The European winners of the World Travel Awards 2026, now in its thirty-third edition, have been announced, and for Italian hospitality the outlook is decidedly positive. After all, when it comes to choosing where to sleep, in Italy there is only the embarrassment of riches: historic palaces in the heart of art-filled cities, resorts perched along coastlines with crystal-clear seas, and refuges nestled in nature are just some of the possibilities available to travelers.
In the Europe-dedicated categories, the country’s properties take home as many as 14 recognitions, spread across ten hotels and resorts, from Sardinia and Sicily’s sea to South Tyrol, passing through Venice, Florence, and Lazio. Not only that: Italy also wins the award for Europe’s Leading Cultural Destination.
Here are the Italian hotels that were honored and the categories in which they triumphed.
Coastal Resorts
It is on Italy’s coasts that most of the awards concentrate. The absolute standout is the Forte Village Resort, in Sardinia, which takes home three titles: Europe’s Leading Resort, Europe’s Leading Luxury Beach Resort, and Europe’s Leading Sports Academy.
Excellent results also come from the Almar group, rewarded with three different properties. The Almar Timi Ama in Villasimius wins as Europe’s Leading Hotel & Spa and Europe’s Leading Family & Wellness Resort. In Sicily, the Almar Giardino di Costanza in Mazara del Vallo is Europe’s Leading Luxury All-Suite Resort. On the Adriatic, the Almar Lido Jesolo takes the title of Europe’s Leading Beach Hotel.
Green Hospitality
Among the most meaningful awards are those dedicated to sustainability, where Italy stands out with three properties. Two of them are in Sardinia: the Arbatax Park Resort, on the island’s eastern coast, was named Europe’s Leading Eco Resort, while the Resort Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & SPA, in Santa Teresa di Gallura, wins Europe’s Leading Green Resort.
Moving to the mountains, the Naturhotel Leitlhof in San Candido, in South Tyrol, earns the title of Europe’s Leading Green Hotel. If you’re seeking an environmentally mindful vacation, between sea and peaks, these properties are a good starting point.
Romance, Wellness, and Historic Charm
Venice confirms its status as the city of lovers even at the World Travel Awards. The The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, has been named Europe’s Most Romantic Hotel, while the San Clemente Palace wins as Europe’s Leading Wedding Hotel.
In Florence, the Collegio alla Querce, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, takes the title of Europe’s Leading Boutique Resort. For travelers seeking relaxation, in Lazio there’s the Palazzo Fiuggi, named Europe’s Leading Wellness Hotel.
These properties are very different from one another, yet they share a hospitality approach that emphasizes atmosphere and attention to detail.
The Best Hotels in Italy According to the World Travel Awards
Apart from the European prizes, the World Travel Awards also confer national titles, recognizing the hospitality excellence of each country. Here are the Italian hotels and resorts that stood out in the main categories:
- Italy’s Leading Hotel 2026: Palazzo Doglio, Cagliari;
- Italy’s Leading Resort 2026: Forte Village Resort, Santa Margherita di Pula;
- Italy’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2026: Bvlgari Hotel Roma;
- Italy’s Leading Luxury City Resort 2026: Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Rome;
- Italy’s Leading Design Hotel 2026: Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milan;
- Italy’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2026: Hilton Lake Como, Como;
- Italy’s Leading Heritage Hotel 2026: Hotel Italia Cortona;
- Italy’s Leading Wine Region Hotel 2026: Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel, Montalcino;
- Italy’s Leading Beach Resort 2026: Resort & SPA Le Dune, Badesi;
- Italy’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026: Vivosa Apulia Resort; Ugento.
Italy Is Europe’s Leading Cultural Destination
Apart from individual hotels, this year the country as a whole is also honored. Italy has indeed won the title of Europe’s Leading Cultural Destination 2026, awarded to ENIT, the national tourism agency. It is a recognition that rewards Italy as the cultural destination par excellence in the European landscape, joining the numerous titles won by the country’s hospitality establishments.
