Spanish city named ‘best’ destination in Europe boasts massive park | Europe | Travel
Madrid is home to the oldest and first established churrería (Image: Getty)
A Spanish city has been named the ‘best’ destination in Europe, according to the 2026 European Best Destinations list. The city is renowned for its vibrant culture and historic landmarks – and it’s home to a park bigger than Monaco.
Madrid, also the capital city of Spain, has been listed as the ‘best’ destination in Europe according to a list for 2026 destinations. The city features iconic landmarks like its royal palace, Plaza Mayor and El Retiro Park. Retiro Park, otherwise known as Parque del Buen Retiro, is one of Madrid’s iconic sites, spanning across 350 acres.
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Casa de Campo is about five times the size of New York City’s Central Park (Image: Getty)
The park initially belonged to the Spanish monarchy until 1868, when it then became a public area.
However, Madrid’s largest public park is Casa de Campo, which is home to a zoo, an amusement park and is approximately 14 times larger than the country of Monaco.
This area spans across 4,257 acres and is about five times the size of New York City’s Central Park or twice the size of Paris’ Bois de Boulogne.
The capital city is also home to other cultural wonders with some of Spain’s top museums situated in the city. Examples include the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum and the more recent Nomad Immersive Museum.
Madrid is also renowned for its hearty and traditional cuisine. Traditional dishes include bocadillo de calamares, otherwise known as a squid sandwich, tortilla and churros.
Top spots to try traditional churros, according to TripAdvisor, include Chocolat Madrid, Chocolatería 1902 and Chocolatería San Ginés.
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Chocolatería San Ginés was founded in 1894 and is considered the oldest and first established churrería.
Explaining why Madrid won top spot, European Best Destinations said: “Madrid embodies this new vision of European travel — where heritage, creativity and lifestyle form a seamless experience.”
“With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, Madrid unfolds outdoors. Elegant boulevards, lively plazas and the vast Retiro Park define a lifestyle centred on openness and connection.”
Return flights from the UK to Madrid are currently on offer for as low as £33 in March. From London Stansted Airport, UK tourists can make the most of £15 flights next month while those flying from Birmingham Airport can fly from as low as £35, there and back.
Flights from Manchester are slightly more expensive, but still affordable, with £44 return options.
