PTUJ: EUROPE’S BEST CULTURAL HERITAGE DESTINATION 2026
The prestigious European Best Destinations (EBD) – Europe’s leading platform for promoting culture and tourism – crowned Slovenia’s oldest town Europe’s Best Cultural Heritage Destination 2026.
Chosen ahead of world-renowned cities such as Bruges (Belgium), Angra do Heroísmo (Azores, Portugal), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Albi (France), Florence (Italy), Český Krumlov (Czech Republic), San Gimignano (Italy), Zamość (Poland), and Toledo (Spain), Ptuj has once again confirmed its reputation as a gem of European heritage and timeless charm.
WHY VISIT PTUJ?
With its thousand-year-old Ptuj Castle rising above the Drava River, a rich wine-making tradition, and a vibrant calendar of cultural and sporting events throughout the year, Ptuj offers a rare combination: it is a city that not only preserves its history but keeps it alive.
Slovenia’s oldest town invites you to visit in every season:
- Discover UNESCO-listed heritage at the international Kurentovanje Carnival, the Kurent House museum, and during traditional Kurent door-to-door rounds.
- Explore the protected historic old town at your own pace, free from crowds.
- Experience the city’s ever-changing cultural pulse – from poetry, art, and music festivals to historical, wine, and culinary events.
- Embark on sustainable guided experiences off the beaten path, deeply connected to Ptuj’s cultural heritage.
- Enjoy boutique wine cellars, cozy cafés and restaurants, charming shops, and unique accommodations.
- Indulge in the soothing embrace of thermal waters.
- Discover the thermal and wine-growing countryside by bike or on foot.
- Feel the warm and genuine hospitality the locals are famous for.
Welcome to Ptuj – where the past shapes the present.
THE PRESTIGIOUS TITLE AWARDED BY EUROPEAN BEST DESTINATIONS
The title of Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe is awarded by European Best Destinations (EBD), one of Europe’s leading platforms for the promotion of travel, culture, and sustainable tourism.
In cooperation with more than 500 tourism organizations, the EDEN network, and renowned media outlets such as Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, and National Geographic, EBD highlights the most authentic and outstanding destinations across Europe.
European Best Destinations evaluated hundreds of European cities rich in heritage — including UNESCO-listed sites and other exceptional historic centers.
The expert jury, composed of tourism professionals and journalists (including contributors from Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, and National Geographic), created the shortlist based on four key criteria:
- integrity and preservation of heritage,
- cultural diversity and seasonality (museums, festivals, programs),
- hospitality and sustainable mobility,
- access to nature and gastronomy beyond mass tourism.
The final ranking was determined by votes from international travelers, giving this recognition even greater significance.
MEDIA COVERAGE
- October 5, 2025 // FORBES: Top 10 Culturally Rich European Towns To Visit In 2026 According To New Travel Report
