THERE are hundreds of cities across Europe – but this one in Spain has been named the best place to visit this year.
European Best Destinations has announced the ‘best places to travel in Europe 2026’.
This ranking was made from the votes of travellers from 154 countries, highlighting the most “captivating places”.
Madrid claimed top spot with the publications said it’s “one of Europe’s most compelling capitals — where culture, lifestyle, gastronomy and quality of life converge with rare intensity”.
Madrid is a hit with Sun Travel too. Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey even called it her “new favourite Spanish destination“.
She praises it for its liveability along with its food and drink scene.
Kara revealed some of her favourite spots too, she said: “At Pez, the only thing on the menu is huge sloppy pieces of tortilla chased with a cana (small beer) or tinto de verano for €2.50.
“My favourite rooftop bar is El Cielo de Montera, which felt more like a swanky rooftop members club.
“The pool is reserved for hotel guests, but its the best place for an Aperol Spritz and views of the city (costs €10 but it gets taken off bill).”
One highly-rated drinking spot is the Sky Bar terrace at the top of the Hotel Riu Plaza Espana.
It has 360-degree views of the city which visitors can enjoy with classy cocktails.
Or check out Calle 365 Discoteca, a stylish nightspot with dancing, delicious food trucks, cocktails and beers from just £2.50.
For live music head to Sala Equi which is a former adult-movie theatre turned bar and music venue.
Madrid is the birthplace of tablao flamenco and there are often high-quality performances with tablaos (flamenco venues) in the city centre.
In the summertime Madrid has lively plazas, and long, grand, tree-lined boulevards full of shops.
Madrid’s largest public park is El Retiro Park it has over 15,000 trees and is described as a ‘green oasis in the heart of the city’.
If you fancy getting on the water, visitors can hire a €4 rowing boat to take in King Alfonso XII’s monument from the lake.
Other top spots include the Prado Museum which contains some of Europe’s finest art collections.
There’s free entry between 6pm and 8pm Monday to Saturday.
Madrid is also one of Europe‘s most walkable cities so it’s easy for exploring, but it’s also very easy to use the Metro.
The city has over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year – mild temperatures start in spring at around 18C.
In the height of summer, the city can reach highs of 32C.
In March, Brits can fly from London Stansted to Madrid with Ryanair from £15.
Here are the ‘best places to travel in Europe 2026’…
- Madrid, Spain
- Nicosia, Cyprus
- Stajerska Region, Slovenia
- Verona, Italy
- Paris, France
- Camara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal
- Alaçati, Turkey
- Burano, Italy
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Almeria, Andalusia
Plus, here’s the Spanish city closest to the UK that’s quieter than Barcelona is getting new TUI holidays.
And this Spanish city that’s rarely visited by Brits has been named top destination this year with new train routes and world-famous cider.