The European Best Destinations (EBD) organization has released a list of the 10 trendiest locations to be named the “Best European Destinations 2024” based on the votes of over a million travelers from 172 countries.
Without further ado, these are the destinations you should cross out of your bucket list this year.
10. Reykjavik, Iceland
The largest city in Iceland, Reykjavik, is known for its remarkable surroundings, which include hills, volcanoes, and the geothermal Blue Lagoon spa close to the village of Grindavik.
The amazing Hallgrimskirkja church and rotating Perlan glass dome, which provides expansive views of the sea and surrounding hills, are located in Reykjavik, along with the National and Saga museums, which trace Iceland’s Viking history.
9. London, United Kingdom
One is left speechless by the abundance of reasons to visit London, which include a plethora of different environments and towns like Chinatown, Soho, the West End Theatre District with its renowned musicals, Notting Hill, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Shard; great parks like Kew Gardens, Greenwich, and Hyde Park; and the gay and sparkling district of Carnaby.
8. Florence, Italy
In Florence, visitors can enjoy the David sculpture by Michelangelo and the “Birth of Venus” by Botticelli at the Uffizi Gallery.
For foodies, Florence is a charming and stunning city that is best explored on foot, with no plans other than to meander through its winding streets and take in the beauty. It is encircled by picturesque Tuscan villages and world-class wineries.
7. Madeira, Portugal
Like Marbella, Monaco, and Geneva, Madeira is one of the upscale travel destinations that has drawn affluent tourists for many years.
While most romantic visitors might prefer a sailboat trip along the coast to enjoy the sunset, more active visitors can go jet skiing, windsurfing, diving, or surfing.
EBD suggests visiting the island of Porto Santo, which is 40 kilometers from Madeira and can be reached in 15 minutes by plane or 2 1/2 hours by ferry. Porto Santo, sometimes referred to as the “golden island,” has nine kilometers of lovely sandy beaches.
6. Riga, Latvia
For travelers looking to experience Europe at the best value for their money, Riga is the most popular destination in the Baltics and a top choice for young adults (18 to 25 years old).
In the city center, you can find upscale restaurants and inviting cafes everywhere you look. The menus feature a mix of regional and international dishes with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. The best coffee roasters in the Baltics can be found in Riga, along with several excellent in-house breweries.
5. Batumi, Georgia
Batumi is one of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations. It is currently regarded as one of Europe’s top five travel destinations by visitors from around the world and is listed as one of the Leading Destinations in the World by the esteemed World Travel Awards.
In 2024, Batumi is expected to be the most popular travel destination in Europe for its affordable and top-notch sensory experiences. It is a safe, eco-friendly, and gastronomic escape, ideal for wellness or romantic getaways.
4. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva, the second-biggest city in Switzerland, combines a lively culture with historical appeal. It is home to the European Headquarters of the United Nations as well as the popular public beach Les Eaux-Vives, which features the famous Jet d’Eau and a vibrant atmosphere.
Traveling through the largest Old Town in the nation, enjoying fine dining, and engaging in outdoor activities are all part of discovering Geneva.
3. Malta
Malta is frequently named among the top diving locations in the world due to its diverse underwater sites and year-round pleasant climate.
The culture of Malta is a distinctive fusion of elements from the many civilizations that have called the islands home for thousands of years, including the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, and the Knights of St. John.
The nation has been ranked #1 on the Rainbow Europe Map for seven years running, and it is also the best LGBTQ+ travel destination in Europe.
2. Monaco
Due to its dedication to environmentally friendly travel and ocean preservation, Monaco, this year’s #2 destination, was shortlisted as a Sustainable Destination.
It is the most popular Riviera destination for couples between the ages of 25 and 45 and has received more votes than both Cannes and Nice.
1. Marbella, Spain
The winner this year is Marbella, a location that received 149,192 votes, a record since the competition’s creation. This places the city among the top European destinations for foodies and shoppers. It is also one of the best golf destinations in Europe.
“Wherever golfers choose to play, they will enjoy top-class golf courses, many of them with panoramic views of mountains and the Mediterranean,” writes EBD.
