Lisbon has been named the world's happiest holiday destination in the Holiday Happiness Index, with judges praising its sunshine, sleep, healthy eating and access to nature. Sophie Harris travelled to the Portuguese capital to see whether it deserves the title.
Sunshine and walkable streets
Lisbon gets 2,828 hours of sunshine each year, which lowers the risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder compared with the UK. During the visit, blue skies, warm temperatures and colourful streets made walking around feel like a treat.
The city is full of tiled buildings, cafes, viewpoints and winding streets, so a packed itinerary is not necessary. Some of the best moments came from simply wandering and seeing where the streets led.
Healthy food and green spaces
According to BookRetreats, almost 10% of restaurants in Lisbon are classified as healthy. Pomme Eatery was a highlight, specialising in oily fish and vegetables, with dishes including grilled sardines toast with romesko sauce and octopus carpaccio with mayo kimchi.
Lisbon has around 49 square metres of green space per person, with beaches within easy reach. Parque Eduardo VII, redesigned in the mid-20th century by architect Francisco Keil do Amaral, offers broad formal lawns and panoramic views from the top.
Where to stay and how to get there
Sophie stayed at the Luster Hotel, which has 56 rooms with contemporary design, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a safe and a minibar. The hotel has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa and wellness centre with a sauna and steam room, plus massage and treatment options.
Room rates vary depending on dates, room type and availability, with prices starting from around £172 per night for two people. Ryanair and easyJet fly from Liverpool, with flights from £70 this winter.
