NEWS

The Top 20 European destinations of 2024: Marbella in first place with a record number of votes.

Marbella, Spain, has emerged as the top choice in the latest rankings released by the European Best Destinations (EBD) organisation, based on input from more than one million travelers from 172 countries. This marks the first time that a Spanish destination has taken top spot in the prestigious list of the “Best European Destinations 2024,” selected from a pool of more than 500 contenders.

With a record number of votes, Marbella is being praised as the destination of choice for American and English travelers planning a European holiday in 2024. EBD describes Marbella as a sunny, five-star destination with a mix of natural beauty, sporting activities and culinary delights, catering to the discerning tastes of travelers.

After Marbella, Monaco, Malta, Geneva and Batumi (Georgia) follow in the top five positions. These destinations have been chosen for their high quality of life, commitment to sustainable development, diverse cultural offerings all year round, growing popularity on social media, and international recognition through various awards such as smart tourism initiatives, European Union Green Capital status, UNESCO awards and Blue Flag beaches.

The 20 destinations that received the most votes will receive promotion throughout the year and will be authorized to proudly display the coveted title of “Best European Destination 2024”. Since its founding in 2009, EBD has been committed to promoting sustainable tourism, working with more than 500 tourism offices across Europe and the European Commission's EDEN network (awarded Sustainable Destinations). In addition, EBD organizes several other tourism competitions in Europe, including Best European Christmas Markets, Best European Beaches, Most Romantic Destinations and Best European Ski Resorts.

Marbella, located on the Costa del Sol, is a vibrant city on the Mediterranean Sea that offers kilometers of sandy beaches, a lively nightlife, luxurious marinas and extensive shopping opportunities. Surrounded by the Sierra Blanca mountains and 27 kilometers of beaches, Marbella offers more than 300 sunny days a year. The city is known for its challenging golf courses, culinary diversity and luxurious accommodations such as the Marbella Club Hotel and Puente Romano. With 6 Michelin star restaurants and an abundance of tapas bars and international eateries, Marbella is a foodie's paradise. Dining outside and enjoying the beautiful weather is possible here almost all year round.