The Best European Destination This Year

Portugal de Norte a Sul

The Best European Destination This Year

The Portuguese city is just behind Budapest, Hungary, by only three thousand votes,

More than half a million voted in their best European destinations for the tenth edition of the competition this year. Here is your ranking of the most modern European destinations of 2019.

Whether youre looking for a city break , a romantic getaway , a family or beach vacation , a cultural or gastronomic trip , alone or with friends , youll be spoiled for choice. Need more inspiration? Discover dozens of other themes , such as Europes most beautiful Christmas markets and beaches .

1. Budapest, Hungary

Thousands of people from around the world voted for Budapest as the best European destination for 2019 . Hungarys capital is number one on its travel list.

The scenery of the city is impressive, with a rich architectural and historical heritage: it offers an unrivaled combination of culture, flourishing the gastronomy and the advantages of the thermal waters and the world heritage sights. The Danube Pearl is not only the best European destination, it is also one of the most beautiful and safe cities in the world. Budapest offers the elegance of Paris , the architectural heritage of Vienna , the charm of the harbor , the gentle lifestyle of Stockholm .

Join Budapest lovers and book your flight , accommodation and top excursions in Budapest such as a Danube Cruise, a visit to Buda Castle or an alternative walking tour of Buda and Pest and enjoy your stay at the best destination in Europe! A word of advice: Your Instagram account is in danger of exploding if you share all the photos you are taking!

2. Braga, Portugal

Braga has been attracting travelers from all over the world for thousands of years. Braga (1 hour from Porto ) is sparkling, charming and full of life. The city offers the best of Portugal in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Stroll the shopping streets and marvel at the beauty of its Gothic cathedral. Take a romantic break in the Santa Barbara Garden or walk to the top of Bom Jesus do Monte . Even the sky does not seem to be a limit for Braga and its inhabitants. Whether you are a believer or not, Our Lady of Sameiro Shrine is incredibly beautiful and inspiring.

Shopaholic? No problem, Braga offers a unique experience with a mix of traditional stores, young designer stores and shopping malls. Want to move, dance, laugh and share unforgettable moments? Braga offers high quality events throughout the year. More? The biggest White Night in Europe takes place in Braga, with dozens of street concerts. Braga is made for lovers, adventurers, gourmets, history buffs and those looking for new trends and experiences. Open your eyes, beauty is all around you!

3. Monte Isola, Italy

Monte Isola is probably one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy . Located on Lake Iseo, just 2 hours from Milan , Monte Isola offers the best of Lombardy in a few square kilometers. This great mountain emerging in the middle of a beautiful lake is paradise on earth . Monte Isola has long banned cars and has been awarded the " European Destination of Excellence " by the European Commission for its commitment to sustainable tourism and maintaining local production.

Mount Isola seduces travelers from around the world; inspired great artists such as Christ, who chose the island for one of his most impressive artistic installations. Monte Isola seduces families, lovers, hikers , who wants to relax, feel authenticity, warmth and respect for nature . Discover local crafts, fishing nets, local produce such as salami, fish in oil, wild asparagus, extra virgin olive oil, sun-dried sardines, fresh tomatoes, arugula or mold and perches. Mount Isola is also a paradise for foodies . Like Franciacorta wines, it is seductive, brilliant and unmatched.

Book your tickets to plane to Milan and Bergamo, as well as their train tickets to Brescia, then take a train or bus to Iseo. Going to Mount Isola by boat noticed that Mount Isola is an island. There are day and night crossings. Book your accommodation at the best price and your best excursions in Lombardy .

4. Metz, France

If you want to discover one of Frances trendiest destinations, Metz is definitely the right place! The city attracts artists and travelers from all over the world. Young designers, investors, companies beginners , settled in Metz for years. Major cultural institutions such as the Pompidou Center and renowned creators like Philippe Starck have decided to launch their projects in the city.

Situated in north-eastern France and just 82 minutes by train from Paris , Metz is the perfect size city for a short break . Its combination of lively shopping streets and riverside walks makes it ideal for pedestrians, cyclists and people looking for fun and relaxation . Family-friendly parks and gardens are part of the citys lifestyle, as are the lively terraces, cafes and bars. Good quality food is easy to find. The Covered Market, pastry shops run by award-winning pastry chefs and many restaurants serve local and international delicacies for all budgets.

5. Poznan, Poland

Poland is one of the hottest tourist destinations not to be missed this year.  Do you like history, castles? PoznaÅ ??  It is made with its incredible Renaissance-style town hall, its huge medieval castle or the colorful facades of Stary Rynek (the old market square).

Do you like shopping and art? "Stary Browar" (Old Brewery) is one of the most beautiful shopping centers in the world, as well as being a business art center.  Is gastronomy your weakness? Discover hundreds of restaurants recommended by the most prestigious culinary guides. Need more? PoznaÅ ?? It is one of the  greenest cities in Poland,  which many cyclists and pedestrians enjoy mainly in summer. PoznaÅ ?? It also hosts  incredible events such  as "Ethno Port", one of the best music festivals in the world.

Looking for a romantic or family trip? We recommend the  PoznaÅ Christmas Market ?? among the most beautiful in Europe. Dont miss the  ice sculpture festival  , the only one of its kind in Europe.

6. Malaga, Spain

Forget Barcelona and Madrid this year and go to Malaga ! Stroll the alleys of the old historic center, fill your lungs with fresh sea air on the pier , shop in the navy or enjoy a cocktail on the terrace of a trendy bar. For a panoramic view of the city, take Grande-Roue or climb to the top of Gibralfaro Castle for a 360-degree view of one of Europes most beautiful cities. Pamper yourself with a day of excitement at " Caminito del Rey ", one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the province of Malaga. Finally, enjoy a moment of pure happiness in one of the Malaga magnificent hammams .

Malaga is a unique destination in Europe and a mix of modern and traditional. The city combines leisure, tourism, beach, food and shopping, along with business and extensive cultural offerings and world-renowned events.

7. Geneva, Switzerland

Ranked as one of the most popular destinations to visit in 2019.  Geneva  is amazing, sparkling and perfect for a city break, for lovers of shopping, culture and nature.

Geneva offers a smorgasbord of  unmissable experiences  in a unique natural environment. From the shores of the  largest lake  in Western Europe in just an hour, find yourself at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak on the continent. Feel like  skiing in the morning and shopping in the afternoon  ? No problems! Anything is possible here!

With its breathtaking views, Geneva will amaze time and time again! From the famous Jet dEau, water gushing 140 meters above Lake Geneva, to the picturesque countryside and vineyard paths  , enjoy the charm of its diverse and enchanting landscape.

Whether its a trip to the heart of the legendary birthplace of haute horlogerie, savoring the delights of dining in the  finest restaurants  or soaking up the buzz of the international quarter, Geneva has it all! Be sure to live a great experience in Geneva!

8. Cavtat, Croatia

Croatia  has to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world and  Cavtat  , located on the Adriatic coast, is a real gem. Breathtakingly splendid  , this small town is only 20 kilometers from  Dubrovnik  . Cavtat will seduce you with the beauty of its landscapes, but also the richness of its  cultural and historical heritage  … and its  gastronomy  !

Places like Cavtat offering both to visitors are quite rare. Its setting, rich cultural and historical heritage, along with the range of services offered to tourists, meet the demands of todays tourists, making it one of the  most attractive destinations on the Adriatic coast  .

Cavtat caters to all types of travelers. You can go hiking,  cycling, horse riding  or water sports. Cavtat is also the ideal choice for a  family holiday  to enjoy the sun or for  an  active holiday. Come recharge your batteries in Cavtat, one of  Europes most beautiful destinations  .

9. Bratislava, Slovakia

The capital of Slovakia should be on your travel list. Bratislava is a modern city on the Danube where secular history combines with an exciting gift. It is not only Bratislavas accessibility and proximity to other capitals that draw visitors to the Slovakian capital. If you are looking for a city break full of culture , exceptional cuisine, unique experiences and unique atmosphere, Bratislava is the place to be .

The dominant triangle - Bratislava Castle, the UFO tower and St Martins Cathedral - offers a combination of spectacular panoramic views of the city, wonderful culinary experiences, along with memories of the citys rich coronation history.

10. Sainte-Maxime, France

Sainte-Maxime  is one of your favorite destinations in Europe. It is a haven of peace,  a perfect destination for a vacation with family or lovers  . Located between  Provence and the French Riviera  , this destination is authentic, warm and welcoming.

Sainte-Maxime is known worldwide for the beauty of its landscapes,  turquoise waters  and endless beaches. It is popular with travelers from all over the world for its authentic Provencal soul. If you want to live new experiences, meet new people, discover new flavors, Sainte-Maxime is definitely the place for you.

Enjoy a delicious piece of bread topped with local extra virgin olive oil and a glass of rosé on a sunny terrace. Sainte-Maxime offers the best of Provence, the French Riviera and  even some Corsican landscapes  with "La Pointe des Sardinaux", a must see place known as "Little Corsica".

Want to keep memories for a lifetime? Go parasailing (what a feeling, what a view from the red rocks of Esterel!) End the day with a game of  petanque  , the ultimate Provencal sport, relax, chat, laugh, make friends… Sainte-Maxime is one of a kind, all for you.

11. Dinant, Belgium

The Dinant  is becoming  the queen of Instagram  , one of the  trendiest destinations  of  Europe  . This charming city in southern Belgium has nothing to envy other Belgian tourist destinations, such as the sublime city of  Bruges  or the vibrant and vibrant city of  Antwerp  .

Once you arrive at Dinant,  the panorama will captivate you  : the Meuse River and the rocks frame this beautiful postcard. Visit the high school church, reach the top of Dinant by funicular and discover  the Citadel  , a fortress that offers magnificent views of the Meuse River and one of Europes most beautiful valleys. Enjoy mussels and chips in Croisette and dont miss the "  Leffe Blonde  ". This famous beer is actually brewed here by the monks of Our Lady of Leffe Abbey, a few hundred meters from Dinant.

Dinant is also  a city of adventure, cuisine and history  . Visit the home of saxophone inventor  Adolphe Saxe,  who was born here and will realize how much Dinant influenced the history of music and jazz. For a complete experience, walk in the door of a bakery and buy a  "Couque de Dinant"  . This amazing honey cookie is as hard as wood and wont fit in any cup of coffee, but its flavor is unmatched! These cookies represent emblematic places of the city or motifs such as wild boars, fish, flowers, landscapes ... Strong bet you will  not be able to finish the cookie until the end of your city in Dinant! Speaking of gambling, Dinant also has a new casino. Either way, dont forget to make the city richer with lovely memories. In summer, pamper yourself with frissons on your back with a kayak trip along the river Lesse and marvel at the magnificent view of Walzin Castle as you descend one of Belgiums most beautiful rivers.

12. Athens, Greece

Sun, gastronomy, culture, nightlife, monuments, the sea, a blue sky… Welcome to  Athens,  one of the best destinations in Europe! Athens is in the top 15 destinations every year and year-round attracts European travelers looking for its roots, but also travelers from around the world.

The city is historic and is the cradle of European philosophy. Athens is rich in history and focused on modernity and the cultural and economic issues of the future. Travelers love its architecture, the Plaka district,  monuments, food, trendy shops,  but also its nightlife; Its proximity to the sea (15 minutes from downtown) makes it very attractive as well. A city of paradoxes and great contrasts, in the  country that first invented courtesy  and generosity to people far away from home.

Most travelers appreciate  the inhabitants of Athens  who share their gastronomic and tourist treasures heart-on-hand.

13. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is definitely  Europes hottest destination  . Kotor is authentic, charming, breathtaking. The city is perfect for a relaxing stay,  for gourmets, for lovers,  but also for fans of  hiking, history, culture  .

Kotor is the perfect destination for people seeking  authenticity and new experiences  . Visit the fortifications of the Old Town, hike to the tops of Kotor or explore  Kotor Bay  "Boka Kotorska",  one of Europes most beautiful bays  .

Kotor is a great vacation choice for those unable to decide whether they want to spend active or relaxing holidays or discover heritage, culture and history, family holidays or a romantic getaway. Kotor is suitable for everyone  . This year, forget the big cities and relax in Kotor, one of Europes most beautiful destinations.

Book your  best-priced flights  and  accommodations as well as your  Kotor tours and activities  , such as a boat trip to discover "Our Lady of the Rocks" and swim in the Blue Cave.

14. Riga, Latvia

More elegant than ever,  Riga  is on its travel list again this year. Riga is a perfect destination to discover new horizons. Riga offers an   unprecedented  mix of architecture, history, modernity, modern cafes and restaurants  , shopping streets offering traditional products and products from local designers.

Riga is a warm and dynamic city,  a colorful and sparkling destination  . This is the city you have to visit this year if you want to  go crazy on Instagram  . Riga is also a perfect city for gourmets or architecture enthusiasts. Its old historic center is full of traditional restaurants or  fusion cuisine  .

Riga is perfect for  lovers, friends, singles, history buffs  or just for people who want to relax and feel good. Riga is cut for spa treatments and beauty procedures and you can do this at the center. When in Riga, a traditional Latvian bath is a must!

15. Florence, Italy

Florence  is unmatched: its beauty, light and atmosphere will seduce everyone. Florence has for centuries inspired the greatest artists who revolutionized the art world. The city saw the birth of the greatest masterpieces ever produced by mankind. Its architecture is immensely rich and  its museums, sculptures and paintings are known worldwide  .

Florence is  a city with roots and wings  , a city that is at the forefront of sustainable development and creation. Florence is also very concerned about the future, the environment and key issues related to social and environmental change.

Discover Florence, its green hills and the incredible views they offer. The wealthier families, such as the Medici, made Florence  the world capital of art  and left the city as an invaluable legacy. These treasures await in one of the best destinations in Europe.