Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. That’s why ‘calmcations’ – holidays focused entirely on tranquillity – is the latest travel trend growing in popularity.
Whether it’s a cosy cabin in the woods, a secluded beach, or a tranquil village, more travellers are picking destinations that encourage digital detoxing, quiet spaces, and mindfulness practices.
City breaks can be exciting, but they often come with stress—packed itineraries, early mornings, late nights, and navigating crowded streets. This is why Wizz Air has compiled an index of the best cities for a wellness-focused escape.
Ratchet than the usual things we might look at when picking a getaway, Wizz have analysed all the R&R essentials, such as noise pollution, air quality, internet speed, the number of spas, hiking trails and nature parks per 10,000 tourists in each location and weather.
According to Wizz Air’s research, these are the top 10 best destinations for a ‘calmcation’:
| Rank | City | Country | Spas Per 10,000 tourist | No. hike routes | Nature/Parks Per 10,000 tourist | Air Quality PM2.5 2023 (μg/m³) | Mean download speed | Average sunshine hours June-August | Noise pollution | TOTAL RANK |
| 1 | Ibiza | Spain | 0.25 | 599 | 0.26 | 4.6 | 148.63 | 13 | 0 | 23 |
| 2 | Riga | Latvia | 0.8 | 574 | 0.2 | 8 | 95.5 | 11 | 0.5297 | 24 |
| 3 | Olbia | Italy | 0.32 | 52 | 0.61 | 2.7 | 72.45 | 11 | 0.3319 | 24 |
| 4 | Zakynthos | Greece | 0.31 | 181 | 0.87 | 11.4 | 72.54 | 12 | -0.4592 | 25 |
| 5 | Burgas | Bulgaria | 0.55 | 10 | 0.63 | 12.7 | 67.47 | 12 | 0 | 27 |
| 6 | Rhodes | Greece | 0.21 | 167 | 0.37 | 11.2 | 72.54 | 12 | -0.4592 | 28 |
| 7 | Larnaca | Cyprus | 0.5 | 37 | 0.21 | 14.8 | 51.53 | 12 | -1.6486 | 28 |
| 8 | Madrid | Spain | 0.33 | 654 | 0.12 | 9 | 148.63 | 11 | 0 | 31 |
| 9 | Izmir | Turkey | 0.25 | 24 | 0.27 | 22.5 | 32.89 | 12 | -1.2276 | 32 |
| 10 | Prague | Czech Republic | 0.34 | 790 | 0.16 | 9.8 | 74.41 | 8 | 0.4594 | 32 |
1. Ibiza, Spain
Ranking in first place is Ibiza, Spain, which might come as a surprise for some. Often associated with its party scene, Ibiza has also become one of the top destinations for wellness retreat holidays and ‘calmcations’, often being considered a spiritual hotspot.
Ibiza has many secluded beaches, hidden coves, and lush pine forests, making it an ideal place to disconnect and relax.
Ibiza isn’t just about its beaches, its countryside is also home to peaceful landscapes, including olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills. Visitors can explore these serene areas on foot, by bike, or even on horseback, providing an ideal way to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The island’s natural landscape allows for hiking, paddleboarding, wild swimming, and cycling, all known for their mental health benefits.
Ibiza provides the perfect mix of relaxation, wellness, and nature, offering a serene environment for those seeking peace and rejuvenation away from the party scene and are looking for a ‘calmcation’.
- Riga, Latvia
In second place is Riga, Latvia, an underrated wellness holiday destination offering a mix of natural healing traditions, spa culture, and tranquil escapes. Riga is one of Europe’s greenest capitals, with large parks like Bastejkalns Park and Mežaparks offering quiet places for relaxation and mindful walks.
Unlike wellness hotspots like Bali, Riga is not overrun with tourists, making it ideal for a truly calm and restorative break. The city has a slow-paced atmosphere, especially in the off-season, when cosy cafés and spa hotels provide a peaceful escape from stress.
- Olbia, Italy
Ranking third is Olbia, a hidden gem in Sardinia, is perfect for a ‘calmcation.’ Surrounded by mountains, coastal trails, and forests, it’s an ideal spot to unplug—whether it’s hiking, cycling, or unwinding at a yoga retreat.
Sardinians embrace a slow lifestyle, prioritising relaxation, time in nature, and strong community connections. The quiet, rural areas around Olbia allow visitors to completely disconnect from stress and technology.
On top of this, Sardinia is part of the world’s Blue Zone, meaning locals live exceptionally long, healthy lives—thanks to fresh, organic food and a stress-free lifestyle.
- Zakynthos, Greece
Zakynthos in Greece ranked in fourth position for a ‘calmcation’. While some parts of the island are lively, Zakynthos is home to peaceful, unspoiled beaches with turquoise, clear waters, like Dafni Beach and Porto Limnionas, where visitors can relax away from crowds.
In traditional villages like Keri and Volimes, life moves at a slower rhythm, making it easy to unwind, enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, and embrace a more mindful pace.
There is also plenty of stunning natural scenery throughout Zakynthos with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and the famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, providing you with a peaceful escape from everyday stress.
- Burgas, Bulgaria
The research revealed that Burgas, Bulgaria is the fifth best place for a ‘calmcation’. Unlike Bulgaria’s busier resorts, Burgas offers quieter stretches of coastline, such as Kraimorie Beach and North Beach, where visitors can unwind with fewer crowds.
The city is also home to Sea Garden, a tranquil park along the coast, perfect for peaceful walks or meditation. Nearby, Burgas Lake and Atanasovsko Lake provide serene spots for birdwatching and nature retreats. Burgas is famous for its healing mineral baths and mud treatments, known for relaxing and therapeutic benefits, making it the ideal destination to unwind and recharge.
Anda Barut Collection Welcomes Back Wellness Week
