimately, it’s the people who make or break a place, and there are plenty to choose from in Europe’s rich patchwork of cultures. To whittle down the options, we asked our readers to choose the European destinations they feel most welcome for our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Some nations are familiar faces from last year’s rankings – like Portugal and Croatia – whilst the crown went to a surprising newcomer on our list. Each country impressed our readers for different reasons, from the safe communities in Iceland to the merry spirit in Ireland, but all share the profound friendly atmosphere which makes a place memorable.
These are the friendliest countries in Europe, according to the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards.
Getty Images10. France. Score 88.97
All eyes were on France this summer as Paris hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and it seems the French spirit made an impression on our readers. Predicted to become the world’s most visited country by 2025, France has an unmatched aura that entices visitors from all corners of the Earth while keeping it at the forefront of culture. It’s the destination for world-famous artwork, impeccable gastronomy, glittering cities, romantic coastlines, and, best of all, endless wine. What’s not to love?
Getty Images9. Spain. Score 90.00
Spain may have made the headlines this year for anti-tourism protests, but this has by no means tarnished their reputation. The cheerful, easy-going culture of beach sports and siestas appeals to travellers across the globe, with Spain even predicted to overtake France as the world’s most visited country by 2040. Explore the colourful patchwork of vibrant cities and gorgeous coastal towns while fuelling up on authentic tapas and paella in Europe’s underrated foodie destination.
Getty Images8. Turkey. Score 90.45
As the only transcontinental country on our list, Turkey has a unique culture which blends both European and Asian traditions. The nation is bursting with popular holiday destinations, each with its own distinct personality and all offering generous hospitality to its guests. Istanbul, for instance, is a shopping paradise, with its Grand Bazaar being the world's largest covered market, while Cappadocia is a place straight out of a fairytale, with bizarre rock formations nicknamed “fairy chimneys” and dawn skies filled with hot air balloons.
Getty Images7. Switzerland. Score 90.77
With mountains covering 70 per cent of its land, Switzerland is known for its scenic hiking routes, thrilling snow sports and fairytale Alpine villages. It’s a country which steals hearts all year round, from magical Christmas markets in rustic Old Towns to idyllic swimming lakes under the glowing summer sun. Famous for its neutral foreign policy, Switzerland has always been one of the most accepting and accommodating countries throughout history, with its people now reflecting the attitude of its politics.
Getty Images6. Iceland. Score 90.97
Named the safest country in the world 16 years in a row, it’s no surprise our readers feel at ease in this Nordic nation. Iceland is home to a dramatic terrain like no other, including active volcanoes, vast glaciers and black sand beaches. It’s also a hotspot for relaxation, with world-renowned spas like Blue Lagoon taking advantage of the many natural springs for its therapeutic pools, as well as for catching a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the enchanting northern lights.
Getty Images5. Greece. Score 91.40
A Greek family knows no bounds, so expect to be embraced like a returning relative wherever you go. Once a potent empire, Greece truly feels like a time capsule from the ancient world. The Acropolis of Athens is its best-known archaeological site, but there are plenty more to discover, like the carved lion statues of offbeat Delos island or the 16,000-seat theatre of Epidaurus. Island-hopping is a must, too, with 6,000 stunning Greek islands to choose from.
Getty Images4. Portugal. Score 91.51
The Portuguese have made a hefty impression on our readers, as Lisbon also ranks as one of the friendliest cities this year. Alongside warm hospitality, Portugal offers year-round sun, record-breaking surfing and delicious fine dining. No trip is complete without a taste of bacalhau, a salted codfish delicacy and the national dish, washed down by a glass of the Douro Valley’s famous Port wine. For families, the Algarve region’s sweeping, golden coastline is lined with fun-filled resorts and dreamy villas.
Getty Images3. Croatia. Score 92.45
Scraping in at 10th place on the 2023 list, Croatia has now established itself as one of Europe’s friendliest countries and earned itself a spot in the top three. This country may be small, but it is rich with national parks, UNESCO World Heritage sites and lots of pebbly beaches. Wander the stony alleys of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, enclosed by its medieval fortress walls, or sunbathe on Brač island’s remarkable, pointy beach known as the Golden Horn.
Getty Images2. Ireland. Score 92.86
Despite slipping from the top spot, Ireland still earns a well-deserved silver medal in our rankings for its notoriously cheery spirit. Their craic, used to describe good-humoured company and conversation, is infectious, and the experience of some beers in a traditional pub is sure to leave you giddy with laughter. Visit during St Patrick’s Festival to witness the nation turn green as communities decorate themselves and their homes in patriotic colours to celebrate the best of Irish music, dance and cuisine.
Getty Images1. Austria. Score 93.88
Making an impressive debut on our list, Austria dethrones last year’s winner, Ireland, to be named Europe’s friendliest country by our readers. Few places can rival the natural landscape here either, with Austria’s abundance of lakes and mountains making it one of the prettiest countries in the world, as well as an exhilarating hub for snow and water sports. The Austrian “Lebensgefühl” (meaning awareness of life) sums up how locals deeply appreciate their country’s beauty and wholeheartedly invite visitors to take pleasure in it too.