The Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) announced the expansion of its collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide, as part of its strategy to strengthen Greeces international recognition as a gastronomic destination of tradition and high quality.
For 2026, Greece enhances its presence in the MICHELIN Guide with the renewed selection of restaurants in Athens (full selection), the inclusion for the first time of Thessaloniki with a full evaluation across all possible distinctions (full selection), as well as Santorini. The re-inclusion of Athens and the addition of Thessaloniki are expected to contribute significantly to the extension of the tourist season and the strengthening of city break tourism, while Santorini is highlighted as a premium gastronomic destination that links its international reputation with high-level culinary distinctions.
The announcement of the inclusion of the new destinations was made yesterday during a special teleconference by the Secretary General of the GNTO, Mr Andreas Fiorentinos, and Mr Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, in the presence of the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Mr Stelios Angeloudis, and the President of the Municipal Council of Santorini, Ms Georgia Nomikou.
All parties expressed their satisfaction with the new collaboration, which comes as the result of months-long discussions between the GNTO, local stakeholders and the Guide. Mr Andreas Fiorentinos stated:
We are particularly pleased to welcome Michelin to Athens for the third consecutive year and to present two new Greek destinations to the international gastronomic community. Santorini, one of the most iconic destinations worldwide, boasts a refined and distinctive gastronomic scene, while Thessaloniki highlights its rich culinary character, shaped over the centuries as a historic crossroads of cultures.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, emphasized:
The inclusion of Athens, Santorini and Thessaloniki in our selection highlights the vibrant and multifaceted gastronomic culture of Greece. Each destination offers a unique culinary identity, shaped by its cultural heritage, local ingredients and the creativity of its chefs. This new edition will draw attention to a country where gastronomy continues to fascinate, inspire and attract lovers of fine dining from around the world.
Building on the successful course of collaborations during the period 20222025, the new partnership with the MICHELIN Guide forms part of the broader strategic planning of the GNTO to enrich Greeces tourism product with high value-added experiences that enhance the international visibility of Greek gastronomy, support year-round tourism and city tourism, and attract travelers with high spending capacity.
As part of the long-term strategic planning of the Ministry of Tourism and the GNTO for the promotion of Greek gastronomy, the further expansion of the MICHELIN Guide to additional Greek destinations is also envisaged, based on a strategic roadmap agreed with the GNTO as the MICHELIN Guides Destination Partner in Greece.
