Braga, Portugal, European Best Travel Destination for 2021
Ticiana Giehl
European best travel destinations, an independent organization based in Brussels that promotes tourism in Europe, worked with 300 tourist offices and sustainable tourism from the European Commission. Eden Networkto ask over 600,000 travelers from 192 countries around the world where they would be most “Would you like to vacation in Europe as soon as it is safe to travel?” Almost 40% of the voters came from outside Europe, indicating a strong desire to travel to Europe again this year. Voters were asked to choose their top travel destination from a list of 20 selected European locations: Braga, Cappadocia, Calpe, Canary Islands, Cavtat, Capri, Cornwall, Dordogne Valley, Florence, Ghent, Kefalonia Island, Kotor, Lofoten- Islands, Paris, Rome, Sibiu, Soca Valley, Tahiti Islands, Tübingen and Vienna. The top 5 for 2021 are Braga, Rome, Cavtat, Florence and Sibiu.
1.Braga,Portugal
The monumental staircase of the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, Braga, Portugal
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More than 100,000 votes went to the northern Portuguese city, taking first place. Home to the first cathedral in Portugal and a multitude of churches, shrines and historical monuments, Braga is often referred to as the “Portuguese Rome”. For history and architecture lovers, the beautiful and well-preserved historic center of Braga is a major draw. It’s a university town so it’s lively and fun with modern shopping streets and a reputation for fantastic dining. For those interested in history, Vila Gale Collection Braga is a good choice for accommodation. The four-star hotel is located in a former hospital from the 16th century and has retained the historical structure of the building and carefully restored elements such as the original vaulted ceilings.
Fontana di Trevi, historical sculpture by Bernini, Rome, Italy.
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No wonder the Italian capital was in the top 5. “Roma Caput Mundi” (Rome is the capital of the world) applies to a city that has shaped European culture like no other. Rome is one of the best open air museums with the largest amphitheater in the world, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. And no visit to Rome would be complete without visiting the Vatican Museums, famous for its sculptures, frescoes, and paintings, and the main attraction, the Sistine Chapel, which houses Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceilings. If your budget allows, stay at one of Rome’s most luxurious addresses, the Hotel Eden, with a Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant and a beautiful spa.
Croatia: Cavtat. Landscape with the quays and the old town of the small seaside resort.
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For lovers of the sea, sun and nature, Cavtat in the Konavle region has been called the Croatian Tuscany. Italian influences are easy to spot in this quaint, charming town. The old town is full of lovely cafes and excellent restaurants, while the glittering, palm-lined promenade is reminiscent of Saint Tropez. A short bus or boat ride will take you to Dubrovnik, another Croatian gem. A good choice for accommodation is the 19th century Villa Pattiera, a cozy, family-run boutique hotel with twelve rooms on the promenade, which also has an excellent fish restaurant.
The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence in the city center
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Florence is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has long been considered a great center of art and literature since the Florentine Renaissance. Great artists, thinkers, and writers like Dante, Machiavelli, Galileo Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo all come from Florence. Obvious highlights for any visitor are the famous Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the famous Uffizi Gallery, which houses “The Birth of Venus”, and the Galleria dell’Accademia with Michelangelo’s most famous statue “David”. Florence also takes its food seriously, with its popular Mercato Centrale and the famous ice cream in numerous ice cream parlors across the city. Stay in the lavish Four Seasons, housed in a stunning Renaissance palazzo that once belonged to an accountant of the Medici family. The hotel is located in the city’s largest private park (11 acres), which is filled with fascinating historical statues, fountains, an Ionic temple, flowers and beautiful mature trees. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary art can also be seen in the gardens. Even if you are not a guest of the hotel, you are welcome to stroll in the gardens and enjoy a drink or pizza in the hotel Pool Tree Bar.
Piata Mare Large square from the Council Tower in Sibiu, Romania, which shows the famous “houses with eyes”.
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Located in the heart of Transylvania Province, Sibiu is a brilliant mix of old and new. The European Capital of Culture a few years ago, Sibiu is also a first choice destination for gourmets with its up-and-coming restaurant scene. The magnificent medieval center has houses with eyes, nicknamed “The City with Eyes”. An attractive city that can be visited at any time of the year. In December it is something special with a Christmas market that is probably one of the most beautiful in Europe. The charming Noblesse Boutique Hotel, on a quiet street in the historic center, near the famous Bridge of Lies, is an excellent choice for accommodation.
