When we go on holiday, what we often seek is peace, relaxation, and tranquility. But getting a break doesn’t always mean choosing small villages or rural areas—many medium and large cities in Europe offer the same. In fact, some of these cities combine rich cultural and artistic heritage with great transport links and beautiful beaches. So, here’s a list of the most relaxing spring destinations in Europe, according to a recent ranking.
How was the ranking created?
The ranking "Europe’s Top 10 Stress-Free Travel Destinations" was compiled by HAYPP, taking into account several metrics, including:
- Percentage of the population with easy access to public transport: This indicates how easy it is to get around the city, making travel stress-free.
- Number of wellness centers and spas: Including all places that offer relaxation services.
- Number of parks and natural areas: These are places where you can enjoy fresh air and relax in nature.
- Total area of beach zones (km²): This measures the availability of beaches, ideal for spending a day outdoors.
Other factors considered include the city’s size, the number of construction sites, and levels of congestion.
The best European cities for stress-free travel in 2025
Nice, France
Taking the top spot is Nice, the stunning French city overlooking the sea. With a public transport accessibility rate of 94.6%, 97 wellness centers, and 49 easily accessible natural areas, Nice is an ideal destination to completely recharge.
Despite having a relatively modest beach area (0.54 km²), the city boasts elegant promenades like the Promenade des Anglais, beautiful architecture, and luxurious hotels along the French Riviera. Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport, just a few kilometers from the city center, easily connects Nice with Italy and the rest of Europe. There's also a wide availability of trains and buses, making the city easily accessible by land.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo ranks second in the list with a score of 75.18. The percentage of the population with easy access to public transport is impressively high at 95.3%. The city also boasts a remarkable number of green areas (around 81), and the number of spas is satisfactory, with 43 establishments. The beach areas cover 0.63 km² of the city’s surface. Oslo's Gardermoen Airport, one of the most efficient in Europe, ensures frequent international connections.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna rightfully claims third place with 70.88 points. The city excels in public transport (97.3%), offers a high number of spas and wellness centers (112 in total), and boasts 83 accessible natural areas. In other words, it’s an ideal destination for a rejuvenating holiday.
Although the surface area of river beaches is minimal (0.09 km²), the city more than compensates with its grand imperial palaces, historic cafés, and beautiful gardens. Given the number of attractions to see, it's worth spending two or three days relaxing in the city. To get there, Vienna International Airport offers direct flights from many European and international cities, and there are excellent train connections, especially from Italy.
Marseille, France
Marseille ranks fourth with a score of 68.15. It boasts the highest public transport accessibility rate (98.1%) and offers 72 spas and wellness centers, along with 52 natural areas. Don’t miss the Old Port, Les Calanques, and the artistic district of Le Panier. Marseille is easily accessible by both air and train from many Italian cities.
Porto, Portugal
Porto takes fifth place in the ranking of relaxing European destinations. It has an extensive beach area (6.88 km², the largest in the top ten) combined with 69 spas and 52 natural parks. The charming Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the famous Porto wine cellars. Additionally, Sá Carneiro Airport is just 15 km from the city center and is well-connected with numerous low-cost and full-service airlines.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The Icelandic capital is a fascinating destination for a spring holiday, ranking sixth with a score of 64.76. Despite being smaller than some other cities on the list, 94.9% of the population has easy access to public transport.
Reykjavik also offers 31 spas and 32 natural areas, along with beaches covering around 1.82 km². The city combines culture and nature, featuring museums, galleries, natural hot springs, and the Northern Lights in winter months. It’s the perfect place to relax the mind. Keflavik Airport is easily accessible from many European cities.
Sofia, Bulgaria
With a score of 61.92, Sofia offers a good public transport network (89.8%) and boasts 107 spas, second only to Vienna. Visitors can also enjoy 36 nearby green and natural areas. Culturally, the Bulgarian capital is rich with Orthodox churches, museums, and beautiful monuments.
Bologna, Italy
Looking for a relaxing holiday destination in Italy? Bologna ranks eighth with a score of 60.99, making it the first Italian city to appear on the list. It stands out for its excellent public transport network (99.8%) and also offers 43 wellness centers and 48 green areas, including the Margherita Gardens and the famous Hills.
Known for its food culture, medieval architecture, and museums, there’s so much to see in Bologna. The city is well-served by high-speed trains and flights, making it easy to reach.
Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Bournemouth ranks ninth with a score of 59.70, excelling in transport (98.5%) and offering a large beach area (1.50 km²). With 41 spas and 16 natural areas, it’s a destination worth considering right on the English Channel. Those who love green cities and easy access to numerous parks should definitely consider this British city.
A Coruña, Spain
Finally, in tenth place is A Coruña with a score of 59.35. This Galician city, also known as La Coruña, is known for its extensive use of public transport. While it has fewer spas (only 6) and 18 green areas, it offers plenty of coastal spots to enjoy a holiday surrounded by beach and nature (0.59 km²), long boulevards for leisurely walks, and a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. Notable sights include the Old Town and the Tower of Hercules. Additionally, the Finisterrae Aquarium, one of the most important in Spain, is located here.
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