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Read on to see why Travel + Leisure readers favored these European escapes in the 2026 "World's Best Awards" survey.
Every year in its "World's Best Awards" survey, Travel + Leisure asks its readers to weigh in on the hotels, cities, islands, and experiences that moved them most on their getaways. And in 2026, readers made one thing clear among the 15 best resorts in Europe: Now is Italy's time to shine.
While the full 2026 list spans five countries, including destinations along awe-inspiring coastlines and high in the alpine peaks, resorts across Italy absolutely dominated, claiming 10 of the top 15 spots. But whether readers were drawn to Tuscany's rolling hills or spots along the volcanic cliffs of Santorini, another thing that remained consistent across countries is that readers simply adore a resort that feels one of a kind. And that includes this year's No. 1 best resort in Europe, Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel in Montalcino, Italy.
Here are the 15 best resorts in Europe, according to T+L readers.
1. Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel, Montalcino, Italy
Castiglion del Bosco, a Rosewood Hotel, nestled within the heart of the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia and Brunello di Montalcino wine country, is a 5,000-acre private estate that earned its top ranking by being completely, unabashedly unhurried. The intimate property is home to 42 suites and 11 villas, the latter of which were built from restored 17th and 18th-century farmhouses. Inside, guests will find exposed wooden beams, antique furnishings, and terraces that look out over vineyards and forest, providing views that will inspire you to say, "You know what? I could live here." The estate is also a large producer of Brunello di Montalcino, so wine tasting here is a major highlight. And it doesn't hurt that you can pair it with a meal at the two Michelin-starred Ristorante Campo del Drago. As a bonus, the property is also home to the only private golf club in all of Italy, which is reserved exclusively for members and guests. Those who don't want to hit the links can instead head out for a truffle hunt, helicopter tours over the Val d'Orcia, or take part in a cooking class.
2. Six Senses Crans-Montana, Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Switzerland’s Crans-Montana ski resort is known for getting 300 days of sunshine a year, and this Six Senses property makes the most of every one of those bluebird days. The ski-in, ski-out property sits just above the Cry d'Er gondola, giving guests direct access to over 80 miles of slopes, while the massive alpine spa ensures the après-ski recovery gets equal billing. The hotel's natural decor, filled with quartzite stone and local larch, pairs well with its oversized bay windows, connecting every room to the great outdoors, located just beyond.
3. Il Sereno Lago di Como, Torno, Italy
Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Il Sereno Lago di Como is widely regarded as one of Italy's most stylish modern luxury properties. It sits on the calmer eastern shore of Lake Como in the village of Torno, and has its very own 60-foot-long freshwater infinity pool, which seems to hover above the lake. And, because this is Lake Como we're talking about, of course, guests can arrive in style in one of the hotel's custom-built wooden boats, giving them a fantastic view of the property as they arrive. Its Michelin-starred restaurant Il Sereno Al Lago and spa, tucked into a century-old boathouse, act as the very luxe cherry on top.
4. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento, Italy
This clifftop hotel has been owned and operated by the Fiorentino family since 1834, hosting greats like Oscar Wilde along the way. And it's still inviting you to take in the same gorgeous views of Mount Vesuvius that Wilde did, too. The hotel is made up of three villas built between 1834 and 1880, which have period-correct furniture and frescoed ceilings throughout. It too is home to its own Michelin-starred restaurant, Terrazza Bosquet, which offers candlelit outdoor dinners that can be enjoyed to the songs of a live orchestra.
5. Canaves Epitome, Santorini, Greece
About a mile from the center of Oia, Canaves Epitome sits on the western edge of Santorini, ensuring some of the best views of the Mediterranean Sea just about anywhere in Greece. Its 53 suites and villas are spectacularly private, and each has a private plunge pool. However, if you're up for socializing, its Sunset Lounge bar is not to be missed, and has sunset views that will take your breath away. When you're ready to get out on the water, the resort has yacht excursions for that, too.
6. Castelfalfi, Tuscany, Italy
Nestled in the hillsides between Florence, Pisa, and Siena, travelers will find Castelfalfi, a resort built around a medieval borgo (aka a Medieval village), surrounded by 2,700 acres of vineyards, green trees, and blue skies. Its 146 rooms and suites are all located within the restored main building and a converted tobacco warehouse. Those looking for more space or privacy can book one of its villas, which include private pools and outdoor spaces. Truffle hunting, cooking classes, and wine tastings are all experiences on offer, though the only thing you "have" to do here is nothing at all.
7. Borgo Pignano, Volterra, Italy
Borgo Pignano's 750-acre estate was once a noble residence that has been thoughtfully restored to cater to royalty like you, too. Modern-day guests will find the property an equally historic and sustainable stay thanks to its farm-to-table kitchen and renewable energy practices, such as using rainwater to keep the grounds lush and healthy. The 18th-century property has well-appointed rooms, maisonettes, villas, as well as a former priest’s home available for stays—all are beautifully furnished with classic Italian touches, and some have original frescoes.
8. Borgo Santandrea, Conca dei Marini, Italy
While there's plenty to like about Borgo Santandrea, it offers something few other hotels on the Amalfi Coast can: a private beach club. But that's not all. It also has its own jetty, a sea-view pool, and three restaurants overlooking that gorgeous ocean. The interiors are a love letter to midcentury Italian design, with geometric tiles in varying shades of blue, clean-lined furnishings, and private balconies with stunning views.
9. Casa Angelina, Praiano, Italy
Just beyond Positano, in the quaint town of Praiano, Casa Angelina makes the case for why minimalism is a fantastic design choice, with white-washed everything and balconies opening toward the Tyrrhenian Sea. It's a small, boutique hotel with just 36 rooms, making it feel deliciously exclusive. It's for the guest who wants to explore the bustling heart of Positano but wants to escape to their own sanctuary at the end of the day.
10. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France
The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc opened in 1870 as a private mansion built as an artist resort for creatives seeking inspiration. And it's more than delivered ever since, hosting everyone from Pablo Picasso and Scott Fitzgerald to modern-day creatives who come each year for the Cannes Film Festival. The hotel sits on 22 lush acres of pine groves and manicured rose gardens, with a saltwater pool that was carved from basalt rock overlooking the sea. It's an icon on the French Riviera worth booking at least once in a lifetime.
11. Canaves Oia Suites, Santorini, Greece
Sister property to Canaves Epitome, Canaves Oia Suites is a more intimate take on the same style of Greek luxury. Carved into the cliffs above Oia, the Chaidemenos family's vision of all-white, minimalistic suites has come to life, fully embodying the Greek isle aesthetic. The resort offers spectacular caldera views, a cave-like spa, and those sunset views that keep people coming back to Santorini in droves.
12. Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, Ravello, Italy
Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, has long been one of the Amalfi's most sought-after stays. Each room at the resort, which itself sits hovering over a dramatic cliff's edge in Ravello, is unique, all with colorful furnishings and old-world Italian glamour. The infinity pool looks as though it drips directly into the sea, while the view from the terrace goes on straight to the horizon. Don't miss its spa services either, which all happen outdoors so you can take in the view while finding your zen.
13. Sheen Falls Lodge, Kerry, Ireland
This 300-acre estate outside Kenmare is home to 77 rooms, suites, and cottages with views of craggy, peaked mountains and verdant grasslands. There’s also an indoor pool, and activities ranging from river fishing and horse riding to falconry and kayaking. It's the kind of place that has something for every type of traveler, including those who simply want to unwind in the Easanna Spa and have every need taken care of. The hotel is also perfectly positioned for adventures in the scenic Ring of Kerry drive and Killarney National Park.
14. Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy
Since 1910, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo has been an icon on the shores of Lake Como. The resort offers 77 rooms that offer pure opulence thanks to gold accents, velvet furnishings, and balconies overlooking the garden and lake. It is also home to a famous floating pool, which guests can access via the utterly romantic wooden bridges. The resort's canary-yellow Art Nouveau facade also makes for the perfect Insta-ready backdrop.
15. Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel, Taormina, Italy
Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel, opened its doors as the first hotel in town in 1873. While thoroughly modern, it certainly doesn't abandon its roots, with plenty of old-world charm in its terraced gardens, stone pool, and plenty of old-school Italian bites on its restaurant menus. Think Pachino cherry tomatoes, Bronte pistachios, and wines grown, harvested, and produced right at Mount Etna down the block.
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