Lisbon Named the World’s “Happiest” Holiday Destination, with Sunshine, Food and Nature Among Its Key Strengths

Lisbon has once again attracted international attention in the tourism sector. According to the latest Holiday Happiness Index published by travel platform BookRetreats, the Portuguese capital ranked first among 47 destinations worldwide, making it the holiday destination considered most conducive to visitor happiness.

The study does not measure the happiness of local residents. Instead, it evaluates the extent to which different destinations can provide a holiday environment that supports visitors’ physical and mental well-being. The research examined factors including sunshine, sleep quality, healthy food, access to nature, and opportunities for physical activity and walking. The assessment was conducted under the guidance of Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, a clinical psychologist, Harvard Medical School instructor and expert in holistic well-being.

Lisbon ranked first overall thanks to a combination of abundant sunshine, a wide range of healthy dining options, extensive urban green space, walkability and easy access to the coast and natural surroundings.

According to the study, Lisbon enjoys approximately 2,828 hours of sunshine per year. Its mild climate and long hours of daylight make outdoor activities an important part of both local life and the visitor experience. At the same time, Lisbon is relatively compact. Although some neighbourhoods are hilly, many of its main attractions and historic districts can still be explored on foot, while the city’s viewpoints, streets and waterfront areas make walking an integral part of experiencing the capital.

Green space is another of Lisbon’s strengths. According to the research, the city offers approximately 49 square metres of green space per person, almost four times the level recorded in Madrid. Lisbon is also located close to the coast and natural areas. From the city centre, destinations such as Cascais and the beaches of Costa da Caparica can be reached by public transport in less than an hour, allowing visitors to move easily between urban sightseeing, beaches and outdoor activities.

Food also contributed significantly to Lisbon’s strong performance. According to the Holiday Happiness Index, nearly 10% of restaurants in Lisbon are classified as offering healthy dining options, the second-highest proportion among the destinations assessed and higher than in major international cities such as Paris, Tokyo and New York. The study also highlights the diversity and relative affordability of Lisbon’s food scene, with visitors able to experience everything from fresh seafood to traditional Portuguese cuisine.

António Vale, Executive Director of the Lisbon Tourism Association, said that the distinctive experiences Lisbon offers compared with other destinations have long been an important part of the city’s tourism strategy. The association aims to provide different ways for visitors to experience and explore Lisbon while preserving the characteristics that make the city unique and creating value for both visitors and local residents.

Lisbon has continued to attract attention from the international tourism market in recent years, and this latest ranking offers another perspective on the city through the lens of well-being and the visitor experience. Beyond its historic architecture and traditional tourist attractions, Lisbon’s sunshine, food, green spaces, walkability and close connection to the coast are collectively strengthening its appeal as an international tourism destination.

Reference link:

https://pt.euronews.com/2026/09/22/turismo-lisboa-eleita-o-destino-mais-feliz-do-mundo

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