by InTrieste
Italy was the most represented country in the Top 20 of the European Best Destinations ranking for 2026, with seven locations recognized in the annual list.
The ranking, based on votes from more than 1.3 million travelers across 154 countries, highlights places that combine heritage, sustainability and distinctive visitor experiences. While Madrid claimed the top position overall, Italy stood out for the breadth and geographic diversity of its entries, from northern art cities to southern island retreats.
Among the Italian destinations included:
Verona (4th place) — Known as the setting of Romeo and Juliet and recently in the international spotlight as host of the closing ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Verona was cited for its Roman Arena, compact historic center and established culinary scene.
Burano (8th place) — The lagoon island near Venice, recognized for its lace-making tradition and vividly painted fishermen’s houses, drew praise as a quieter alternative within the Venetian lagoon.
Cefalù (15th place) — On Sicily’s northern coast, Cefalù was noted for its sandy beaches and its Norman cathedral, part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing, set beneath the dramatic Rocca cliff.
Bosa (17th place) — Located in Sardinia, Bosa was highlighted for its pastel-colored houses along the Temo River and its appeal as a less-crowded destination aligned with sustainable travel trends.
Ravello (18th place) — Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello remains known for its music festival and the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
Procida (19th place) — The smallest island in the Gulf of Naples, and a recent Italian Capital of Culture, Procida was recognized for its Marina Corricella harbor and comparatively low levels of mass tourism.
Taormina (20th place) — The Sicilian hilltop town, home to an ancient Greek theater with views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, rounded out the list.
Although the ranking reflects Italy’s strong presence in European tourism, one region was absent. In our view, Friuli Venezia Giulia — with its blend of Alpine landscapes, Adriatic coastline and Central European influences — merited consideration among Europe’s leading destinations.
