Where’s your happy place? Is it a dazzling white sand beach, palm trees swaying overhead as you rock in a hammock in the breeze? A city full of history with boutiques and restaurants aplenty? Or an island escape where afternoons pass in a sea breeze?
To uncover where the happiest destinations in the world are, Irish travel insurance company JustCover analysed more than a million online travel reviews to see how travellers described popular venues. Spots in 155 destinations around the world were taken into account, with results combined into a ‘Happy Place’ score out of 100 – revealing the most joyous destinations of them all.
Anyone who’s familiar with all the action the Big Smoke has to offer residents and tourists alike will be unsurprised to hear that the capital claimed fifth place out of the happiest places in Europe right now, with a ‘Happy Place’ score of 64.8/100. Whether it’s major sporting events, West End shows, venues packed thanks to the biggest names in music, or a world-class exhibition, JustCover’s analysis shows visitors largely have delightful experiences in London.
But who’s the happiest of them all? Enter Positano, the glitzy Italian seaside town that’s been a staple on our movie screens and social media feeds for as long as anyone can remember. Whether it’s the pastel buildings, the sweeping sea views or the timeless romance of an afternoon wiled away on Spiaggia Grande, the town’s iconic beach, travellers leave this spot feeling rather ecstatic.
Other entries in the top 10 include the gorgeous Greek island of Santorini, with a ‘Happy Place’ score of 64.8, the up-and-coming Montenegran town of Kotor with 67.9, and Italy’s culture-rich Florence with 67.1.
The happiest destinations in Europe in 2026
10. Rome, Italy
9. Istanbul, Turkey
8. Munich, Germany
7. Gdańsk, Poland
6. Funchal, Portugal
5. London, United Kingdom
4. Florence, Italy
3. Kotor, Montenegro
2. Santorini, Greece
1. Positano, Italy
