Based on the vote of more than one million travelers from 172 countries, the European Best Destinations (EBD) organization has released its list of the 20 trendiest places — selected from 500-plus — to be awarded the title of “Best European Destinations 2024.”
With a record number of votes, Marbella, Spain, lands at the top of the list, the first time that a Spanish destination takes first place in the ranking. “It is the destination most voted for by American and English travelers for a stay in Europe in 2024,” EBD explains. “This is a sunny, five-star, natural, sporty, gastronomic destination with everything to please the most demanding travelers.”
Marbella is followed by Monaco, Malta, Geneva and Batumi (Georgia) in the first five places.
Selected for their quality of life, sustainable development, year-round cultural offer, growth in popularity on social networks and their international recognition (smart tourism, European Union Green Capital, UNESCO, Blue Flags…) the 20 most-voted sites will be promoted throughout the year and are authorized to display the coveted title of “European Best Destination 2024.”
Working since 2009 to promote sustainable tourism, and in partnership with some 500 tourism offices in Europe and the European Commission’s EDEN Network, (Awarded Sustainable Destinations), EBD also organizes other tourism competitions in Europe, including Best European Christmas Markets, Best European Beaches, Most Romantic destinations and Best European Ski Resorts.
EBD’s rankings show that “travelers want to enjoy culinary, cultural, sensory and sporting experiences and prefer destinations combining beach, outdoor activity, nightlife and discovery in complete freedom, without plans or constraints.”
With award-winning destinations like Monaco, Marbella, Malta, Geneva, Madeira, Florence, Riga and Batumi, we clearly see a desire for exclusive travel in destinations recognised for the quality of their offers and services.
This year’s winner is a destination that drew 149,192 votes, a record since the creation of this competition, placing Marbella not only as the trendiest of European destinations but also as one of the best Golf Destinations in Europe as well as one of the best for gourmets and shopping addicts.
“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.
“Take a gastronomic tour of this food-loving Andalusian city that can cater to any craving – and delivers views and vibes to boot, with three Michelin-starred restaurants, plus hundreds of smaller eateries dishing up everything from Mediterranean and Thai to paella and succulent local tapas, great food is a major part of Marbella’s allure.”
With more than 300 guaranteed days of sunshine per year, al fresco dining by the beach or beneath the stars is practically guaranteed.