Before voting, a team of travel experts analyzed more than 500 destinations across Europe. The rankings took into account such indicators as tourism growth, increase in search engine queries, social media popularity, accessibility and local development.
The first place in the ranking was taken by Madrid. According to the ranking’s compilers, the Spanish capital’s leadership confirms its transformation into one of the most attractive European cities, where appealing cultural energy, lifestyle, gastronomy and quality of life come together with a rare intensity. It also reflects the broader trend that destinations defined by identity, excellence and emotional impact are shaping the future of tourism.
Sunniest city
Madrid is one of the leaders in Europe in terms of sunshine, with over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. This allows the city to “open up” to the outdoors. Elegant boulevards, lively squares and the vast Buen Retiro Park define a lifestyle of openness and interconnectedness.
The Spanish capital represents one of the continent’s most dynamic gastronomic scenes, where avant-garde cuisine coexists with historic taverns. Every tourist will find exactly what they are looking for in this city.
City officials note the importance of awarding Madrid such an important status. “This award places our city at the center of the European tourism dialogue and confirms the strength of a project based on culture, openness and quality of life. It also gives us the opportunity to continue welcoming visitors from all over the world, while ensuring that tourism contributes positively to the energy, prosperity and identity of the city,” emphasized Almudena Maillot, Councillor for Tourism of the Madrid City Council.
Italy is the leader in the number of top destinations
Seven of this year’s top 20 travel destinations are in the Apennine Peninsula and islands belonging to Italy. The list includes many attractive places, in particular Verona – the “city of love”, sung by William Shakespeare in the tragedy “Romeo and Juliet”. Also
Also included here are Burano – the island quarter of Venice, and the picturesque volcanic island of Procida, and two places in Sicily, which leaves no one indifferent, and Ravello with amazing scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Sardinia is not left out, either – Bosa, with its authentic colorful houses and attractive medieval streets, is often referred to as “the hidden gem of Europe”.
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TOP-20 best European travel destinations in 2026* |
|
|
№ |
Destination / Country |
|
1 |
Madrid (Spain) |
|
2 |
Nicosia (Cyprus) |
|
3 |
Štirija region (Slovenia) |
|
4 |
Verona (Italy) |
|
5 |
Paris (France) |
|
6 |
Câmara de Lobos (Madeira Island, Portugal) |
|
7 |
Alacati (Turkey) |
| 8 |
Burano Island (Italy) |
|
9 |
Lisbon (Portugal) |
| 10 |
Almeria (Spain) |
|
11 |
Stavanger (Norway) |
|
12 |
Vicentina Coast (Portugal) |
|
13 |
Ano-Koufonisi (Chora Island, Greece) |
|
14 |
Begur (Spain) |
| 15 |
Cefalù (island of Sicily, Italy) |
|
16 |
Avlemonas (Kytheria Island, Greece) |
| 17 |
Boza (island of Sardinia, Italy) |
|
18 |
Ravello (Italy) |
| 19 |
Procida Island (Italy) |
|
20 |
Taormina (Sicily, Italy) |
| * According to “European Best Destinations” resource rating | |
