That Greece was in 1st place, everyone would say expected, but that our little Cyprus was in 6th place, this is really amazing.

Every year, Google publishes its ‘Year in Search’ data, a report showing what users have Googled over the past 12 months. We’ve got an exclusive look at the travel section of the data – the destinations you’ve been Googling the most this year. Below, take a look at the top 10 countries that have seen the biggest search increases on Google year on year, and find inspiration for your 2024 travels.

10. Morocco

In September of this year, an earthquake hit Morocco, the aftermath of which was devastating. The country is still recovering, but the response from travellers was strong. It’s not often the case that travel is the answer in response to a crisis, but as tourism is Morocco’s biggest revenue stream, in this case, it was necessary. Travellers were encouraged to continue visiting the country to explore all it has to offer – and it has plenty. A jewel box of colours, sights and sounds in its cities, and a vast expanse of history and culture beyond – we’re not surprised the support for this gem of a country is in the top 10 this year.

9. Malta

This island is a hit European destination. Its history runs deep, and its beauty runs deeper. The country has been used as the backdrop for many iconic films and TV series (Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Troy to name a few), but beyond its honey-hued streets lies restaurants, bars and hotels waiting to be explored. Find out more about why we love Malta, or start planning your trip with this guide to Valletta’s best restaurants.

8. Egypt

Clearly, we don’t need to wax lyrical about the beauty of Egypt – you’re already plotting your next bucket-list escape. There is, of course, plenty of ancient history to discover, but weave your way through the country’s streets to find hidden treasures pharaohs would be envious of. Art galleries and souks are brimming with wallet-thinning prizes, but the glistening Nile is sparkly enough for those looking for memories over souvenirs. Away from the river, the Sahara covers 94 per cent of the country, leaving an overwhelmingly large (yet surprisingly untraversed) region to explore if you venture inland.

7. Thailand

Thailand is home to 1,430 islands, so while you may already be planning a trip to the country, choosing which island to visit is your next task. Each is different from the other, while white sand beaches and rustic-chic restaurants are guaranteed. Choose Koh Samui for a wellness escape (the island is famed for its yoga havens) or Koh Tao for some serious underwater adventures – it’s nicknamed Turtle Island for good reason. Check out our guide to figure out the best time to visit Thailand, before scouting out some of the top Thai hotels on offer.

6. Cyprus

Floating in between Greece, Turkey and Lebanon, this is a melting pot of cultures. Come for craggy mountains topped with snow, powdery soft beaches lapped by the twinkling Mediterranean and some excellent Cypriot food dotted around the island. Nature lovers can spend hours in the sea (it’s known for having some of the world’s best wreck dives), history buffs can ogle at Byzantine churches and oenophiles can while away days taste-testing their way through the country’s lush vineyards.

5. Croatia

Croatia has been gradually garnering a reputation as a European travel hotspot. A more affordable holiday destination than some of its neighbouring countries, go island hopping around some of the teardrop gems that pepper the Adriatic shores (Korčula is our favourite), head inland for delicious foodie trips around Split or Zagreb or delve into the historic walled city of Dubrovnik. But the beach is the place to be in this country – with more than 4,000km of coastline, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

4. Portugal

From the burst of exciting restaurants opening in the north to the blue-water sanctuaries of the south, there is so much awaiting travellers in Portugal. Porto is a relative newcomer to Europe’s foodie championship, but it’s gained a quick reputation as the one to watch. The remote archipelago of the Azores is often overlooked in favour of the country’s beach resorts – think thermal waters, turquoise lagoons and cloud-puncturing volcanoes. Lisbon, of course, needs no introduction – plus, it was recently named Europe’s most budget-friendly city break for 2023.

3. Italy

We’ll never tire of Italy and, it seems, neither will you. The country is a mishmash of gorgeous fairytale towns, bustling cities and pristine beaches. While the shopping in Milan is obviously second to none, the city’s café scene is equally worth exploring. Florence has some of the country’s best hotels, and the Tuscan countryside beyond is like something straight out of a painting. For food, it’s got to be Rome – here’s our guide to Rome’s best restaurants – but the capital is also one of Europe’s most artistic cities, so be sure to visit the endless array of galleries and museums on your next trip.

2. Spain

This country is beautiful year-round, but there’s something particularly special about visiting Spain in the off-season. The cities empty, the beaches quieten, yet there’s still magic in the air. Our readers voted San Sebastian the best city in Europe in our 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards and the best city for food in the world; and further east, Barcelona remains one of our favourite Spanish cities, with a host of hotels, restaurants and things to do.

1. Greece

Greece has topped the list of the most Googled countries to travel to in 2023. From the whitewashed island of Mykonos with its sugar cube buildings and iconic addresses to the jungle vibes of Kefalonia, known for its hiking trails and rustic villages, Greece is the destination that keeps on giving. Start in Athens, home to some of the world’s best bars, to get a taste of the country’s culinary masterwork (see our guide to the best restaurants in Athens). Then head to your Greek island of choice – will it be sunsets from the Santorini crater? Crowd-free beaches in Corfu? Late-summer sunshine in Crete? Whatever you choose, Greece is bound to impress, time after time.

Source; conde nast traveller