You’ve Likely Never Heard of Europe’s Best Destination for 2024

by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 4:00 PM ET, Thu February 15, 2024

While it’s always a perennial favorite, American travelers have shown particular interest in Europe these past few years post-pandemic. Perhaps it’s because people are keen to take those long-haul, bucket list-type trips they previously put off, driven by a renewed sense of “carpe diem” after being stuck at home for so long.

But, Europe is nothing if not diverse. So, how does one determine which location to head for when planning their next vacation across the pond? Well, one website—European Best Destinations, which is dedicated exclusively to celebrating culture and travel on the Continent—makes it its mission to help would-be tourists with those decisions.

Each year, it compiles a ranking of Europe’s most popular destinations, based on surveys of over 1 million travelers from 172 countries. And, the results for 2024 are in, with the top 20 selected out of more than 500 destinations considered. The city voted into top place as Europe’s best destination this year is somewhere U.S. travelers have probably never heard of.

The popular resort city of Marbella, located in the Costa del Sol region of southern Spain, emerged as the single most preferred five-star destination for travelers headed to Europe in 2024. It is renowned for its stunning, sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches, luxurious resorts, vibrant nightlife, upscale shopping districts and prime golfing. It’s certainly a favorite among foodies, with three Michelin-starred restaurants serving exquisite cuisine. Of course, there are hundreds of other restaurants and beachfront bars dishing up everything from traditional Andalusian fare to international dishes, with and abundance of fresh seafood, tapas, paella and other local delicacies available.

The tiny sovereign city-state of Monaco, located along the enchanting and luxurious French Riviera, snagged second place in the rankings, no doubt thanks to its wealth of fine dining options, iconic landmarks, enticing events, alluring attractions, vibrant nightlife and completely stunning Mediterranean coastlines. The Monte Carlo Casino is one of Monaco’s most famous institutions, while the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix is its most globally celebrated sporting event. Eminent attractions include the Exotic Gardens, which overlook the Mediterranean Sea, the opulent Prince’s Palace, the fascinating Oceanographic Museum, the famed Café de Paris and the world-renowned Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.

The Mediterranean archipelago of Malta took third spot in the rankings, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. From exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valletta with its Baroque architecture, forts, and churches to relaxing on the pristine beaches and diving in the crystal-clear waters, Malta has something for everyone. Water sports abound here and Malta is consistently voted one of the world’s best diving destinations, boasting an incredible array of underwater reefs, caves and shipwrecks. The local cuisine is a delectable fusion of Mediterranean flavors, influenced by Italian, Arabic and British culinary traditions, and the islands are renowned for their prime seafood and wines.