This Is the No. 1 Feel-good Destination in the World for Its Sunny Weather, Green Spaces, Walkability, and Air Quality

An iconic Croatian city came in at the top.

Taryn White

2 January 2025 at 9:05 am·2-min read

Lazy_Bear/Getty Images Aerial view of Split, Croatia's Old town with historical red roof tiled buildings — Lazy_Bear/Getty Images
Aerial view of Split, Croatia's Old town with historical red roof tiled buildings

As winter sets in, bringing with it early darkness and extended nights, many travelers may find themselves experiencing the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder. To counteract the winter blues, embarking on a journey to a mood-enhancing destination might just be the ideal way to start the new year. In collaboration with clinical psychologist Gurpreet Kaur, Scenic Cruises recently conducted a new study, identifying the top 10 destinations scientifically proven to boost mood and well-being. Topping the list is Split, Croatia.

With nearly 3,000 hours of annual sunshine and proximity to four of Croatia's eight national parks, it's no surprise that this Dalmatian Coast city ranks among the world's top feel-good destinations. Its car-free old town is the perfect spot to explore by foot, offering a picturesque waterfront promenade and cobblestone streets lined with charming cafés, boutique shops, and historic landmarks such as Diocletian's Palace.

Not only does the city have an abundance of natural attractions, such as Marjan Forest Park and Kasuni Beach, but it also serves as a gateway to the stunning islands of Hvar and Brac. Additionally, the city and the country are excellent places to try authentic and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

Second on the list is Amsterdam. Known for its grand canals and elegant green spaces, such as Vondelpark, the city has set forth a vision for 2050 to ensure all residents can walk to a park within 10 minutes.

Coming in third is Tallinn, Estonia, a striking Baltic city with an underrated sauna culture. One place to experience the city’s sauna scene is Iglupark, where visitors can work up a nice sweat in modern black igloo saunas and stay in cozy igloo-style accommodations overlooking the sea. New Orleans and Lisbon follow in fourth and fifth place, respectively, each famous for their dynamic cuisines.

The study included five key metrics: hours of sunshine, air quality, green spaces, walkability, and cuisine. Each factor was carefully selected by Kaur for its ability to stimulate dopamine, aka the "feel-good" hormone. To view the complete study, visit scenic.co.uk.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure

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