2025 Readers' Choice Awards: Best country

Winner: Italy

Why you love Italy…

The ancient ruins of the Eternal City. The romantic gondola-strewn canals of Venice. The eye-watering beauty of the Cinque Terre where candy-coloured buildings teeter above an azure sea. The art and wine of Tuscany. Italy has a medley of scenic splendour, gobsmacking history and an intoxicating culture, alluring us with its friendly and impassioned people, delicious hearty food and la dolce vita attitude.

Monterosso is one of the five towns of the renowned Cinque Terre.

Hot tip for Italy…

Most of Italy’s big-ticket cities are concentrated in the north, so head south to lesser-known regions including Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily and embrace slow living like the locals do.

Runners-up

Japan

Our love affair with Japan is well and truly lit. We are fascinated by its rich and quirky culture, delectable cuisine, frenetic cities, blossoming landscapes in spring and epic snow in winter.

France

We adore France for its dazzling cities, first-class food and wine, bucolic countryside and charming villages, stunning coastlines and très chic culture.

New Zealand

Our wild and photogenic neighbour is a favourite for luxury lodges, beautiful wine regions and outdoor pursuits from cycling to bungy jumping.

Spain

This Euro gem ticks the boxes with sun-drenched beaches, flamenco-filled pintxos bars, diverse and intricate architecture, and year-round fiesta vibes.

For all the winners and runners-up, visit our 2025 Readers’ Choice hub.