Looking for your next vacation destination? (Photo: Getty Images)
From the chaos of travel to the restless atmosphere upon arrival, vacations can sometimes create more stress than the relaxation they are intended to provide.
If you're looking to regain some peace of mind while traveling in the coming months, we've determined the most stress-free travel destinations in Europe so you can enjoy your holiday without any unnecessary grief.
Praised as “stunning” and “unparalleled” in various Reddit threads by enthusiastic visitors, the beautiful French city of Nice has now taken the crown as the most stress-free travel destination.
The new study ranked 25 European cities based on a range of factors, including congestion levels, the percentage of the population with easy access to public transport, the number of sauna and wellness facilities, and the number of parks and nature areas.
Construction sites, beach areas and built-up areas were also taken into account in a formula used to calculate a final score out of 100, with Nice receiving an impressive score of 75.4.
Nice's old town is incredibly picturesque (Photo: Getty Images)
So what makes the Côte d'Azur capital so special? According to figures from HAYPP, a staggering 94.6% of the city's population has good public transport access, and it's home to 97 spa and wellness spots and 49 natural gems.
The beach to city ratio is also relatively high, with 0.5 km2 of golden sand.
Elsewhere, Norway's Oslo came in second with 75.2 points, while the Austrian capital Vienna was rated 68.2 points.
Further down the list, Istanbul, Turkey had the most spa and wellness spots with 366, earning a score of 60.1.
Things to do in Nice, France
Looking to get involved in an activity? From fine dining to sandy beaches, Nice has plenty of places to relax.
Firstly, the coast is characterised by sparkling blue waters, and with several popular spots including Castel Plage, Blue Beach and Coco Beach, you're spoilt for choice.
You can also relax at facilities such as La Parenthèse, Espace Bien-être and Deep Nature Nice, whether you want a facial or a massage.
If you're looking to indulge in some cuisine, Le Chantecler and Bocca are great options (but on the higher end of the price range).
If you're looking for something a little more affordable, Nice has a number of markets selling fresh local produce, such as Cours Saleya Provence Market.
Nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer guarantees sparkling blue waters (Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
With all this in mind, it goes without saying that tourists are completely enthralled with Nice.
“Nice is incredible,” wrote @pie_12th in a particularly generous Reddit review of the French coastal city. “The beaches are perfect, the food is unmatched, the open-air markets are amazing. Overall, one of the best places I've ever visited.”
And for @Nikiaf, the visit was the “highlight” of a trip to France a few years ago.
The Promenade des Anglais is a famous hotspot (Photo: Getty Images)
“We went in early July so it was very warm and the beach was lovely, the town itself was charming and the food was delicious and not too expensive,” they wrote.
“It's also not far from other interesting destinations like Monaco.”
How to get to Nice, France
Ryanair, easyJet and Air France fly direct from London to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, taking around 2 hours and 10 minutes.
EasyJet offers a direct flight from Manchester, taking just 2 hours and 25 minutes.
However, if just going to the airport makes you stressed, it's entirely possible to get to Nice without flying.
Naturally, this takes a lot longer, but it's a viable option if you want to try a slower method of travel.
Nice has a lively restaurant scene (Photo: Getty Images)
The Eurostar journey from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord takes between 2 hours 15 minutes and 2 hours 37 minutes, making it possible to stay overnight or fly in and visit (and potentially visit a bakery or two).
There's also a high-speed TGV train that runs directly from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice-Ville. Long-distance trains can take up to 7 hours 45 minutes, but the fastest trains get you there in just 5 hours 41 minutes, which isn't too bad considering Nice is located just south of the French Riviera.
When to go to Nice, France
Nice enjoys plenty of sunshine, so if you're looking to get your dose of Vitamin D, the best time to visit is naturally summer.
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In June, the average maximum temperature drops to around 24°C, but in July and August temperatures usually rise to 27°C.
As autumn arrives, September becomes milder with a high of 24°C, while October and November can see highs of 20°C and 16°C respectively.
Don't forget the sunscreen!
Top 10 stress-free travel destinations in Europe according to HAYPP
Nice, France. Relaxation score: 75.4/100, Oslo, Norway: 75.2/100, Vienna, Austria: 68.2/100, Reykjavik, Iceland: 65.7/100, Sofia, Bulgaria/Marseille, France: 62.8/100, Porto, Portugal: 61.9/100, Bologna, Italy: 61.0/100, Istanbul, Turkey: 60.1/100, A Coruña, Spain: 59.4/100.
Top 10 European destinations with closest airports
The long journey from the airport to your hotel room will undoubtedly add extra stress.
So, if you're worried about that, GoEuro previously ranked the fastest ways to travel between European destinations and city centres.
Nice Côte d'Azur (5 min transfer), Lanzarote (10 min), Birmingham (9 min), Malaga Costa del Sol (12 min), Frankfurt (10 min), Nuremberg (12 min), Cologne Bonn (13 min), Prague (15 min), Leipzig Halle (13 min), Amsterdam Schiphol (14 min).
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