16 European Destinations Shortlisted for the European Capitals of Tourism 2027
Europe has revealed 16 shortlisted destinations in its European Capitals of Tourism 2027 competition, highlighting cities working to improve sustainable tourism, accessibility, digital services and cultural experiences.
Announced by the European Commission on 8 September 2026, the shortlist includes well-known destinations and smaller cities that are developing new approaches to welcoming visitors.
The competition combines previous European smart-tourism and green-pioneer initiatives under one title.
Which Cities Have Been Shortlisted?
The shortlisted destinations are divided into two categories based on population.
Category 1: Cities With More Than 100,000 Residents
The eight shortlisted cities are:
- Aalborg, Denmark
- Braga, Portugal
- Genoa, Italy
- Konya, Türkiye
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Lviv, Ukraine
- Salzburg, Austria
- Sofia, Bulgaria
These destinations will be assessed on their tourism initiatives, including sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation and cultural heritage.
Category 2: Cities With 25,000 to 100,000 Residents
The eight shortlisted destinations in the smaller-city category are:
- Calais, France
- Calvià, Spain
- Geestland, Germany
- Ibiza, Spain
- Nova Gorica, Slovenia
- Sandanski, Bulgaria
- Selçuk, Türkiye
- Zadar, Croatia
The smaller-city category recognises destinations that are developing sustainable tourism and innovative visitor experiences.
What Makes These Cities Stand Out?
The competition evaluates more than the number of tourists a destination attracts. It also considers how cities manage tourism and improve the visitor experience.
1. Sustainable Tourism
Cities are assessed on approaches that support responsible tourism and help destinations manage environmental pressures.
2. Accessibility
Accessibility is an important part of creating destinations that can welcome visitors with different needs.
3. Digital Innovation
Digital services can help travellers find information, navigate cities and access tourism services more easily.
4. Culture and Local Heritage
The competition also recognises efforts to protect cultural heritage and support creativity and local talent.
When Will the Winners Be Announced?
Representatives of the 16 shortlisted destinations are scheduled to present their proposals to a European jury in Brussels on 18 and 19 November 2026.
The jury will then announce two winners of the European Capitals of Tourism 2027 titles.
The shortlist does not mean that every listed city has already won a title.
Should Travellers Add These Cities to Their Plans?
The shortlist provides travellers with ideas for discovering destinations beyond Europe’s most frequently visited capitals.
Braga offers historic Portuguese architecture, Genoa is known for its maritime heritage, Ljubljana combines a compact city centre with riverside scenery, and Zadar offers a historic Croatian coastal setting.
Travellers should still compare transport options, seasonal prices, accommodation and local attractions before choosing a destination.
Final Thoughts
The European Capitals of Tourism 2027 competition highlights 16 destinations investing in sustainable tourism, accessibility, digital innovation and cultural heritage.
The winners have not yet been announced, but the shortlist already gives travellers new ideas for exploring Europe in 2027.
Official source:
European Commission — https://smart-tourism-capital.ec.europa.eu/press/news/european-commission-announces-shortlisted-cities-european-capitals-tourism-2027-2026-09-08_en
The destinations listed are shortlisted candidates, not confirmed winners.
