After a year without results – in 2025 Monaco won and Italy remained outside the top 20 – Italian destinations return to excel in the ranking most awaited by European travellers. With seven locations among the top twenty, the Bel Paese takes back the international scene in what is, to all intents and purposes, the most democratic ranking in European tourism: over 1.3 million votes expressed by travelers from 154 different countries. Here’s who convinced the most.
Madrid
Madrid wins first place with over 127,000 votes, confirming itself as one of the most loved and dynamic capitals in Europe. Art, gastronomy, nightlife and a rare ability to continuously reinvent itself without losing its identity make it the absolute destination of 2026.
Nicosia
Nicosa, the capital of Cyprus, takes second place, bringing to the ranking a fascinating mix of Mediterranean cultures, thousand-year-old history and a “less obvious” capital atmosphere that more and more travelers are looking for as an alternative to the more popular routes.
Region of Slovenian Styria
The Region of Slovenian Styria climbs to the third step of the podium, symbol of tourism increasingly oriented towards nature and sustainability. Between historic castles, emerging wines and landscapes to explore on foot or by bike, it represents one of the fastest growing destination profiles in Europe.
Verona
Verona brings Italy to fourth place, establishing itself as one of the most romantic and complete art cities on the continent. The Arena, the alleys of the historic center, the legend of Romeo and Juliet and a top-level food and wine offer make it perfect in every season.
Paris
Paris resists and confirms itself in fifth place, demonstrating that certain destinations never go out of fashion. Despite competition from emerging destinations, the French capital continues to attract millions of travelers with its inexhaustible capacity to offer culture, beauty and style.
Chamber of Lobos
Câmara de Lobos, on the island of Madeira, enters the ranking in sixth place as one of the most picturesque fishing villages in the Atlantic. With its white houses overlooking the ocean, dramatic cliffs and a timeless atmosphere, it is the ideal choice for those who want the island effect without straying too far from Europe.
Alaçati
Alaçati, in Turkey, takes seventh place thanks to its naturally windy bay, which makes it one of the favorite destinations for windsurfers from all over the world, as well as a village with Ottoman charm with stone alleys, bougainvillea flowers and excellent Aegean cuisine.
Burano
Burano brings the Venetian lagoon to eighth place in the rankings. The brightly colored houses, the silent canals, the lace tradition and the fish trattorias make it one of the most photographed and loved places in Italy, perfect for those seeking slowness and beauty in equal measure.
Lisbon
Lisbon comes in ninth place, confirming that the great historic capitals withstand the impact of time and fashion very well. With its trams, miradouros, Alfama and an increasingly vibrant cultural and gastronomic scene, the Portuguese capital continues to be one of the most complete urban experiences in Europe.
Almeria
Almería, Andalusia, comes in at number 10 as one of Spain’s least obvious and most surprising destinations. Intense light, uncrowded coasts, a desert hinterland unique in Europe and authentic Mediterranean cuisine make it perfect for those who want to discover a different Spain.
Stavanger
Stavanger, Norway, takes eleventh place as the privileged gateway to the most spectacular Nordic fjords and landscapes. It is the ideal base for those seeking “large” nature, trekking at high altitude and the absolute silence of the Scandinavian landscapes.
Vicenza Coast
The Portuguese Vicenza Coast ranks twelfth, representing one of the most pristine stretches of Atlantic coast in Europe. High waves, dunes, cliffs and nature trails make it the choice of choice for those looking for a Portugal away from the crowds and in close contact with nature.
Ano Koufonissi
Ano Koufonissi, a small island in the Greek Cyclades, enters in thirteenth place, bringing to the ranking the discreet charm of a still authentic island, with crystal clear waters, taverns on the port and rhythms that seem to have stopped a few decades ago.
Begur
Begur, on the Catalan Costa Brava, ranks fourteenth as one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Spain. Hidden coves, a well-kept historic center and a relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect destination for those who want a beautiful sea without giving up culture.
Cefalù
Cefalù comes in fifteenth place representing one of the most beautiful postcards of Sicily. The Norman Cathedral, a UNESCO heritage site, the Fortress with its breathtaking view of the Mediterranean and the long sandy beach make it a complete destination for every type of traveller.
Avlemonas
Avlemonas, on the island of Kythira, takes sixteenth place as one of the most secret seaside villages in Greece. Far from the busiest circuits, Kythera offers rare authenticity, rugged landscapes and a history intertwined with ancient myths.
Bosa
Bosa brings Sardinia to seventeenth place with its colorful houses that climb towards the Serravalle Castle, overlooking the Temo river. A medieval village on a human scale, with the sea just a few kilometers away and an afternoon light that seems painted.
Ravello
Ravello ranks eighteenth, confirming the timeless charm of the Amalfi Coast. The historic villas with their gardens suspended over the sea – Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone above all – the classical music concerts and the most famous panoramas in Italy make it a destination of rare elegance.
Procida
Procida, in nineteenth place, is the smallest of the islands in the Gulf of Naples and perhaps the most authentic. Already Italian Capital of Culture in 2022, with its colorful alleys, fishing ports and the absence of mass tourism, it represents the perfect antidote to overtourism.
Taormina
Taormina closes the ranking in twentieth place with all the scenic strength of eastern Sicily. The Ancient Theater with Etna in the background, the boutiques of Corso Umberto, the panoramic terraces overlooking the Ionian Sea and the proximity to Isola Bella make it one of the most iconic destinations in the Mediterranean.
