Top 10 of the best 2024 European travel destinations

Written by: Matilde Napoli
Translation: S. Castlemilk
Date: July 2024 

The so-called Old Continent has many treasures for tourists to discover. From the Mediterranean shores to the Alps Mountains, from the Art life of its charming cities to the wild sceneries of the northern regions, the list goes on and on… 
Ready to be amazed during your 2024 holidays in Europe? Forbes 2024 ranking of the best places to visit in Europe, has inspired us to share our holiday ideas, helping you choose your next European travel destination: 

The 2024 Top 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe 

1. Under the sun in Marbella
2. Monaco: the Prince’s Rock
3. Malta: the Knights’ Island
4. Geneva: the Guardian of Time and Chocolate
5. Batumi: the best kept secret in Europe
6. Riga: the European capital of Art nouveau
7. Madeira: a Hiker’s paradise
8. Florence: full immersion in Renaissance art
9. London: where anything is possible
10. Reykjavik: the smoky bay
11. Do you need Schengen insurance to travel to Europe?

1. Jet setting in Marbella

An international celebrity fav’, Marbella is one of the most glamorous Spanish destinations. Some, like Eva Longoria and her Villa Marusha, have even chosen the area to shelter their seasonal abode. 
In the Fifties, this modest fishing harbour became a trendy beach resort attracting international jet set. Today, yachts and sumptuous sailing boats have replaced humble fishing boats. 
Marbella is also the most festive location on the Costa del Sol. All summer, the best-known DJs take over clubs and beach bars, setting the mood for dancing and fiesta. 
At the foot of the Sierra Blanca, Marbella is also renowned for its beaches. Stretching over 27 km, seven have been awarded a Blue Flag granted to European beaches on criteria such as quality of water, clean shores and safety. 
Take a stroll on the Golden Mile to see and be seen. Along the 5 kilometres from Puerto Banus to Piruli, you will discover the most prestigious hotels, Michelin star restaurants and trendy shops. 

Did you know? 
A project for a new train line is being examined. Passing through the Guadalhorce Valley, it would connect Marbella to Malaga. It would allow tourists to discover the other Andalusian treasures of the region and to use a more sustainable means of transportation. 

To find out more: Andalucia tourism website 

Don’t forget your Schengen visa to visit Spain!

2. Monaco: A Prince’s holiday

The tiny principality, also known as the Rock, reigns over the Mediterranean Sea, nestled between the French and the Italian Riviera. The second smallest state in the World (after Vatican City) is ruled by the Grimaldi family and its atmosphere is sweet and pleasant all year long. 
The Prince’s Palace will transport you into the realm of princes and other royalties. In the Botanic Garden all your senses will be enhanced when you discover the 900 different sorts of plants that blossom there. (The Exotic garden is closed for renovation but is scheduled to reopen in 2024; its Botanic Centre, however, remains open). 
Set sail with both feet still on dry land! At the Oceanographic Museum, you can observe 6,000 marine species frolicking in 90 pools. 
Experience the Belle Epoque atmosphere at the Hotel Hermitage and at the Monte Carlo-Casino where you can try your luck in the light of crystal chandeliers and under impressive vaulted ceilings. 
Last but not least, time to eat or more likely to feast! No less than seven Michelin-star restaurants have chosen the Principality as their place of residence. Dress up and enjoy a gourmet meal! 

Did you know? Gambling is illegal for Monegasques. Since 1987, Monaco citizens as well as the Grimaldi family are forbidden to play or even enter the Monte-Carlo Casino. 

Useful information: Monaco is not part of the Schengen area but is covered by our three AXA Schengen insurance options as are the other European microstates: San Marino, Vatican City and Andorra.

3. Malta: Island of the Knights

Off the Sicilian and Tunisian coasts, the island of Malta has been inhabited by different peoples and civilisations: the Arabs, the British, the Venetians, the Crusaders…all for the greatest pleasure of the tourists who can now enjoy this rich history! La Valette and Mdina will please Art lovers with their magnificent palaces where the influence of the powerful Knights of the Order of Malta is still present. 
Don’t be fooled by the severe façade of the co-cathedral Saint Jean de la Valette! Once inside, you will be amazed by the baroque designs. Take your time to admire two paintings of Caravaggio, the great Italian painter who took shelter on the island in 1607. 
Of course, Malta also means sea and sun. Forget sand beaches and enjoy some quiet time in a wild cove, protected from the crowd. 

Did you know? You wanted to take a picture of the Azur Window at sunset? Unfortunately, that is no longer possible… The impressive limestone arch featured in all travel guides and on social networks, collapsed in 2017 during a violent storm. 

More information: Malta’s Tourist Information Centre

4. Geneva: the Guardian of Time and Chocolate

Birthplace of the Enlightenment philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau as well as of Philippe Patek’s first wristwatches in 1868, Geneva is also the home of the largest particle accelerator in the World (the Large Hadron Collider) and of one of the largest hubs of the UN system. With its many attractive features, it is not surprising that Geneva features in the 2024 top European destinations to explore. 
The Swiss town lies along Lake Geneva (or Léman Lake, its official name) and, in its Old Town, Saint Peter’s Cathedral and the Bourg-de Fou square bear witness to the city’s rich medieval heritage. 
Late afternoon, take a stroll along the largest soft water lake of western Europe and admire its emblematic Jet d’Eau Fountain (i.e. water jet) which propels 500 litres of water per second, 140 meters high. 
Those in search of a more bohemian chic atmosphere will head to the old Carouge neighbourhood, nicknamed the Greenwich Village of Geneva. A few steps away from the city centre, you will find many artisan shops – jewellers, clockmakers, cabinetmakers- before enjoying a drink on the terrace of a café! 
The chocolate aficionados will give in to the Choco Pass which allows tourists to discover the know-how of local Master Chocolatiers (spoiler alert: you won’t meet Willy Wonka but you will enjoy a few delicious treats along the way!)

Do you need a Schengen visa to travel to Switzerland?

5. Batumi: the best kept secret in Europe

For several years, backpackers and digital nomads have tried to keep this little gem for themselves. Georgia is the country for travellers eager to stray from the usual holiday track. Close to the Turkish border, on the east coast of the Black Sea, Batumi is both a harbour town and a beach resort, bearing witness to the city’s rich history. 
Its modern architecture blends with Soviet buildings and in the city’s historic centre the Orta Djame mosque stands close to St Nikoloz Orthodox Church. 
Take a walk along the seaside, an 8 km stroll aligned with fountains, palm trees and coffee shops. Don’t miss the Botanical Garden, opened in 1912, which shelters worldwide species. On Heroes’ Square, rises Georgian artist Tamar Kvesitadze’s spectacular sculpture. Over 8 meters high and weighing around 7 tons it represents eternal love. 

For more information: Batumi tourist centre

6. Riga: the European capital of Art Nouveau

Visit the centre of Riga, Latvia’s capital city and find yourself in a postcard worthy setting. 
Its Old Town, the Vecrīga neighbourhod, is the proof of the commercial power of the harbour city at the time of the Hanseatic League from the 13th to the 15th century. 
However the city’s current fame comes from its post-World War I architecture. 
According to UNESCO, Riga shelters the most and the finest European Art nouveau buildings: over 50 in the medieval part of town and over 300 in its historic centre. 
Walk the Alberta iela built in 1901 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the town and look towards the sky: almost half of the buildings were designed by architect and civil engineer Mikhaïl Eisenstein in pure Art nouveau style. Feeling in the mood for some sea air? Hop on board one of the many trains which connect the central train station to the little beach resorts of the area: the Jurmala. On the single twenty-kilometre beach surrounded by charming wooden houses, Riga city dwellers come here for a short break and a breath of fresh air. 

For more information: Riga’s tourist information centre 

Don’t forget your compulsory travel insurance for Latvia to get your Schengen visa for Latvia!

7. Madeira: a Hiker’s paradise

Off the African coasts, Madeira is what might be called a small paradise on Earth. This volcanic island is the home of luxurious vegetation and unique biodiversity scarcely found anywhere else in the World. Thanks to its diverse landscape, Madeira is perfect for many outdoor activities: canyoning, scuba diving, trekking… Its former levadas -irrigation canals dating back to the 16th century- were turned into unusual and picturesque trekking trails. 
Discover your explorer/ethologist talents when you visit the Funchal botanical garden which shelters over 2,000 exotic plants from the 5 continents: a splendid sight. 

Don’t miss it! To celebrate New Year’s, Madeira organises the biggest fire work show in the World (registered in the Guinness Book of Records). The impressive pyrotechnic feat lasts around 8 minutes. The light flares are fired from more than 59 stations placed in Funchal’s amphitheatre. Beware! You won’t be the only ones wanting to enjoy the show. It is one of the most important events of the region and hotels are always completely booked. Plan ahead!

For more information: Visit Madeira information website 

Good to know! As an autonomous region of Portugal, Madeira is also part of the Schengen area. Don’t forget your compulsory travel insurance for Portugal to obtain your Schengen visa for Portugal.

8. Florence: full immersion in Renaissance art

Florence is the home of the biggest Renaissance art collection in the World. Plan at least three days to make sure you can admire most of the masterpieces exposed in the city’s museums and churches. The Brunelleschi Dome of Santa Maria Novella basilica, David by Donatello and Michelangelo, The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, The Annunciation by Fra Angelico… the list of internationally known masterpieces goes on and on! 
Florence also enjoys a centuries-old tradition of artisanship. Guccio Gucci, the designer and creator of the famous leather handbag brand was born here. Since 2018, the Italian make has opened the Gucci Garden to the public. Inside the Palazzo della Mercanzia located in the city centre, you will discover the designer’s incredible story through exclusive archives of past creations. On the ground floor, the Osteria Gucci is orchestrated by the three Michelin star Chef Massimo Bottura, one of the most famous chefs in Italy. 

In the mood for Florentine masterpieces? Don’t forget to subscribe to compulsory travel insurance for Italy when applying for your Schengen visa for Italy.

9. London where anything is possible

Traditional, audacious, snob and popular, London cannot be summed up in a few adjectives. A multicultural city, an economic beacon at the heart of European history, the British capital is constantly on the move: new restaurants to try out, absolute must-see exhibitions (the most expected in 2024 are Vincent Van Gogh at the National Gallery and the Kandinsky and the Expressionists retrospective at the Tate Modern), trendy neighbourhoods to discover (the former industrial area Hackney Wick is the new place to be)… 
Of course whether it is your first visit or not, don’t miss out on the classics: the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, climbing the 334 steps up Big Ben, second hand shopping at Camden Town’s flea market or playing hide and seek with the squirrels in Hyde Park or Saint James’s Park ! 
The Old Smoke has something for everyone’s pleasure. 

Useful information: 
Even before Brexit, the United Kingdom and its capital city London were not part of the Schengen area: 

• Entry conditions vary depending on the traveller’s nationality, check which ones apply to your situation. 
• Before the end of 2024, travellers who don’t need a visa will have to apply and pay for an ETA, an Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter and travel to the UK. 
• AXA has your back! Both Our Europe Travel insurance and Schengen Multi Trip travel insurance will cover your needs during your stay in the UK.

10. Reykjavik: the Smoky Bay

The most northern capital in the World is also the smallest European capital. A major advantage for tourists as they can discover the whole town by foot! Take a stroll down the old harbour before admiring Sólfar, the work of the Icelandic artist Jón Funnar Árnason. This steel sculpture symbolises a Viking ship and the arrival of Scandinavian conquerors who shaped the country’s history. 
But its futuristic architecture also proves that Reykjavik is very set in its time and even beyond! The Hallgrímskirkja Church with its modern structure rises towards the sky while its 74 m high bell tower overlooks the city centre. Once you reach the top, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the bay. 
Don’t leave Iceland without trying its thermal waters. The Sundhöllin Public baths are the oldest in town and one of the Icelanders’ favourite: Remember to pack your bathing suit! 

Iceland is part of the Schengen area and some travellers need a visa to enter the country. 
Find out how to apply for a Schengen visa for Iceland thanks to our useful guide!

Do you need Schengen insurance to travel to Europe?

To enter and travel within the Schengen area for less than 90 days over a 180-day period, many travellers, according to their nationalities, need to apply for a Schengen visa (type C, short stay visa). 
In that case, subscribing to travel insurance is compulsory for your application to be accepted. 

Don’t leave without us: AXA Schengen travel insurance covers your medical and repatriation expenses. 
Our three travel insurance options, Schengen Low Cost, Europe Travel and Multi Trip are certified by embassies and consulates and meet the legislation requirements of all Schengen countries.

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