Madrid has been named Europe’s top travel destination

Spain’s capital has taken first place in the European Best Destinations 2026 ranking, becoming Europe’s most attractive tourist city following an international public vote. Madrid received 127,438 votes, and more than 1.3 million people from 153 countries took part overall.

The competition is organised by European Best Destinations, a Brussels-based organisation. The ranking takes into account cultural heritage, urban development, architecture and the quality of green spaces. To select the finalists, organisers used statistical analysis of Eurostat data, alongside an assessment of search trends, social media trends and the international profile of the cities. In the final vote, only registered participants worldwide could take part, and they were not allowed to vote for their country of origin.

According to the organisers, Madrid combines major art museums (the Prado, the Reina Sofía Art Centre and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum), modern gastronomy, and newly built public spaces.

“What also sets Madrid apart is its remarkable balance — sophisticated yet accessible, buzzing yet comfortable to live in. The city has expanded its green areas, prioritised pedestrian zones and developed one of Europe’s most efficient public transport systems, reaffirming its long-term commitment to sustainability and quality of urban life. Visitors experience a capital that pulses with energy while keeping a human scale and authenticity,” the ranking notes.

Full list of destinations in the European Best Destinations 2026 ranking

1. Madrid, Spain

2. Nicosia, Cyprus

3. Styria region, Slovenia

4. Verona, Italy

5. Paris, France

6. Câmara de Lobos, Madeira (Portugal)

7. Alaçatı, Turkey

8. Burano, Italy

9. Lisbon, Portugal

10. Almería, Spain

11. Stavanger, Norway

12. Costa Vicentina, Portugal

13. Ano Koufonisi, Greece

14. Begur, Spain

15. Cefalù, Sicily (Italy)

16. Avlemonas, Kythira Island (Greece)

17. Bosa, Sardinia (Italy)

18. Ravello, Italy

19. Procida Island, Italy

20. Taormina, Sicily (Italy)