The global wellness tourism market is booming, with forecasts suggesting its value will reach approximately $1.35 trillion by 2028- effectively doubling from 2022.
With this surge in mind, the question arises: which European cities offer the most relaxing, hassle-free escapes?
In a bid to find out, the experts at HAYPP conducted an in-depth study analysing seven key stress-related factors, from congestion levels to scenic natural settings and wellness spots, uncovering Europe’s most relaxing travel destinations for Spring 2025.
Key Findings:
- Nice, France is the best city for stress-free travel this spring, with a relaxation score of 75.36/100.
- Oslo follows closely, with a score of 75.18/100.
- Oslo has the second highest number of nature spots in the top ten ranking cities (81).
Europe’s top 10 stress-free travel destinations
| Rank | City | Country | Pop. with Convenient Public Transport access (%) | Number of Spas & Wellness Spots* | Number of Nature Spots** | Beach Areas (km2) | Relaxation Score (/100) |
| 1 | Nice | France | 94.6% | 97 | 49 | 0.54 | 75.36 |
| 2 | Oslo | Norway | 95.3% | 43 | 81 | 0.63 | 75.18 |
| 3 | Vienna | Austria | 97.3% | 112 | 83 | 0.09 | 70.88 |
| 4 | Marseille | France | 98.1% | 72 | 52 | 0.38 | 68.15 |
| 5 | Porto | Portugal | 89.2% | 69 | 52 | 6.88 | 65.47 |
| 6 | Reykjavik | Iceland | 94.9% | 31 | 32 | 1.82 | 64.76 |
| 7 | Sofia | Bulgaria | 89.8% | 107 | 36 | 0.89 | 61.92 |
| 8 | Bologna | Italy | 99.8% | 43 | 48 | 0.01 | 60.99 |
| 9 | Bournemouth | UK | 98.5% | 41 | 16 | 1.50 | 59.70 |
| 10 | A Coruña | Spain | 93.5% | 6 | 18 | 0.59 | 59.35 |
**details of what these include can be found in the methodology below
Please find the complete dataset of all 25 European cities analysed here.
Nice, France Tops the List as Europe’s Most Stress-Free Travel Destination
Nice, France, claims the top spot as the ultimate stress-free travel destination, with an impressive relaxation score of 75.36/100. Nestled along the stunning French Riviera, Nice offers an extensive public transport network, making it easy and straightforward to navigate the city. With 49 nature spots and 97 wellness facilities, visitors have an array of options to unwind, all whilst enjoying the charm of the coast.
Close behind in second place is Oslo, Norway, with a relaxation score of 75.18/100. Oslo provides a serene retreat with 81 nature spots and 43 wellness facilities for those looking for a cooler spring escape. With 95.3% of residents having convenient access to public transport, exploring the city is seamless, however, walking around the city gives visitors a chance to breathe in Oslo in bloom this spring.
Vienna, Austria, secures third place with a relaxation score of 70.88/100. The Austrian capital boasts 97.3% public transport accessibility, ensuring stress-free travel whilst exploring. Visitors can also indulge in 112 spa and wellness facilities, promising a rejuvenating experience. Offering 83 nature spots, the most out of the top ten ranking cities, Vienna is the perfect place to welcome in the spring season.
Marseille, France, ranks fourth with a relaxation score of 68.15/100. This vibrant city blends urban energy with coastal tranquillity, offering 52 nature spots and 72 spa and wellness facilities. With 98.1% of its population having easy access to public transport, the stress of getting around is minimal in Marseille.
Porto, Portugal, completes the top five with a relaxation score of 65.47/100. This vibrant coastal city boasts 6.88 km² of beach area– more than the nine other ranking cities combined (6.45 km²), providing plenty of opportunities for seaside relaxation. With 52 nature spots and 69 wellness facilities, Porto is an excellent destination for those looking to unwind at the coast, whilst being able to explore rich history and captivating landscapes.
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