It’s not us saying it, it’s the Best in Europe poll by European Best Destinations that selects the top travel destinations in Europe for this year. Marbella takes first place, followed by Monaco and Malta.
20. THASSOS (GREECE)
Thassos ranks 20th in the European Best Destinations ranking, having garnered 6,636 votes in its favor. Surrounded by the Aegean Sea, this Greek island offers a serene and tranquil presence, allowing ferries to pass by towards destinations like Crete, Rhodes, or Santorini.
Its lush vegetation and idyllic beaches, such as Aliki, Makryammos, and Marble, mark it as an unpolished gem for adventurous travelers. Yet, there’s much more to explore: secluded villages like Panagia, Theologos, and Kazaviti, welcoming visitors with open arms, the archaeological museum, the Acropolis, the ancient Roman theater, the Agora, and certainly, the Giola natural pool, also known as the Tear of Aphrodite.
The optimal way to reach Thassos is by flying from Athens to Kavala, then taking a ferry from the port of Keramoti.
19. NEWQUAY (UNITED KINGDOM)
Welcome to the surfing haven of England! Situated on Cornwall’s north coast, Newquay, with 8,084 votes, draws surf enthusiasts globally.
The town boasts numerous surf schools and a variety of activities like golf, biking, or go-karting.
Newquay isn’t solely about sports; it offers a peaceful retreat with its wellness amenities, featuring many hotels with spas and countryside cabins perfect for cozying up by a wood stove.
18. PIRAN (SLOVENIA)
Piran, a significant tourist hub in Slovenia, secures 10,991 votes, ranking 18th. Nestled in Istria, this coastal town is where history, architecture, and culture merge, overlooking the Adriatic. Highlights include the picturesque Tartini Square, Venetian-style buildings, ancient walls, the Monastery of San Francisco, and the Church of San Jorge. Its medieval streets are filled with culinary surprises, emphasizing fresh fish, truffle, and wine.
Its close ties and cultural connection to Italy are evident, with Slovenian and Italian as its official languages.
The closest airports are in Ljubljana, Rijeka, and Venice.
17. SIRMIONE (ITALY)
Sirmione, the enchanting town on Lake Garda, remains one of the best-kept secrets among locals and, with 14,356 votes, joins the EBD 2024 list alongside three other Italian destinations (Florence, Siena, and Ponza), highlighting Italy’s significant presence in this edition.
Located in Lombardy, an hour by car (or two by train) from Bergamo airport, Sirmione greets visitors with its 12th-century medieval castle, offering stunning city views, including the Lido delle Bionde beach.
What’s the perfect plan for the late afternoon? A boat trip on the lake, savoring local wine and bidding farewell to the sun from the water.
16. FAROE ISLANDS
“A grain of sand in a ballroom, but with a whole world contained,” is how Faroese writer William Heinesen described this archipelago in the vastness of the North Atlantic.
The Faroes, with 19,137 votes, are an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, where wild nature and Nordic culture blend in an epic landscape of towering cliffs, serpentine fjords, and green meadows.
Activities like hiking (including the renowned Kallur Lighthouse Trail), fishing, birdwatching, kayaking, and tours to see whales, seals, and seabirds offer an intimate experience of the islands’ unique wildlife and plant life.
Out of the 18 volcanic islands forming the archipelago, 17 are inhabited by nearly 50,000 people, about 20,000 of whom reside in and around the capital, Tórshavn.
The islands boast a comprehensive network of roads, bridges, and underwater tunnels, facilitating connectivity.
15. CHAMPAGNE (FRANCE)
The Champagne wine region, garnering 20,728 votes, is a favored destination for travelers seeking an experience blending wine tourism, wellness, gastronomy, nature, and of course, champagne. The vineyard landscape, ever-changing with the seasons, spans from light green to deep red, offering vast natural vistas.
Encompassing approximately 34,300 hectares and including 319 municipalities, known as “crus,” this region is dedicated to the cultivation of Champagne vineyards. The UNESCO-listed “Coteaux, Maisons & Caves de Champagne” (Slopes, Houses, and Cellars of Champagne) highlights its global significance.
From Epernay to Dormans, villages along the Marne River cradle over 200 million bottles of champagne within 100 kilometers of limestone galleries. The experience is enriched with balloon rides over the vineyards, visits to towns like Hautvillers (birthplace of Dom Pérignon) and Reims (home to champagne icons Demoiselle, Taittinger, and Veuve-Cliquot), culminating in celebratory toasts.
14. PORTO-VECCHIO (FRANCE)
Positioned fourteenth, Porto-Vecchio in Corsica has collected 25,012 votes. Distinct for its tranquil Mediterranean allure, it boasts sandy beaches and turquoise waters at Santa Giulia and Palombaggia, alongside the breathtaking Bonifacio nature reserve.
Its rich historical tapestry is visible in the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored buildings. The 16th-century Genoese citadel commands the town, offering panoramic views of the port and surroundings. Culinary delights such as grilled lamb, and local sausages and cheeses are must-tries.
13. PONZA ISLAND (ITALY)
Ponza Island, a 7 square kilometer Italian gem, has attracted 28,865 votes, revealing it’s no longer just the secret of Italy’s affluent. Its relaxed glamour, reminiscent of Saint Tropez in the ’60s and ’70s, offers a blend of terraces, cocktails, designer boutiques, stunning coves, natural pools, and cliffs with panoramic views.
Recharging is delightful after a boat ride or water taxi, with options like fresh fish at Da Enzo al Frontone and gelato at the Bar Gelateria Panoramica, exclusively accessible by sea.
12. SIENA (ITALY)
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Siena mesmerizes with its medieval architecture, rich history, and exquisite cuisine, earning 29,633 votes. Piazza del Campo, the city’s hub, is famed for the Palio di Siena horse race. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is a pinnacle of Italian Gothic architecture.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the Pinacoteca Nazionale, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, and the Civic Museum of Siena, and indulge in Tuscan culinary delights paired with Chianti wine.
11. LÈGE-CAP-FERRET (FRANCE)
Lège-Cap-Ferret in the New Aquitaine region, with 31,878 votes, makes France a coveted destination. It offers a nostalgic summer holiday vibe with its open-air markets, impromptu concerts, and serene beach walks. The Arcachon Bay and the Pilat dune enhance its charm, offering a picturesque heritage and oyster bed excursions.
10. REYKJAVIK (ICELAND)
Reykjavik, securing the tenth spot with 38,916 votes, is the capital of Iceland, often termed the land of ice and fire. This city is encircled by a magnificent landscape peppered with volcanoes, hills, lagoons, and waterfalls.
A blend of uniqueness, authenticity, and cosmopolitan vibes, Reykjavik offers a rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, leisure, and nightlife. Known for its striking contrast of modern and historic architecture, the city boasts the spectacular Hallgrímskirkja church, alongside numerous art galleries, design studios, and creative spaces.
Daily life is infused with the warmth of hot springs and spas, with the Blue Lagoon being the most celebrated. History enthusiasts can immerse themselves in Viking lore at the National Museum of Iceland and the National Museum of Natural History. Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay to explore the Golden Circle, encompassing Þingvellir Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Haukadalur Valley, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, and the quaint town of Vik.
9. LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM)
With 42,022 votes, London claims the ninth position. Setting Brexit aside, it’s an opportune moment to rediscover the charm of the British capital.
Repeated visits never dull the allure of London’s iconic landmarks: Big Ben, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Piccadilly Circus, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, and Camden Town promise endless exploration. The vibrant neighborhoods of Notting Hill, Shoreditch, South Bank, and Kensington beckon with open arms.
8. FLORENCE (ITALY)
Florence, enchanted by the phenomenon of Stendhal syndrome, is ranked eighth with 42,029 votes. This open-air museum city is home to masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, and Titian’s Venus of Urbino. The city’s architecture, including the Santa Maria dei Fiore, the Basilica of the Holy Cross, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Palazzo Vecchio, adds to its allure.
The culinary scene in Florence, offering dishes like pappardelle, polpettone alla fiorentina, bistecca, and ravioli di cinghiale, makes dining a delightful dilemma.
7. MADEIRA (PORTUGAL)
Madeira, an idyllic Atlantic archipelago, is ranked seventh with 63,258 votes. Its perpetual spring climate, verdant landscapes, and tranquil pace make it an ideal nature getaway, featuring laurel forests, levadas, beaches, and trails.
Consisting of two populated islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, and three uninhabited islands, the Desert Islands, Madeira’s popular events include Carnival in February, the Flower Festival in May, the Atlantic Festival in May and June, and festive celebrations during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
6. RIGA (LATVIA)
Riga, Latvia’s capital, is in sixth place with 94,882 votes. As the European capital of Art Nouveau, Riga presents a historical heart within its cosmopolitan exterior, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city offers a journey through Romanticism, Gothic, Baroque, and a splendid array of Art Nouveau buildings, the luxurious Opera House, the House of the Blackheads, and the Lutheran Church of San Pedro.
Riga’s culinary scene is notable for its local and international cuisine, cozy cafes, and breweries, establishing the city as home to the Baltic’s finest coffee roasters.
5. BATUMI (GEORGIA)
After being crowned the best secret destination in Europe in 2022, Batumi, with 101,589 votes, now enters the list of the best destinations in Europe for 2024, celebrated for its exciting, affordable, and exotic charm.
Batumi, the capital of the Ajaria region in Georgia, is delightful any time of the year. From the historic center’s streets to its stunning mountains, botanical gardens, beaches, and museums, Batumi is a splendid little-known gem with much to offer.
Adventure enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, cycling, or canoeing along the river. For those who seek cultural experiences, every corner of the city, along with its museums and unique architecture, tells a piece of history.
During May and June, the cherry trees are in full bloom, showcasing their full beauty; summer offers a perfect mix of urban exploration and beach relaxation; autumn transforms the surrounding parks into a canvas of ochre, red, and orange; and winter makes Batumi an ideal destination for skiing and holiday festivities.
Batumi remains an open secret, and though far from being overrun by mass tourism, it’s rapidly evolving, with new hotels, restaurants serving both local and international cuisine, rooftop bars for sunset toasts, and shops featuring independent brands emerging every day. Hurry and visit Batumi before it’s discovered by the masses!
4. GENEVA (SWITZERLAND)
With 104,796 votes, Geneva claims the fourth spot. Its unique location, beside the largest alpine lake in Western Europe and framed by the Alps and the Jura Mountains, is unsurprising.
As Switzerland’s second-largest city, Geneva radiates captivating historical allure and a lively cultural scene. Home to the European headquarters of the United Nations at Les Nations and the iconic Jet d’Eau at Les Eaux-Vives, which invites visitors to enjoy a vibrant beach atmosphere, Geneva is a city of significant diplomatic standing and much more.
Geneva is also renowned for its watchmaking heritage and chocolate, contributing to its distinct identity.
3. MALTA
Malta, with 131,049 votes, secures third place in the European Best Destinations of 2024.
The Maltese landscape and architecture present a colorful and spectacular tableau, dotted with picturesque villages, caves, beaches, archaeological sites, and waters perfect for diving.
Explore Valletta, the capital, brimming with churches, historical forts, and charming old mansions; the Rotunda of Mosta; the azure remnants of the Azure Window; natural pools on Gozo; and the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, and Tarxien, not to mention St. Peter’s natural pool among other marvels.
2. MONACO
Monaco, with 133,885 votes, is declared the second-best European destination for 2024. A place of glamour, culture, relaxation, indulgence, gastronomic delights, cultural and sporting events, and vibrant nightlife – Monaco offers something for every traveler.
In just two square kilometers, Monaco packs everything from exclusive hotels to exquisite gardens. The bustling Port Hercule and the quaint Place d’Armes offer a taste of Riviera specialties like barbagiuàn, socca, and pissaladière.
1. MARBELLA (SPAIN)
Marbella takes the top spot with 149,192 votes, proudly claiming the title of “Best Destination in Europe 2024”.
The allure of the south, Andalusia, and Málaga is undeniable. Marbella appeals to those seeking relaxation, exceptional hotels and restaurants, artisan shops, quality local products, and a myriad of outdoor activities. It’s a haven not just for sun and beach lovers but also for digital nomads, athletes, foodies, and business investors.
From strolling through Puerto Banús, savoring Michelin-starred cuisine, enjoying tapas, to exploring the historic center, Marbella beckons.
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