Condé Nast Traveler asked their knowledgeable contributors to suggest the top destinations in Europe for 2024—perhaps due to a flurry of new hotel openings, rumors of Michelin arrivals, brand-new museums, or a concerted conservation effort taking root. They learned about amazing nature and brand-new glampsites in Scandinavia, about first-time sporting events in Italy, and about an unexpected but rapidly growing surf scene in France. Classic Greek getaways are also available, and they’re more accessible than ever. Though it’s a nice place to start, this is only a small portion of what Europe has planned for the upcoming year. Many happy journeys.
Antwerp, Belgium
Frequently disregarded in favor of its neighboring Dutch city, Amsterdam, or incorrectly dismissed as being as stuffy as Brussels, Antwerp is unquestionably Belgium’s most underappreciated city. The world’s diamond capital is actually a bit of an underappreciated treasure, offering enough charm and culture for a fun-filled weekend getaway. There is a concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants that are impressive enough to compete with major European cities. The most well-known is perhaps the two-star The Jane, which will mark its tenth anniversary in 2024 and was placed 39th in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list this year. If the restaurant’s magnificent 14-course tasting menu is too pricey for you, the stylish new bar Untitled, which opened earlier this year, serves rustic foods that are more reasonably priced and are expertly served in front of you by chef Joeri Timmermans. After supper, head next door to August, a former Augustinian convent that has been transformed into an incredibly peaceful haven. Alternatively, Hotel Julien, a sibling property, is a design-led choice for a sleepover in the middle of the city. After you’ve sampled every dish the city has to offer, take a leisurely stroll around the grandiose Zuidpark development, which is scheduled to be finished by spring 2024. The seven-hectare park, which is expected to be one of Antwerp’s greenest spots, will include 30,000 plants in addition to various clever water features.
Biarritz, France
Biarritz, a French resort town located just across the border from San Sebastián, is ready to emerge from the shadow of its Michelin-starred Spanish Basque equivalent and welcome a new generation of sophisticated travelers. These visitors are making reservations at its tastefully restored Belle Époque hotels, such as Experimental’s recently opened Regina Biarritz, Unbound’s Hôtel du Palais, and the mysterious independent Villa Magnan (reserve a table at De Puta Madre and share a meal with local filmmakers and interior designers). This lovely town on the southwest coast of France had a rough time in the late 20th century compared to its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Emperor Napoleon III had his summer palace here and his Spanish wife Eugénie promoted Biarritz as a health resort. Thankfully, well-heeled urbanites from Spain and France have rediscovered this delight. They are soaking up the trendy surf scene (Biarritz is among Europe’s oldest surf destinations, thanks to a group of Americans who visited in the 1950s) and promoting a burgeoning Basque culinary scene, which includes Michelin-starred restaurants like L’Impertinent and the exciting Les Halles covered market.
Cyclades, Greece
Right now, is there any place more popular than the Greek islands? This summer, the island group known as the Cyclades—which includes Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Milos, and Ios—took over social media feeds thanks to their breathtaking blue and white scenery, exciting beach and nightclub scenes, and unmatched shopping. In 2024, more smart stays will be introduced. The hotel industry is flourishing. Santo Mine, a sibling hotel with 37 luxurious suites, will join Santo Pure in Oia, Santorini, next year. Santo Pure just added 20 new suites. The chic boutique hotel Kalesma in Mykonos is set to open its spa in 2024, complete with a cryotherapy section and hammam. Opening in May of next year, the five-star, eighty-acre Gundari Resort on Folegandros will be joined in April by a new One&Only property in Kea. There are more possibilities for luxurious lodgings in the Cyclades because these opulent hotels are uncommon on these islands.
Northern Italy
In 2024, Italy will host the first three stages of the Tour de France for the first time ever. This will be a momentous event for the nation, the sport, and the coveted competition. Participants will mount their bikes in Florence, ride east along the Adriatic Coast to Rimini, and then follow the Apennines north through Emilia-Romagna before finishing stage three in Turin. Though Italy’s northern regions are most recognized for their terroirs and truffles, two-wheeled activities have long been a part of the country’s terrain. Born in this area is Marco Pantani, the 1998 Tour de France champion, and professional racer Davide Cassani played a key role in creating the almost 300-mile Via Romagna network of cycling routes around the area. Tour companies have now improved their offerings in preparation for the occasion: Tourissimo’s seven-day cycling vacation aims to give visitors access to the tour in real-time as well as the opportunity to experience the excitement and hills of Emilia-Romagna. In response to increased interest in the area, Ride International Tours and Ride Holidays have introduced new routes, while Inn Travel’s meandering, comfortable route between Parma and Modena allows passengers extra time to indulge in regional specialties.
Since this is the birthplace of Maserati, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, those who prefer to live in the slow lane can board the new railway routes between Turin and Canelli with Fondazione FS’s 1930s carriages or take Nightjet’s overnighter from Verona to Liguria (via Milan and Genoa). For those who are more at ease behind the wheel, there’s the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and the annual Motor Valley Fest, both of which take place in May. Discover why Pesaro has been named the Italian Capital of Culture for 2024 by making a last stop there.
Reprinted from cntraveler.com
No Limit Travel Agency is here to help with each planning phase. Contact us today.
510.907.0738
No Limit Travel Agency 