A new ranking from European Best Destinations (EBD) has named Ascona as one of the best places to visit in Europe this year. The stunning spa town on the banks of Lake Maggiore was joined by the likes of Dubrovnik and Monaco at the top of the order.

Ticino spa town named one of Europe's top destinations

Based on the votes of 1,2 million travellers from 158 countries around the world, Ascona was rated as the 16th best destination to visit in Europe for 2025, beating out 480 other locations to make it into the top 20. This year, the top spot was won by Monaco, with EBD praising the principality for its luxurious hotels and year-round attractiveness as a place to visit.

The Latvian capital Riga took second place for 2025, with the so-called “Paris of the North” given accolades for its lively arts, culture and nightlife scene. The stunning walls and old town of Dubrovnik completed the podium, with Madrid, Namur and Amsterdam rounding out the top six.

Ascona the "jewel" of the Swiss Riviera

In their review, EBD said that Ascona is the “jewel of the Swiss Riviera…Known for its elegant ambience, Mediterranean flair, and stunning natural surroundings”. The colourful lakeside promenade and cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter were noted as particular highlights. The surrounding mountains and forests of Italian-speaking Switzerland make it a great destination to visit during all seasons.

In terms of who should visit, they argued that the town is best for romantic getaways, hiking trips and those who want to take advantage of the many fine restaurants in the area. The lakeside five-star Hotel Eden Roc was the EBD’s top pick for accommodation. However, visitors from abroad shouldn’t take its advice and fly into Lugano Airport, which hasn’t had a scheduled service since September 2019. Instead, flying into Zurich or Milan and taking the train remains the best option.

10 best destinations to visit in Europe

In all, here are the 10 best destinations to visit in Europe for 2025, according to the EBD.

1. Monaco
2. Riga, Latvia
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
4. Madrid, Spain
5. Namur, Belgium
6. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
7. Olhao, Portugal
8. Mlijet Island, Croatia
9. Lisbon, Portugal
10. Antipaxos, Greece

To find out more about the other destinations in the top 20, check out the EBD website.