As travelers seek serenity away from the hustle and bustle of overtourism, new research reveals that Europe is home to seven of the world’s top 10 most relaxing holiday destinations. With destinations like France, Spain, Italy, and Turkey grappling with overcrowding, visitors are shifting their focus toward quieter, peaceful spots, especially in Northern Europe.
The findings come from the latest Global Relaxation Index, which analyzed over 76 destinations worldwide, ranking them based on five key relaxation factors: safety, solitude, serenity, nature, and wellness. Each destination was rated between 1 and 100, using criteria such as protected areas, forest coverage, crowd density, noise pollution, and the availability of wellness experiences.
Northern Europe Leading the Way
Notably, Iceland, which scored nearly perfect marks for safety and serenity, claimed third place globally. Its low population density and abundant natural wonders, including volcanoes, natural hot springs, and the Northern Lights, make it a top destination for those seeking tranquility. Finland, with its own stunning natural landscape and sparsely populated regions, followed closely in fourth place.
This is a stark contrast to the bustling crowds in Mediterranean destinations like Italy, which has a population density of 198.3 people per km², and Mauritius, the most crowded destination in the report with 626 people per km². In contrast, countries like Iceland and Finland offer vast expanses of wilderness and low crowd densities, providing a serene environment for travelers.
Europe’s Top Relaxing Destinations
Apart from Iceland and Finland, other European countries scoring high on the relaxation index include:
Austria (ranked 6th): Known for its green cities, slower-paced lifestyle, and wellness traditions.
Sweden (7th): Offers a perfect blend of peaceful landscapes and mindful urban living.
Estonia (8th): Emerging as a wellness hotspot, with serene nature and a focus on well-being.
Norway (9th): A land of natural beauty and quietude, offering visitors an escape into nature.
Portugal (10th): Known for its tranquil countryside and slower pace of life.
These countries are leading the charge in offering relaxation experiences, not just because of the space available but also due to their commitment to wellness traditions, green city planning, and slow living.
The Challenge of Overtourism
As more travelers turn to peaceful destinations, countries like Spain and France, once celebrated for their tranquil retreats, have seen their popularity result in overwhelming crowds. Despite this, Spain still managed to rank in the top 20 (16th), while France fell behind at 33rd. Experts behind the study emphasize that the most peaceful escapes today are found in less crowded regions, often in wilderness destinations or northern European countries that combine safety with serene, slow-paced city living.
Global Relaxation Index: A New Measure for Peaceful Travel
According to Sean Kelly, co-founder of BookRetreats.com, the findings from the Global Relaxation Index confirm what many travelers have long suspected: "The places we once visited for peace and quiet have become victims of their own popularity. The most peaceful escapes now lie in vast wilderness destinations like Australia and Canada, or in Northern European nations that combine safe environments with naturally calm city life."
Where Else to Find Tranquility
Canada, which secured second place globally, offers over 4,700 wellness experiences and an impressive 34.8% forest coverage. Its pristine natural environments, including the Northern Lights, make it a prime destination for relaxation seekers.
As more travelers continue to seek out untouched wilderness and mindful urban living, relaxation travel is set to remain a growing trend in 2025. Whether it’s the unspoiled landscapes of Northern Europe or the vast natural wonders of Australia, the quest for tranquility is reshaping global travel trends.
If you're looking to escape the crowds and unwind in a peaceful, serene environment, these top European destinations—and others around the world—offer the perfect retreat. With their rich wellness traditions, stunning landscapes, and commitment to sustainability, they provide a refreshing break from the fast-paced modern world.
Source: Euronews
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