# Lisbon ranked happiest holiday destination

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lisbon-ranked-happiest-holiday-destination
> Updated: 2026-09-25T13:12:32.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Lisbon has been ranked as the world’s happiest holiday destination by the Holiday Happiness Index, a study conducted by the platform BookRetreats in collaboration with psychologist Natalie Dattilo-Ryan. 

The index evaluated 47 global cities using five wellness-oriented metrics: sunlight, sleep quality, healthy food options, access to nature, and walkability. Lisbon secured the top position due to its high annual sunshine—approximately 2,828 hours—its pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and its proximity to the coast and nature. 

Other top-ranking cities in the study included Helsinki, Orlando, Athens, and Edinburgh. The findings suggest a shift in travel psychology, with travelers increasingly prioritizing mental clarity and physical well-being over traditional landmarks.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Lisbon named world's happiest holiday destination

Lisbon has topped the Holiday Happiness Index, ranked by BookRetreats and a Harvard psychologist for its sunlight, walkability, and wellness-focused travel environment.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lisbon-named-worlds-happiest-holiday-destination-1

### 2026-09-23: Lisbon named world's happiest travel destination for 2026

Lisbon has been ranked as the world's happiest travel destination for 2026 by BookRetreats, leading 47 cities based on sunlight, healthy food, green space, and walkability.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lisbon-named-worlds-happiest-travel-destination-for-2026

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Cite as: Lisbon ranked happiest holiday destination. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lisbon-ranked-happiest-holiday-destination