A new study has named the Portuguese capital of Lisbon as the “World’s Happiest Holiday Destination”.
Conducted by BookRetreats (self-described as the world’s number one retreat website) and published in People magazine, the study saw the company partner with Harvard psychologist and holistic happiness expert Dr. Natalie Dattilo-Ryan to analyse 47 travel destinations based on five “feel-good” factors: sunlight, quality sleep, a healthy diet, time in nature and physical exercise.
According to the website, Lisbon came out on top because it “excels” in multiple categories, namely its food scene.
“Nearly 10% of Lisbon’s restaurants are considered healthy, the second-highest share in our index, outperforming global gastronomy hubs like Paris, Tokyo, and New York. From market-fresh seafood to traditional tascas, eating well here is both accessible and affordable,” BookRetreats writes.
Walkability is another highlight, with the city described as “compact and easy to navigate on foot, with panoramic viewpoints that reward slow exploration.”
“While its famously hilly terrain means some steep climbs, mainly in Bairro Alto and Alfama, proper footwear is all that’s required to enjoy the stroll. Sightseers can also reach the city’s top attractions, from Praça do Comércio to Belém Tower, in just under two hours; proof that in Lisbon, the journey really is part of the joy,” the website says.
“Lisbon’s urban green space may not rival the likes of Helsinki, but it still offers 49 m² of green area per person, nearly four times more than Madrid. Nature is never far away: the surf-friendly shores of Costa da Caparica and the golden sands of Cascais are both within an hour of the city by train.”
“Add 2,828 hours of annual sunshine, and it’s easy to see the city’s mood-boosting appeal,” it adds.
According to Dattilo-Ryan, these factors are important to keep in mind when choosing a travel destination, as they help the body release “happy hormones” such as “serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin.”
“These chemicals influence everything from mood and sleep to energy and digestion,” she said. “And many of the things that trigger them, like sunlight, movement, food, and quality rest, are often part of a good holiday, if you choose the right destination.”
The full index can be found online.
