Condé Nast Traveller has announced the winners of its 2026 Reader's Choice Awards, naming the best hotels in Greece, Italy and Spain. The rankings were determined by online voting from independent travellers, based on criteria such as service, design, food, location and rooms. Here is a look at the top hotels in each country and what they cost per night.
Best in Greece: Canaves Epitome, Santorini
The best hotel in Greece is Canaves Epitome in Santorini, which scored 99.07 out of 100. Located in Oia, the hotel features an infinity pool, a sunset lounge bar and restaurant, and is listed in the Michelin Guide. Its Elements Restaurant serves a range of European dishes and Greek produce.
The hotel has 53 suites and villas, some with private or plunge pools, beach access and VIP butler service on request. It is the only hotel on Santorini with sea and sunset views from every room. Katharos Beach is a short walk away, and a free shuttle service to Oia Town is available.
The cheapest room, the Honeymoon Suite with Plunge Pool, starts from £964.61 per night in May 2027. Rates go up to £1,916.52 for the Epitome Pool Villa.
Best in Italy: Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Sicily
Italy's top hotel is the Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Sicily, which scored 99.81 out of 100. Built in 1873 as Taormina's first hotel, it now offers Mediterranean gardens, a private beach, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a book-themed terrace bar, and a wellness centre with sauna, Turkish bath, gym and massage services.
Guests can choose from 67 rooms, two signature suites or 21 rooms in the renovated Villa Timeo. The hotel sits next to Taormina's ancient Greek Theatre, the second-largest theatre in Sicily, with tickets starting from €14 (£11.84). The cheapest room, a Signature Suite, starts from £1,265 per night in May 2027, rising to £2,010 for Villa Timeo Premium Suites.
Best in Spain: Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa, Málaga
In Spain, the Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa in Málaga scored 99.75 out of 100. The five-star golf and spa resort features an 18-hole course, 67 suites and residences with marble bathrooms and four-poster beds, and views of the Mediterranean from some rooms.
On-site facilities include a spa and wellness centre, an indoor salt-water pool, a Balinese beach club, and tennis and padel courts. The resort is a 35-minute drive to Marbella and 20 minutes to Sotogrande. Nearby attractions include Estepona, a traditional 'Pueblos Blanco' town, and Ronda, known as the 'City of Dreams', located 100km from Málaga.
The cheapest room, a Junior Suite with spa access, starts from £1,187 per night in May 2027. Rates go up to £1,722 for Executive suites with spa access and mountain views.
