In our 10Best Reders' Choice contest for 'Best European Country,' voting was heaviest for one nominee in particular. Portugal has apparently stolen the hearts of our readers as it secured the lion's share of votes.
Portugal is less iconic than other well-known countries, but it offers a wealth of opportunities to travelers: charming villages, great food, fascinating regional music, cultural opportunities, a beautiful coastline and even world-class surfing.
Italy and Austria landed solid in second and third, while a mere 47 votes separated 4th place finisher Germany from Spain in 6th place. The (very large) United Kingdom, with no language barriers for Americans and a wealth of well-known landmarks, took 5th place.
The biggest surprise? Iceland, which trumped Greece, Norway, and several other more exotic countries, to land in the top 10.
The full list of winners in the 'Best European Country' contest category for 10Best Readers' Choice is as follows:
- Portugal
- Italy
- Austria
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Ireland
- France
- Iceland
- Switzerland
Congratulations to all the winners. Wondering where to take your next trip? This list makes a fabulous overseas bucket list.
All nominees were chosen by experts in the Travel Industry. Thus, the other 10 nominees also deserve some consideration. They were Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Turkey.
The Experts
Jamie Bachrach
Jamie's passion for travel began at a young age,... Read More
Jamie's passion for travel began at a young age, and he's spend considerable time in more than 40 European countries (and traveled to more than 50) so far. He tries to visit Europe once or twice per year and has experienced a little bit of everything, from river cruises and train rides to castle stays and wine tastings.
Jamie Bachrach

Jamie's passion for travel began at a young age, and he's spend considerable time in more than 40 European countries (and traveled to more than 50) so far. He tries to visit Europe once or twice per year and has experienced a little bit of everything, from river cruises and train rides to castle stays and wine tastings.
Annie Collins
Annie, a Tripology agent since 2008, likes to... Read More
Annie, a Tripology agent since 2008, likes to experience travel through her senses - smells, sounds, flavors and textures - rather than through historical data or statistics.
Annie Collins

Annie, a Tripology agent since 2008, likes to experience travel through her senses - smells, sounds, flavors and textures - rather than through historical data or statistics.
Leila Coe
Leila, a travel agent for World Class Travel, has... Read More
Leila, a travel agent for World Class Travel, has worked in the tourism industry since 1996. She's traveled extensively through Western, Central and Eastern Europe, including a four year stint living in several places on the continent.
Leila Coe

Leila, a travel agent for World Class Travel, has worked in the tourism industry since 1996. She's traveled extensively through Western, Central and Eastern Europe, including a four year stint living in several places on the continent.