1 trendy destinations have just competed for the prestigious title of Best European Destination 2018. After a three weeks’ period of online voting for European Best Destinations, Wroclaw was elected Best European Destination 2018 and won this prestigious title!
Bilbao, Colmar, Hvar, Riga, Milan, Athens, Budapest, Lisbon and Bohinj are also among your favourite destinations for a holiday or city-trip.
1. Wroclaw
Poland
You will be seduced by the incredible charm of Wroclaw, the Market Square “Rynek”, its two Town Halls, the Salt Market Square, the Flower Market, the beautiful University, the covered market, the fine architecture of the Centeniall Hall, the botanical garden.
You fancy a good lunch ? Have a break at “Piwnica Świdnicka”: it is the oldest restaurant in the world! Walk around in “Ostrów Tumski”, the oldest part of Wroclaw and fall under the spell of the historical city.
Take a closer look and watch carefully : Wroclaw is dotted with emblematic dwarves. They are all different! Try to find them all: there are 350 of them in the city and there are new ones every year!
Do not miss the opportunity to discover the best of Wroclaw, its inhabitants! They are warm and friendly and will share their love for their city and its hidden gems.
2. Bilbao
Spain
Bilbao, like Porto and Bordeaux, (awarded best destinations in Europe in 2015 and 2017), is linked to the River and the sea. The gastronomy is fine and the wines delicate.
Make the most of your stay in Bilbao and discover its main museums such as the Guggenheim or The Bilbao Fine Arts museum and beautiful landscapes as the Rioja wine region. For lovers of sustainable tourism we recommend the County of Goeirri with its local “Idiazabal cheese”.
Bilbao is also surrounded by charming medieval towns like Balmaseda and Orduna. Do not miss the Basque coast, it is only 30 minutes away from the centre.
3. Colmar
France
Some who have had the chance to visit it, know the “Petite Venise”, the “Quai des Poissoniers”, the neighbourhood of tanners, its architecture, gastronomy and charming hotels. Colmar is perfect for young and old and the Alsace region is one of the most beautiful regions in Europe.
Come discover Colmar, its Toy museum, the Unterlinden Museum with works of art from the 12th to the 16th century or The Bartholdi Museum. Did you know that the famous creator of the Statue of Liberty was born in Colmar? This can be another reason for discovering this beautiful destination, chosen among your favourite ones in Europe!
4. Hvar, Croatia
Hvar is probably the most beautiful island in Europe. Famous people, crowned heads, artists and travellers from all over the world love it and voted overwhelmingly for this destination that combines quality of life, sumptuous landscapes, crystal clear waters, sun, gastronomy and cultural heritage.
Croatia is a dream destination with cities like Zadar, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Opatija, Split and Rovinj and dream beaches like the Zlatni Rat beach a few kilometres away from Hvar or Stiniva beach on the island of Vis.
Among the thousands of islands in the country we advise you to discover Hvar and its many treasures such as the fortress of Hvar and the Franciscan monastery. For lovers of crystal clear waters, enjoy a catamaran tour and discover the blue cave. If you prefer gastronomy you will not be disappointed and will enjoy sumptuous local wines and seasonal local products. Nature lovers will love walking along the lavender fields in the village of Brusje, on the hills of Stari Grad.
5. Riga
Latvia
Come discover superb Baroque, Renaissance, Art Deco, Romanesque and romantic buildings. Riga is at the heart of new trends.
6. Milan
Italy
You can go for a drink in the Navigli area in the evening and discover the beautiful canals of Milan, nice and affordable restaurants or enjoy an evening at the famous La Scala Theater. Stroll around, ask your way, meet the inhabitants, look up and discover an incredible architecture, you will love this city which, undoubtedly could have won the competition.
7. Athens
Greece
The city is historic and is the cradle of European philosophy. Athens is both steeped in history and focused on modernity and tomorrow’s cultural and economic issues. Travellers love its architecture, the district of Plaka, monuments, gastronomy, trendy shops but also its nightlife, its proximity to the sea (15 minutes away from downtown) makes it very attractive too.
Most travellers appreciate the inhabitants of Athens who share, heart on hand, their gastronomical and touristic treasures.
8. Budapest
Hungary
Those who want to treat themselves with a getaway in a city choose Budapest. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a city where the most famous monuments meet such as Buda Castle, The Parliament, The Chain Bridge, Margaret Island, The Spas of Budapest, and an endless list of beautiful alleys and facades, atypical shops or bars, churches, parks.
9. Lisbon
Portugal
Portugal today welcomes a bigger number of travellers than the number of its inhabitants and it is no coincidence: the whole country is dotted with sublime landscapes, incredible cities, dazzling architecture, sumptuous monuments, palaces, castles, medieval villages, sandy beaches, surf beaches, beaches dedicated to idleness… Lisbon, the capital, welcomes lots of travellers every year who come to discover a city with a soul, a city to be discovered on foot or by eletrico.
Lisbon has been a major destination in Europe for many years and was the first city to be awarded “European Best Destination” in 2010. Lisbon is a destination that travellers discover or keep on discovering; it is and will remain a superb getaway for those who have had a crush for Portugal.
Lisbon is surrounded by tourist jewels like Sintra, Estoril, Cascais but also the natural park of Arrabida and it is only two hours by train from the lovely city of Porto.
10. Bohinj
Slovenia
Bohinj is ranked among the best European destinations to discover this year. You are more and more numerous to discover Slovenia, every year the country evokes nature, forest, lakes, authenticity, outdoor activities and encourages you to recharge your batteries, disconnecting from routine.
This year again you have decided to place a sustainable tourism destination in your ranking of the best destinations in Europe. Bohinj is awarded by the European Commission for the quality of its tourist offer and respect for nature and its sustainable tourism. It is an emblematic destination of the EDEN network that gathers the most beautiful destinations of sustainable tourism in Europe.
Enjoy the quietness of nature and the everchanging landscapes. Clouds are above you sometimes and sometimes you are above them.
Enjoy the International Festival of Wildflowers, the Savica Waterfall, (78 meters high), taste local products and enjoy the beauty of the Julian alps. Come discover this destination which has just been selected by travellers from around the world as one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.
