These are Europe’s most loved tourist destinations — but some could surprise you
London. Paris. Rome. Madrid. Europe is dotted with iconic capital cities that are on countless must-see lists.
But are these recognizable spots the most-loved tourist destinations in the region?
Not according to the Tourism Sentiment Index, a ranking by Think! X Innovations. The 2022 index is based on digital “word of mouth” — millions of pieces of publicly available content posted online about places around the world, according to the report’s methodology.
The index analyzes whether people are posting positive, negative or neutral reviews about everything from the events to the accommodations in a particular tourist destination. These scores are then totaled and ranked.
The result? These places were identified as the top, most-loved spots in five European countries — and the destinations might surprise you.
5. Bergen, Norway
Bergen is located in western Norway near the coast of the North Sea, about 290 miles west of Oslo. The Unesco World Heritage Site is surrounded by fjords, while the city center is perfectly sized for an afternoon wandering and soaking in the rich history — including a historic harbor.
A mountain rail car runs up the side of the nearby mountain, offering panoramic views of the coastline, city and landscape. Visitors can also hike and explore the nearby fjords.
Bergen scored 27.02 points in the Tourism Sentiment Index, ranking No. 48 worldwide.
Its standout feature? Hiking and rock climbing.
4. Pizol, Switzerland
Pizol is a mountain in the eastern Swiss Alps, about 60 miles southeast of Zurich. The region offers jaw-dropping views and breathtaking slopes. In the winter, the mountain is a hub for skiing and snowboarding — with a trail for every experience level.
When the snow melts and the summer sun comes out, the mountain transforms into a hiker’s paradise, offering climbing, mountain biking and paragliding. If visitors want a more relaxed experience, the ski gondolas offer a calm and scenic trip up the peak.
Pizol scored 32.3 points in the index, ranking No. 15 globally. The city’s hiking and rock climbing activities were the highlight, the rankers said.
3. Perth and Kinross, Scotland, U.K.
Tucked in the heart of Scotland, Perth and Kinross is a region just north of Edinburgh. Magnificent landscapes and small towns dot the area.
The main city, Perth, was “once the ancient capital of Scotland,” according to its website, and the region currently offers “a perfect slice of all that is loved about Scotland.”
Visitors can learn about local culture and history, explore castles, admire stunning art galleries or disconnect in the countryside.
Perth and Kinross scored 33.7 points with the Tourism Sentiment Index, ranking No. 11 worldwide.
2. Ibiza, Spain
A Mediterranean island off the southern coast of Spain, Ibiza is equal parts legendary and lavish. Known for its edgy, experimental and world-class nightlife, the city knows how to party.
Ibiza scored 34.16 points with the Index, ranking No. 8 globally. The top attraction? Beaches.
Beyond the booming beats of the DJ booth, Ibiza offers visitors miles of sun-soaked beaches and warm, lapping waters. Travelers can enjoy everything from sailing and scuba diving to cliff jumping and surfing, per local tourism officials.
1. Sestriere, Italy
Taking the top spot as the most-loved tourist destination in Europe is Sestriere, a city in northwestern Italy near the Italy-France border. Sestriere scored 34.91 points on the Tourism Sentiment Index, landing at No. 6 worldwide. The city’s top highlight was skiing and snowboarding.
Situated in the Italian Alps, the city offers hundreds of miles of slopes for skiing and snowboarding during the winter. Other popular snow activities also include ice skating, snowmobiling and even sled dog mushing.
During the summer, these slopes melt and transform the idyllic landscape into the perfect place for mountain biking and hiking. The city center also boasts a variety of shops and high-quality restaurants.
Google Translate was used to translate the website for Bergen.
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