European Best Destinations extolled the city as a shining example of sustainable urban living
Maribor has entered the new year as the European Best Green Capital 2025. Maribor Tourist Board’s international promotional campaign, conducted in partnership with the global platform European Best Destinations (EBD), is targeting environmentally conscious tourists who will flock to the city in the coming year.
In December, Maribor recorded some 38,000 overnight stays, a 6% increase compared to December 2023. Across the entire year, Maribor recorded around 524,000 overnight stays (a 4% decrease in overnight stays).
Trailing Maribor in second and third places on the list of ten European cities that offer a unique combination of natural features, green spaces, well-being and a rich cultural pulse are Copenhagen (Denmark) and Riga (Latvia). In 2023 and 2024, Maribor received the EBD titles as the third-best tourist destination and best culinary destination in Europe. In addition, it was named the best European autumn destination and the second-best destination with the most sustainable Christmas market.
Jure Struc
Director of the Maribor Tourist Board
Jure Struc, Director of the Maribor Tourist Board, commented: “By regularly appearing on tourist lists of global media outlets, we promote Maribor and Slovenia alongside the best destinations in Europe. By receiving the titles from the EBD platform in the last two years, we gain a chance to present the unique stories of our city to the wider European and global public and build Maribor’s reputation as a top destination for new generations of visitors. The title of the European Best Green Capital will likely draw them the most, as these are guests who are eager to try diverse experiences, authenticity and urbanity. The immediate proximity of Pohorje and the wine-growing region, high-quality local gastronomy and healthy tap water, proverbial hospitality of the locals, more and more pedestrian areas in the revitalized city centre, an efficient bike rental system, the absence of mass tourism and a high level of safety – these are just a handful of the sustainable attributes of Maribor, which are part of everyday life for us. For our visitors, though, they represent key criteria when planning a vacation.”
Celebrating the city’s features that make it edge out the competition, the EBD platform noted: “Maribor, awarded as the European Best Green Capital for 2025, is a shining example of sustainable urban living. This charming city combines slow tourism with an abundance of greenery right in its heart, showcasing local gastronomy that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and the artistry of local artisans.”
Learn more about the Maribor Tourist Board here.
