What relaxes you on holiday? Is it a day beside the swimming pool at a sleek spa, swaddled in a robe awaiting an indulgent treatment? Being among nature, from walks through nature reserves to swims in crystal-clear lakes? Perhaps it’s simply sitting in the sun, novel in hand, watching the world go by as your phone sits out of arm’s length.
Whatever does it for us, we can agree that the intention of a holiday is to unwind for a short while and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. But where in the world is the best place to do so?
Thankfully, the number-crunchers at Travel eSIM group Holafly have done the calculations for us, revealing the most relaxing cities in the world for 2026. The study took into account: population density; the number of nature areas and parks; the number of spa and wellness centres; air quality; sunlight hours; traffic index; and happiness score.
It’ll come as no surprise to fans of all things Scandi that Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, jumps into first place this year. The city seems to put its people first through design and city breakers return year after year thanks to residents’ hospitable nature – plus the historical highlights and world-class dining on offer.
Other high-ranking cities include the vibrant Spanish city of Barcelona in second place and the chic Austrian capital, Vienna in third place – check out the full list below.
