The ‘happiest place to holiday’ on Earth is under three hours from the UK

The world’s happiest place for a holiday is only a short two-hour budget flight from the UK.

The colourful capital of Portugal has taken first place in the Holiday Happiness Index, earning the title of the world’s most cheerful city break.

The research shows that this lively destination stands out for many feel-good reasons, especially its brilliant food scene.

Nearly 10% of places to eat in Lisbon are classed as healthy, putting it second in the index and ahead of major foodie cities like Paris, Tokyo and New York.

With its fresh seafood, local markets and cosy traditional restaurants, it’s easy to enjoy tasty meals without spending much.

Lisbon’s walkability also boosts its charm. The city is small enough to explore on foot, with viewpoints dotted around that make wandering around feel rewarding.

Its steep streets can offer a bit of a workout, especially in areas like Bairro Alto and Alfama, but a decent pair of shoes is all you need.

Visitors can also reach major sights, from Praça do Comércio to Belém Tower, in under two hours, showing how simple it is to get around.

Although Lisbon doesn’t have as much green space as cities like Helsinki, it still offers 49 m2 of green area per person, which is nearly four times more than Madrid.

Nature is never far away either, with the surf beaches of Costa da Caparica and the sandy shores of Cascais just a short train ride away.

With a huge 2,828 hours of sunshine each year, it’s easy to see why the city lifts people’s moods. And reaching it doesn’t cost much, with return flights from UK airports available from around £40.

Lisbon has officially been named the top destination in a study looking at which places make holidaymakers happiest and what contributes to that feeling.

The research was led by Dr Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, a clinical psychologist connected to Harvard and an expert in holistic happiness.

According to the organisers, BookRetreats.com, a destination’s “feel-good factor” now plays a major role when choosing where to go.

A 2024 UK poll showed that 73% of people pick holidays mainly to relax, and half now choose trips that support their mental health and well-being.

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