With an area of 45,000 sq. km, this quiet little country is five times smaller than Great Britain. It has been repeatedly invaded and occupied despite declaring its neutrality but in 1991 it gained full independence and has been happily building its tourist industry ever since.

It is a world of magical old towns, majestic woodland wildlife like brown bears and Eurasian lynx, and rugged shores speckled with over 2,000 islands. 

But this gorgeous place, that was once annexed to the former Soviet Union, is no backwater. Highly developed with a high-income advanced economy, it has also been named as one of the least corrupt countries in the world and ranks very highly for education, press freedom,  excellent public services,  and the prevalence of technology companies.

It is famed for being a trailblazer in the digital world, as it was the first country to introduce online election voting.

Now following a recent survey in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, this little country was praised for its “polite respect, calm atmosphere, and welcoming natural beauty” and named the friendliest country in Europe.

Each year, the magazine invites its readers to “scout out the crème de la crème of European hospitality”, noting that this year has seen a vibrant mix of newcomers and familiar faces.

When it comes to friendly countries, there’s far from a shortage in  Europe. Lovely destinations across the continent are packed with even lovelier people, forming vibrant communities which come in all shapes and sizes. Some are rooted in family-oriented tradition, others value a free-spirited lifestyle, but all are keen to share their beloved culture with visitors.

The winning country consists of the mainland, two larger islands and over 2,300 other islands and islets on the east coast of the Baltic Sea. It has never made an appearance before on the list of friendliest countries but all of a sudden, in the latest reader survery, it shot to the number one spot.

Estonia was voted Europe’s friendliest country for 2025 in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, with Ireland, Portugal, Iceland, and Turkey also ranking highly.

Estonia scored 98.46. The magazine said: “Despite making its debut appearance on our list, Estonia shoots straight to the top to be crowned Europe’s friendliest country for 2025, as chosen by you.

“This Baltic country is often overshadowed by other European holiday powerhouses, but venture off the beaten track and uncover a world of magical old towns, majestic woodland wildlife like brown bears and Eurasian lynx, and rugged shores speckled with over 2,000 islands.

“It’s also famed for being a trailblazer in the digital world, as it was the first country to introduce online election voting, so whether you’re meeting Estonians in the flesh or through the screen, expect exemplary interactions of politeness and respect.”

Better still the beer is cheap! A pint of beer in Estonia, especially a local brew in a modest pub or outside tourist areas, can cost around 2.50 to 4 euros (£2.16 to £3.50)

Supermarket prices for a 0.5L bottle of beer are even cheaper (around €1 or 87p). Expect to pay slightly more for popular brands like Saku or or A. Le Coq in bars, but look for local deals to find the lowest prices. 

In second place for Europe’s friendliest country was Ireland which scored 96.84. The magazine said: “A small but mighty population filled with soulful musicians and pioneering writers, the Irish people warm the hearts of all they touch with their infectiously good craic.

“Wander into a traditional pub and within seconds find yourself striking up a conversation with jolly strangers proving these cosy boltholes are so mycg more than simply a place to drink.”

Portugal came in third place followed by Iceland, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Austria, Spain and Cyprus making up the top ten friendliest European countries.

Super cheap flights from the UK to the winning country Estonia’s stunning capital city Tallinn are another reason to visit.

Budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air both fly here and sometimes Jet2. Flights from London Stansted, London Luton and Liverpool are available with prices starting at £31.