Marbella Tops Travel Survey
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.
“Exclusive destinations are back on track,” said Maximilien Lejeune, CEO of European Best Destinations. “Also, we notice a new trend towards off-the-beaten-path, smaller destinations such as Ponza, Porto-Vecchio, Cap Ferret, Sirmione and the Faroe Islands for simple convivial holidays.
No 1. Marbella
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.
No 2. Monaco
This year's #2 destination, Monaco, was shortlisted as a Sustainable Destination for its commitment to sustainable tourism and protection of the ocean.
“Monaco has been focusing on green development for many years and the destination continues to expand and honor its commitment to nature,” says EBD. “It is seen as a perfect destination for a green getaway combining wellness, gastronomy, shopping, beach, water activities and outdoor sports.”
It’s the favorite destination for couples ages 25-45 and the destination on the Riviera which has garnered the most votes since the creation of this competition, ahead of Cannes and Nice.
A unique destination, Monaco reflects the perfect marriage between glamour, culture and relaxaation. Renowned for its security, it also surprises with the richness of its history.
“Gastronomic delights, cultural and sporting events, exceptional nightlife, shopping experiences, pampering spas…the most eclectic dreams come true on these two square kilometres place,” EBD explains.
The organization recommends Monaco for a romantic stay, a family trip or a getaway with friends because it has a “diversity of the hotel offerings to meet all expectations.”
With its Oceanographic Museum, Prince's Palace and breathtaking panoramas — where the green of the gardens blends with the blue of the Mediterranean — Monaco-Ville, at the heart of the Principality, offers pleasant strolls among the fishing boats and prestigious yachts.
“Head to Place d’Armes: Riviera colors and flavors are guaranteed. Take time and taste local specialties such as barbagiuàn, socca or pissaladière,” EBD advises. “Discover the legendary Place du Casino where the Café de Paris, an institution of the Principality, and the iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo are located.
A few steps away, the Larvotto seaside complex reveals its beach, its shaded promenade, its shops and its restaurants to relax in summer and winter with your feet in the sand.”
No 3. Malta
Sunny Malta, appears as a perfect place for romantic holidays, family holidays or holidays with friends. It’s also a nature destination awarded the sustainable-tourism label several times by the European Commission and has taken the number one position for travelers ages 25-45 on the prowl for an active holiday in Europe.
Malta, Gozo and Comino offer stretches of countryside and stunning coastlines. “Wherever you go, the scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop with the striking honey-colored stone of buildings facing the deepest of Mediterranean blues,” EBD says.
With year-round favorable climate and an array of underwater sites, Malta is consistently voted one of the best diving destinations in the World.
Malta’s culture is a unique blend of influences from various civilizations that have inhabited the islands over thousands of years, from the prehistoric megalithic people, to the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Knights of St. John.
The country is also European Best LGBTQ+ destination and has been #1 on the Rainbow Europe Map for seven consecutive years.
The other two islands — Gozo and Comino — can be a pleasant change of scene or alternative destinations in themselves.
