Keen to discover the most relaxing countries in Europe, and where travellers have the highest odds of feeling stress free, Slot Tracker has created a points-based index system that evaluates the number of hiking trails, spas, yoga/pilates centres and national parks per 100,000 people to award each country a relaxation score out of 10.
The Most Relaxing European Destinations:
|
Rank |
Country |
Hiking trails per 100,000 people |
Spas per 100,000 people |
Yoga/Pilates centres per 100,000 people |
National parks per 100,000 people |
Relaxation score /10 |
|
1. |
Iceland |
168.50 |
12.01 |
1.76 |
2.34 |
9.26 |
|
2. |
Ireland |
56.06 |
7.37 |
1.01 |
0.34 |
8.13 |
|
3. |
Malta |
10.87 |
15.40 |
2.49 |
0.68 |
7.84 |
|
=4. |
Croatia |
102.58 |
3.78 |
0.51 |
0.41 |
7.33 |
|
=4. |
Portugal |
58.20 |
4.75 |
1.01 |
0.22 |
7.33 |
|
6. |
Norway |
125.52 |
3.01 |
0.39 |
0.55 |
7.10 |
|
7. |
Andorra |
100.95 |
12.94 |
0.00 |
1.29 |
6.82 |
|
8. |
Denmark |
108.09 |
1.99 |
0.54 |
0.26 |
6.71 |
|
=9. |
Greece |
36.39 |
5.51 |
0.97 |
0.18 |
6.59 |
|
=9. |
Switzerland |
142.66 |
6.51 |
0.83 |
0.02 |
6.59 |
|
11. |
Spain |
43.82 |
4.53 |
0.91 |
0.19 |
6.48 |
|
12. |
Finland |
50.35 |
2.53 |
0.38 |
0.83 |
6.42 |
|
13. |
United Kingdom |
29.63 |
5.66 |
0.70 |
0.11 |
6.14 |
|
14. |
Latvia |
10.39 |
4.45 |
0.53 |
0.32 |
6.02 |
|
15. |
Slovenia |
28.72 |
3.94 |
0.48 |
0.24 |
5.97 |
Slot Tracker found that those residing or holidaying in Iceland have the highest odds of being relaxed, with an overall relaxation score of 9.26/10. Iceland has the second most national parks of all countries analysed at 2.34 per capita, 12 times more than Spain (0.19). The abundance of natural sanctuaries in Iceland increases exposure to nature and encourages physical activity, which helps to reduce anxiety and stress(2). Not only this, but the country has the third highest number of hiking trails per capita (168.50), more than double the amount found in Portugal (58.20). Iceland is also home to the second highest number of yoga and pilates centres in the ranking, which can stimulate the production of endorphins and help with de-stressing.
Ireland, famous for its breathtaking landscapes, peaceful countryside and friendly atmosphere, follows in second place with a relaxation score of 8.13/10. Ireland has the fourth highest number of spas per capita among the top 15 and over three times the amount of national parks in the UK (29.63). With nearly double the amount of hiking trails as Slovenia (28.72) in 15th place, Ireland proves to be an ideal location for relaxation.
Taking third place is Malta, with a relaxation score of 7.84/10. Renowned for its breathtaking coastline and historic sites, Malta is a must visit destination for those seeking a relaxing escape. With the highest number of spas per capita among all countries analysed (15.40), both visitors and locals will always have relaxation centres nearby - with 21% more spas than Monaco. Not only this, but Malta has over four times as many yoga and pilates centres as Croatia in fourth place (0.51 per capita), as well as 24% more national parks than Norway (0.55) in sixth position.
Statement By Technical Director At Brainworks Neurotherapy
James Roy, technical director at Brainworks Neurotherapy, commented on the importance of relaxation and the benefits travel has for the brain, saying, "A relaxing time away is one of the healthiest things you can do for your brain. The more foreign and the further from your daily routine the better.
"A change in environment helps brain flexibility and weakens our mental habits, while the unfamiliar sights and sounds stretch our brain in new ways. As our brains flex and come alive, colours become brighter, smells more intense, our sense of touch and intimacy is heightened. This experience is often called the travel high. Some can find this greater brain flexibility quite addictive.
"The real power of a relaxing time away is clear when we arrive back home. The greater mental flexibility (increased neuroplasticity) brings more awareness, giving us the chance to see our lives afresh. This is the time to break the old habits, usher in the new and change your routine for the better."
Read More: Europe's Introvert-Friendly Destinations Revealed By Study
© 2023 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
