Gold

Croatia has been crawling its way up the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards rankings for the past few years, and now it’s deservedly snapped up Gold position. This jewel of the Adriatic is best known to travellers for its coastal stars, including the historic city of Dubrovnik – last year’s Most Desirable City in Europe winner. But beyond the island and shoreline’s striking scenery, there are plenty of cultural discoveries and adventures to soak up, both by the sea and further inland. From Pula’s extraordinary Roman ruins and Zagreb’s unusual museums, to the wild waterfalls of Plitvice and mountain landscapes of Risnjak, authentic Croatia awaits.

Silver

Spain

Bronze

Italy

4. Greece

5. France

6. Germany

7. Slovenia

8. Iceland

9. Scotland

10. Austria

Gold

For the second time within three years, Australia has won the top spot at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. But this country (which is also an island, and practically an entire continent too) offers endless variety of travel experiences, so we can understand its desirability for everyone. Of course there are the classics, such as hanging out on Sydney’s sandy beaches and driving the epic landscapes of the Great Ocean Road, but this is just one corner of the country. Head to the Northern Territory to learn about 65,000-year-old Indigenous history, go west for the wondrous waters of Ningaloo Reef (much lesser-visited than Great Barrier Reef), or perhaps pick an island to discover – such as Kangaroo Island or Tasmania – to meet the famous critters that freely roam the lands.

Silver

Japan

Bronze

USA

4. Canada

5. Costa Rica

6. South Korea

7. South Africa

8. Brazil

9. New Zealand

10. Chile

Gold

After taking the crown in 2021 but dropping to Bronze position last year, the Greek Islands have reclaimed their Gold title for the 2023 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. With more than 6,000 islands (more than 200 are inhabited), we’re not surprised to see this vast Mediterranean paradise pinch back the top spot. Although each island offers something unique, that classic Greek culture which our readers adore oozes throughout them all. Whether searching for sugar-cube villages, raucous tavernas, ancient Old Towns or hidden coves, there’s a Greek island for every traveller.

Silver

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Bronze

Andalucia

4. Scottish Highlands

5. Azores

6. Bern region

7. Normandy

8. Catalonia

9. Provence - Côte d'Azur

10. Salzburgerland

Gold

Canada’s westernmost province jumps from last year’s Bronze position to this year’s Gold. Any description of British Columbia’s landscape will only do this region an injustice, as its natural beauty has to be seen to be believed. Dramatic mountains, misty rainforests, glacial lakes and 25,000km of coastline bring with them a plethora of outdoor activities, from seeking out local wildlife (a perfect combination of bears and whales), to meeting Indigenous communities eager to show you their home through their eyes. Although exploring nature is a must, don’t forget to explore BC’s urban side too in Vancouver and Victoria, with cool neighbourhoods, boutiques and bistros to liven up your trip.

Silver

The Galapagos Islands

Bronze

California

4. New South Wales

5. Florida

6. Queensland

7. Deep South USA

8. South Australia

9. AlUla

10. Sarawak

Gold

Andalucia isn’t short on cultural highlights, but if there was an epicentre for them, it would be in the region’s capital of Seville. Famed for its traditions such as flamenco dancing, and home to a variety of architecture, from Christian churches to Moorish palaces, the city is a feast for the eyes – especially when it comes alive with Semana Santa (Holy Week) in the spring. While we’re talking about feasting, Seville also has a reputation of being southern Spain’s culinary capital, with more than 3,000 tapas bars – some of which have hundreds of years of history.

Silver

Bordeaux

Bronze

Lisbon

4. Dubrovnik

5. Madrid

6. Copenhagen

7. Tallinn

8. Tbilisi

9. Ljubljana

10. Istanbul

Gold

Cape Town is no stranger to the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards top ten, but in recent years it has only just made the cut. That’s no longer the case for 2023 as it takes home the Gold. Sitting on the southwest coast in the shadow of Table Mountain, South Africa’s port city is a melting pot of culture. A fantastic mix of historic neighbourhoods to modern museums and galleries acknowledge the city’s history, as well as demonstrating its extraordinary creative scene. Partner that with being an ideal jumping off spot for exploring surrounding wine regions and national parks for safaris, and you’ve got yourself a winner.  

Silver

Singapore

Bronze

Tokyo

4. Vancouver

5. New Orleans

6. Quito

7. Sydney

8. Cartagena

9. Perth

10. Chicago

Gold

For the second year in a row, Ireland has come out on top as the Most Desirable Island in Europe. Encompassing Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the Emerald Isle is jam-packed full of adventures for any traveller. Looking for a city break? Dublin and Belfast offer a range of restaurants, pubs, museums and historic landmarks to keep you entertained. An outdoor getaway? From the Dingle Peninsula to Country Donegal, the Wild Atlantic Way boasts breathtaking coastal and countryside scenery ideal for hikers, horse riders and road-trippers. A quieter getaway? There are endless secret spots across the island to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Silver

Malta

Bronze

Sicily

4. Hvar

5. Crete

6. Jersey

7. Menorca

8. Madeira

9. Gran Canaria

10. Isle of Skye

Gold

Cuba just missed out on the top three at last year’s Awards, but for 2023, the Caribbean nation has claimed the title of Most Desirable Island in the World. Its capital Havana is undeniably intoxicating, known for its classic cars, pastel-coloured architecture, salsa dancing and musicians on every corners. But you’d be mistaken if this is the only place you’d think to visit in Cuba. Move outside the city and you’ll find plenty more heritage highlights in Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey and Santa Clara. We’d also suggest a trip to the UNESCO-listed Viñales Valley, a unique landscape of tobacco plantations, rivers and limestone mogotes.

Silver

Taiwan

Bronze

Tobago

4. Palawan

5. Tasmania

6. Mauritius

7. Langkawi

8. Sri Lanka

9. Saint Helena

10. Barbados