Thanks to the advent and spread of night trains and budget flights, practically the entirety of Europe is now at traveller's fingertips. Now, according to a new survey, Geneva can count itself among the likes of Malta and Monaco as one of the highest-rated European destinations for 2024.

Marbella named Europe's best destination for 2024

To create the top 20 of the "Best places to travel in Europe" list, European Best Destinations asked over one million travellers from 172 countries worldwide which was their favourite destination on the continent. Over 500 destinations were voted for by the public, from sun-kissed beaches and azure pure waters to city breaks and cultural escapes.

This year, the beach resort of Marbella, Spain, took the top spot, with the report calling it the “most beautiful, sunniest, and exclusive of European destinations.” Specifically, the area was praised for its five-star hotels, stunning Andalusian cuisine and the various possibilities to go shopping and golfing.

“Marbella has everything it needs to please any most demanding traveller. Once you get a taste of the gentle way of life in Marbella, you already know that you will come back,” the report noted. Rounding out the podium were the jet-set-packed glitz and glamour of Monaco and the storied beauty of the island of Malta.

Geneva one of the best destinations in Europe

Coming in with the fourth-largest number of votes was Geneva. Switzerland’s international city was praised for offering “an array of unforgettable experiences amid its unique setting”, with Lake Geneva combining with the nearby mountains and vineyards to produce unforgettable vistas.

Along with its access to nature, the city itself was also given accolades for the various historical sites and international institutions within its boundaries, namely the European headquarters of the United Nations at the Palais de Nations and the home of the museum and base of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Geneva was also given high praise for its lively ambience and swimming culture during the summer.

“Geneva is steeped in rich heritage, celebrated through its world-renowned watchmaking and a delectable chocolate tradition…The city consistently exceeds expectations, offering a magical experience in every season,” the report concluded.

10 best destinations in Europe in 2024

In all, here are the top 10 European destinations in 2024, as voted for by travellers:

1. Marbella, Spain
2. Monaco
3. Malta
4. Geneva, Switzerland
5. Batumi, Georgia
6. Riga, Latvia
7. Madeira, Portugal
8. Florence, Italy
9. London, United Kingdom
10. Reykjavik, Iceland

For more information about the study, and to see which destinations made the top 20, check out the official report.