ATHENS, Sept 1 — Readers of Condé Nast Traveller UK magazine have voted and named Greece the best country in the world in the 2016 edition of the Readers’ Travel Awards.

The ongoing migrant and economic crises in Greece have done little to deter visitors from descending on the Mediterranean paradise, with tourists still enamoured by the promise of sun-soaked islands and postcard-perfect settings.

In fact, the country’s tourism office predicts a bumper year for 2016, with arrivals estimated to reach 25 million and 27.5 million including cruise ship passengers.

Growth is also attributed to fears of terrorism, violence and unrest in neighbouring Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt — major resort destinations — with holidaymakers diverting their vacation plans to Greece.

Rounding out the best country podium is Italy and the US.

When it comes to island retreats, readers gave the Maldives the top spot, followed by the Greek Islands and the Balearic Islands in Spain.

And the top-ranked hotel by readers of CN Traveller UK is Eden Roc — St Barth’s, which has hosted the likes of Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes and the Rockefellers since opening in the 1950s.

Here are the top 10 countries in CN Traveller’s online Readers’ Travel Awards:

1. Greece

2. Italy

3. US

4. South Africa

5. France

6. Spain

7. India

8. Australia

9. Thailand

10. Mexico

The top 10 islands

1. Maldives

2. Greek Islands

3. Balearic Islands

4. Sicily

5. Seychelles

6. St. Lucia

7. Bali

8. Koh Samui

9. Malta

10. St. Barth’s

Full results appear in the October issue of CN Traveller. — AFP-Relaxnews