Are you still planning where to travel this year? The Top 10 most voted European destinations below can give you some idea at finding your dream destination for 2017. 20 selected destinations have just competed for the prestigious title of Best European Destination 2017. Participants from Tourism Offices, community managers and the 426,859 voters selected top travel destinations in Europe for 2017. Here are the 10 most popular European holiday destinations for 2017
The results announced by European Best Destinations, a European organisation based in Brussels.
1. Porto, Portugal
Travelers from the USA, the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, South-Africa, South Korea, Ireland and Canada, among others,... voted Porto in the first place in this competition.
Porto has all the charm of towns which happily cohabit with their river. You can stroll along the River Douro (river of gold) in Cais da Ribeira, fly over it by helicopter or discover Porto's architecture, its amazing landscapes and magnificent bridges by taking a cruise on this majestic river. Porto is also a sea city and in the briefest of time a tram will bring you to Foz do Douro’s gentle beaches face to face with the Atlantic. Hotels in Porto
2. Milan, Italy
Milan has been interesting and vibrant at least since it was the capital of the western half of the Roman Empire. Have a look at the imposing marble Duomo, at our churches, palaces and museums. You will also be delighted by contemporary art and architecture.
The internationally renowned city has an extremely positive image in all corners of the world and attracts a large number of travelers, making it a leading destination. Milan is particularly appreciated by Swiss and American travelers. Hotels in Milan
3. Gdansk, Poland
Its unique location and over a thousand years’ history shape Gdansk’s expressive and distinctive character and give it strong and implicit recognition among European cities. Nonetheless, the city holds an abundance of mysteries; it has got its own spirit which makes it impossible to mistake Gdansk for any other place.
This is Gdansk's first participation in this European competition and it has reached the top 3 of your best European destinations. Hotels in Gdansk
4. Athens, Greece
Travelers have always ranked Athens at the top of this European competition. It is a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world who want to discover Europe. Ever since its participation in this competition, Athens has ranked among the 5 favorite destinations of travelers worldwide.
From the iconic Acropolis, rising above the city, to charming up and coming neighborhoods and contemporary art galleries, the city of Classic Marathon and Olympic Games is a majestically quirky clash of past and present. Hotels in Athens
5. San Sebastian, Spain
With a very important cultural identity, breathtaking scenery, world-renowned gastronomy and important business tourism, San Sebastian is one of the trendiest destinations of 2017. Hotels in San Sebastian
6. Sozopol, Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an increasingly popular country for travelers all over the world. Between cities and nature, tradition and modernity, mountains and sea, it offers a great diversity of landscapes and tourist opportunities. The city of Sozopol has harvested on social networks the highest number of positive comments from foreign travelers, amazed by the beauty of this seaside resort.
Sozopol is also the oldest town in Bulgaria. It has been established in 610 BC as a Hellenic colony of Miletus Greeks named Apollonia Pontica. The urban structure has been built during the centuries and reveals the stages of development of the human civilization, bears the marks of inherited cultural layers and continuity and turns Sozopol into a real museum town. Hotels in Sozopol
7. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is undoubtedly one of the favorite destinations of European travelers. Ever since the beginning of this competition, Vienna has been in the top ten. The City enjoys a great reputation internationally; it is the second most popular destination for travelers from Germany, the third best destination for voters from the US and the third most favored European destination by voters from Japan. Hotels in Vienna
8. Stari Grad, Croatia
This beautiful destination on the island of Hvar in Croatia seduces every year more and more travelers from all over the world. The Austrians place it in 4th position of their favorite destinations in Europe, just behind Athens and ahead of Porto.
This year, Stari Grad on the island of Hvar marks an exceptional anniversary – 2,400 years of the city foundation and of the equally long tradition of urban living on the sunniest island in the Adriatic. The heritage preserved since the Age of Antiquity has been recognized by the UNESCO which in 2008 inscribed the Stari Grad Plain on the World Heritage List due to its preserved Greek land division and the continuity of life and agriculture in this place. Hotels in Stari Grad
9. Basel, Switzerland
Basel is situated in the heart of Europe, bordering Germany and France. A combination of authentic Swiss quality and a multicultural population make this city unmistakably cosmopolitan and innovative.
Due to its density of museums, Basel is further considered as the cultural capital of Switzerland. The city boasts 40 museums on a relatively small area. With various subjects and world-renowned special exhibitions, there is something for every taste. Furthermore, Basel is the home of Art Basel, the most important contemporary art fair in the world.
This was the city's first participation in this competition and the travelers' votes have placed it in the top 10.. Basel is even ranked in 7th position by German travelers and together with Rome, is placed in 4th position by Chinese travelers. Hotels in Basel
10. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is an open-minded city where culture and entertainment share a thriving space. The Spanish capital makes everyone feel right at home while providing them with some of the world’s most interesting tourist attractions.
The Spanish capital still has tremendous appeal for travelers from all over the world who still give it a good position in this European ranking. Madrid is also the 9th favorite destination for travelers from the USA.
Madrid is one of the world’s liveliest, most entertaining and vibrant cities during the day, but even more so at night. The Spanish capital does not only offer art, shopping, nightlife and excellent gastronomy but it also presents both visitors and locals with all imaginable options for leisure. Hotels in Madrid
