Nicosia ranked first in the European Best Destinations listing and was named the best cultural capital of Europe for 2026. This was officially announced on Thursday, January 8, by the Nicosia Tourism Board (Etap). The high ranking was the result of a multi-level analysis combining statistical data, opinions of specialized journalists in culture and travel, as well as votes from thousands of tourists from more than 130 countries worldwide.
Experts noted that the capital of Cyprus stands out confidently among other European cities thanks to the authenticity of its cultural heritage, a vibrant contemporary art scene, and a high concentration of museums, galleries, theatres, and creative spaces. Together, these elements create a rich and high-quality cultural experience for visitors, which is particularly important amid growing demand for meaningful and culture-oriented tourism in Europe.
Forbes names Nicosia the leading cultural destination of 2026
Further confirmation of Nicosia’s status came with a publication in Forbes magazine, where the city also ranked first among the top ten cultural cities in Europe for 2026. In the feature, Nicosia is described as a city with a unique cultural identity, where history, contemporary creativity, and everyday urban life coexist harmoniously.
Forbes emphasizes that the capital of Cyprus does not limit itself to preserving the past, but rather reinterprets it through modern forms of art, architecture, and cultural initiatives. This approach makes Nicosia attractive not only to tourists, but also to representatives of the creative industries, researchers, and investors in the cultural sector.
Development strategy and the city’s role
Etap links this international success to a consistent city-promotion strategy implemented in close cooperation with the Municipality of Nicosia. This includes shaping a modern and clearly defined cultural identity for the capital, systematic mapping and documentation of cultural resources, as well as active engagement with European and international institutions, including European Best Destinations.
Against the backdrop of Cyprus’s preparations for new tourism and cultural initiatives in 2026, Nicosia is increasingly viewed as a modern European capital of culture, experiences, and creative development. According to Etap, 2026 gives the city every chance to be at the center of pan-European and international attention, strengthening its position as a key cultural destination of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Which other cities made the prestigious list
Alongside Nicosia, the top ten European cultural destinations for 2026 include Florence and Vienna, followed by the Belgian city of Leuven, Croatia’s Šibenik, Italy’s Verona, Portugal’s Tomar, France’s Rouen, the UK’s Oxford, and Austria’s Graz.