Estonia ranked seventh among Europe’s friendliest countries in the 2026 edition of Condé Nast’s annual travel-reader poll, remaining in the top 10 after taking first place last year.
The reader poll marked Estonia’s second appearance in the European list: nearly 300,000 people took part in the wider awards vote.
Estonia’s welcome extends beyond Tallinn
The magazine singled out Estonia’s old towns, forests and islands. Its also praised the politeness and respect visitors encounter.
“Estonian hospitality may not be the loudest or most exuberant, but it is genuine,” said Agnia Nast, head of tourism at Enterprise Estonia, in the agency’s announcement. Nast agrees, saying people may initially visit for nature, Tallinn, the islands or food, but often return because of how they felt during their stay. She described conversations and local recommendations as part of that experience.
The result arrives as visitor demand has been rising. Foreign overnight stays in Estonia increased in the first five months of 2026, according to Statistics Estonia figures cited in earlier coverage.
Estonia holds a place in the European top 10
Ireland topped this year’s European list, followed by Portugal and Italy. Greece, Spain and Türkiye also placed ahead of Estonia; Slovenia, Croatia and Austria completed the top 10. Estonia debuted at number one in 2025. The annual reader awards were held for the 29th time.
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