Madrid is crowned Europe’s best destination for 2026

Madrid Crowned Europe's Premier Destination for 2026

Madrid has officially been recognised as the leading travel destination in Europe for 2026, a prestigious accolade bestowed by European Best Destinations. This annual ranking, established in 2009, assesses cities across the continent based on a rigorous selection process that combines data analysis with traveller feedback.

Following an initial screening that evaluated factors such as tourism growth and search interest, a shortlist of 42 destinations was presented to travellers worldwide. These travellers then cast their votes to determine the top 20 places they most eagerly anticipate visiting in the coming year. European Best Destinations highlighted Madrid’s unique appeal, stating, "Madrid stands out as a capital where heritage and modernity coexist effortlessly: world-class museums, dynamic neighbourhoods, green spaces, bold architecture, a thriving food scene and an unmistakable joy of living that resonates deeply with today’s travellers."

A Year of Unmissable Events and Experiences in Madrid

Madrid's designation as Europe's top destination for 2026 is bolstered by an exciting lineup of events and attractions poised to draw visitors from across the globe. The city is set to become a hub for music lovers, with a series of high-profile concerts scheduled throughout the year.

• Music Tourism in Full Swing:
  • In April, Spanish superstar Rosalía will grace the Movistar Arena for four nights as part of her LUX TOUR 2026.
  • Following Rosalía's performances, the arena will host acclaimed artists such as Tame Impala, Louis Tomlinson, and Ne-Yo.
  • Towards the end of May and into early June, Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny, who recently captivated audiences at the NFL Super Bowl half-time show, is slated for an impressive 10-night residency at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.
  • Later in June, South Korean supergroup BTS will perform in Madrid as part of their highly anticipated first world tour since their return from military service.
  • Other major musical acts gracing Madrid's stages in 2026 include Linkin Park, Bruno Mars, My Chemical Romance, and The Weeknd.

• The Thrill of Formula 1:

  • Beyond the concert halls, Madrid is also gearing up to host the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix this September.
  • Construction is currently underway on the Madring, a purpose-built street circuit designed around the IFEMA Exhibition Centre.
  • This new venue will take over the Grand Prix hosting duties, with the current host, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, set to host the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in alternate years from 2028. The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps will occupy the 2027 slot.

• A Culinary Paradise:

  • For gastronomes, Madrid boasts an impressive culinary landscape, featuring 31 Michelin-starred restaurants.
  • The 2026 list sees two exciting new additions: Ramón Freixa Atelier, which has earned two stars, and EMi, awarded one star.
  • Ramón Freixa Atelier, recognised for its excellence just five months after opening, offers an intimate fine-dining experience for just 10 guests, focusing on tasting menus.
  • EMi marks the debut solo venture of Chef Rubén Hernández Mosquero. Its menu draws inspiration from New Nordic Cuisine, masterfully incorporating Japanese and Korean culinary techniques.

• Cultural Enrichment:

  • The city's cultural offerings are set to expand with the programme at Espacio Mistral, a new venue dedicated to theatre, music, dance, cinema, and the spoken word, which opened its doors last October.
  • The 2026 programme promises a diverse array of theatrical productions, operatic performances, and vibrant festivals, complemented by film screenings featuring insightful talks from directors and actors.

Italy Shines in the Top 20 European Destinations

While Madrid takes the top spot, Italy has made a significant impression on the European Best Destinations list, with a remarkable seven of its locations securing a place within the top 20 for 2026. Nicosia, Cyprus, previously named the best cultural destination on the continent, secured a commendable second place overall.

• Italy's Dominance:

  • Verona, famously known as the city of love, ranked fourth, followed by the picturesque island of Burano in eighth place.
  • Sicily's charming coastal town of Cefalù claimed the 15th position.
  • Rounding out Italy's strong showing are four more destinations in the top 20: Bosa in Sardinia, Ravello on the stunning Amalfi Coast, the enchanting Procida Island off the coast of Naples, and Taormina, which gained international recognition as the filming location for the second season of The White Lotus.

• Other Notable Countries:

  • Spain also features prominently, with Almería and Begur securing 10th and 14th places respectively.
  • Portugal is well-represented with Madeira’s Câmara de Lobos in sixth, Lisbon in ninth, and the rugged beauty of the Costa Vicentina in 12th.
  • Greece is acknowledged with Ano Koufonissi at 13th and Avlemonas at 16th.
  • Other distinguished destinations on the list include Paris (fifth), Alaçatı in Turkey (seventh), and Stavanger in Norway (11th).

• Slovenia's Štajerska Region:

  • The Štajerska Region in Slovenia secured third place. This region has previously been recognised for its viticultural excellence, with its largest city, Maribor, being named the Best Wine Capital by European Best Destinations. Nearby Ptuj also received the honour of Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe.

The Methodology Behind the Ranking

The European Best Destinations ranking is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process. The organisation monitors close to 500 cities, towns, and regions, analysing a wide range of data. This includes:

• Tourism Metrics: International arrivals, overnight stays, and growth rates.
• Online Interest: Search demand on major search engines.
• Media and Social Presence: International media visibility and growth on social media platforms.

This data analysis allows European Best Destinations to identify 42 locations demonstrating the "strongest momentum" for the upcoming year. These shortlisted destinations are then put to a public vote. The voting pool consists of individuals from the platform’s database who have a keen interest in European travel. Voters are presented with an overview and images of each destination and are permitted to cast up to three votes, with the restriction that they cannot vote for a destination within their own country. In total, 1.3 million votes were cast in the latest survey, contributing to the selection of Madrid as the premier European destination for 2026.