Marbella tops travel Survey of the Best European Destinations in 2024. More than one million travelers from 172 countries, the European Best Destinations organization has released its list of the 20 trendiest places to be awarded the title of “Best European Destinations 2024. “This is a sunny, five-star, natural, sporty, gastronomic destination with everything to please the most demanding travelers.”
Marbella, the iconic town in Spain’s Costa del Sol, has earned its place among the top 20 European destinations for 2024, as announced by the European Best Destinations (EBD) organization. This recognition highlights Marbella’s blend of luxury, culture, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Known for its vibrant ambience, exceptional shopping, glamour, and dynamic nightlife, Marbella is a fabulous destination for an unforgettable holiday. Apart from its world-class amenities and luxury homes, Marbella’s proximity to major European cities makes it an excellent choice for weekend escapes or business travels from within Europe. Discover luxury properties for sale in Marbella, offering an unparalleled lifestyle in one of Europe’s premier destinations or read on to see some of the reasons why it won the best European destination title.
Based on the votes from over a million travellers from 172 countries, the Best Destination survey acknowledges Marbella for the first time, signalling its rising global appeal. The European Best Destinations (EBD) organization has released its list of the 20 trendiest places — selected from 500-plus — to be awarded the title of “Best European Destinations 2024.”
In 2024 Marbella, Spain, landed at the top of the list, the first time a Spanish destination took first place in the ranking. “It is the destination most voted for by American and English travellers for a stay in Europe in 2024,” EBD explained. “This is a sunny, five-star, natural, sporty, gastronomic destination with everything to please the most demanding travellers.” Explore exclusive villas in Sierra Blanca and beachfront apartments in Marbella to taste this top-rated European destination.
The city’s sun-drenched climate, exquisite culinary offerings, premier sports facilities, and upscale accommodations have positioned it as a top pick for visitors, especially from Europe and America, leading to a surge in new off-plan developments around Marbella and attracting more buyers from around the world.
With its array of more than 20 premium golf courses around Marbella, continues to be a favourite among golf lovers. Each course presents unique challenges accompanied by stunning vistas. Reports from the Royal Spanish Golf Federation indicate a surge in golf tourism, with Marbella drawing approximately 120,000 golfers yearly, cementing its status as a prime golfing destination in Europe. Notably, courses in Nueva Andalucia, including Aloha Golf, Las Brisas, and Los Naranjos Golf, and exclusive venues like Marbella Club Golf Resort, La Zagaleta, and Finca Cortesin, underscore Marbella’s recognition as a top choice for 2024. The private member’s golf course at La Zagaleta caters to those seeking a luxurious lifestyle with access to one of Europe’s finest golf courses.
Marbella’s culinary landscape merges Spanish heritage with international flair, featuring Michelin-starred and world-class fine dining establishments like those by Dani García. This commitment to culinary distinction is evident across a spectrum of dining experiences, from upscale international restaurants in settings like Puente Romano and Nobu hotels to traditional tapas bars catering to all tastes and budgets. The city’s fabulous nightlife and gastronomic delights extend to days and evenings spent at beachfront chiringuitos, where the relaxed atmosphere of the day transitions into vibrant nights. Sophisticated venues such as Puente Romano Plaza, Nobu, Nota Blu, and the captivating performances at Mamzel offer glamorous settings embody Marbella’s luxurious lifestyle, providing an unforgettable dining and entertainment experience under the stars.
Marbella’s luxury real estate sector stands among Europe’s most robust, attracting an international clientele seeking exceptional quality and facilities. The market flourishes with spectacular properties and contemporary villas with panoramic sea views, a choice of beachfront villas and hillside estates to contemporary apartments. Current trends indicate a rising demand from international buyers including in global branded residences throughout Marbella, reinforcing Marbella’s allure as a premier investment and residential choice.
Properties in prime locations such as Sierra Blanca and La Zagaleta offer privacy, security and exclusive amenities. Luxury apartments in Marina Puente Romano with direct access to the beach or other Marbella Golden Mile properties are in high demand due to their proximity to the area’s world class amenities. High end investment opportunities in branded residencial properties for sale, such as Elie Saab Villas, Dolce & Gabbana Design Hills and Ocho de Oro by Versace Home, are changing the face of Marbella’s luxury real estate market.
Marbella’s commitment to sustainable living and tourism, including environmental conservation and sustainable energy initiatives, reflects a growing preference for eco-friendly properties and lifestyles. These sustainability efforts across Marbella’s new developments demonstrate how luxury and environmental stewardship can coexist. Increasingly, luxury home developers in Marbella are focusing on designing green homes that offer opulence and comfort and prioritize energy efficiency, use of renewable materials, and integration with the natural surroundings. This shift towards sustainable development is a testament to Marbella’s dedication to preserving its exquisite environment for future generations, ensuring that the allure of its luxury lifestyle remains in harmony with the principles of environmental care and responsibility.
The climate of Marbella is a significant draw, boasting over 320 sunny days annually, facilitating a myriad of activities on Marbella’s stunning Mediterranean beaches, enjoying some of Marbella’s best beach clubs, to countryside explorations throughout the year. The unique microclimate, shielded by the Sierra Blanca mountains and tempered by the Mediterranean Sea, ensures mild winters and warm summers. This natural geographic shield creates a haven where outdoor living is extended, and the health benefits of clean air and ample sunlight support a lifestyle of wellness and vitality. The favourable weather also nurtures a rich diversity of local produce, enhancing Marbella’s culinary excellence and dining appeal.
Marbella’s accolade as a top European destination affirms its global reputation as a hub of luxury, culture, and natural splendour, offering an unparalleled experience to both visitors and residents.
Marbella invites exploration, from its outstanding golf courses and culinary delights to the Mediterranean lifestyle’s simple pleasures. Whether seeking adventure, exploring nearby daytrips, relaxation, or luxury, Marbella presents a unique proposition.
Choosing to live in Marbella means choosing a lifestyle enriched by luxury, culture, and stunning environments. Being named one of Europe’s top destinations for 2024 underscores Marbella’s charm and the high quality of life it offers, making it the perfect time to discover Marbella’s distinctive allure.
Contact MPDunne’s trusted estate agents to find exclusive real estate opportunities in Marbella’s most sought-after locations.
Mary Dunne Partner & Private Office Advisor
Mary Dunne is an experienced Real Estate Broker in Marbella with over two decades of expertise in the luxury property sector. She offers profound insights into Marbella’s luxury market, backed by her extensive experience with property transactions’ financial and legal facets. Her deep market knowledge positions her as a trusted expert, providing tailored experiences for high-end clients and showcasing Marbella’s lifestyle.
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A new chapter is unfolding on Marbella’s eastern coastline with the announcement of Higueron’s agreement for a Waldorf Astoria Hilton in the hills of east Marbella. Set to redefine hospitality and lifestyle in the region, the Higuerón Marbella Golf Resort will anchor a wave of high-end branded hotels planned in the area, raising East Marbella’s property profile, increasing residential appeal, and strengthening long-term investment value.
Marbella’s appeal goes far beyond its beaches and blue skies. It’s where Mediterranean charm, global sophistication and a year-round outdoor lifestyle converge: creating a destination that consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live, invest, and enjoy life in Europe and the world. The ultimate luxury lifestyle in Europe. Why? We can sum it up in three words: sun, sea and culture. Add mountains, and we have it all.
