Europe’s Premier Destinations for Lifelong Health
Across Europe, certain regions stand out for promoting lifestyles that emphasize walking, plant-based diets, strong social connections, and a relaxed pace of living. According to a ranking compiled by CV Villas, Valletta, Malta’s capital, tops the list as the best city for sustaining health and longevity. This ranking evaluates factors such as walkability, lifestyle pace, availability of vegan dining options and wineries per capita, and the degree of social engagement among residents.
Following Valletta, the Greek island of Paxos ranks second, while the French town of Saint-Tropez holds third place. Hungary’s Eger, famed for its local wine "Bull’s Blood," secures the fourth spot. Malta is notably well represented with four destinations in the top 20, including Mdina, St. Julian’s, and Gozo.
Blue Zones and the Secrets to a Healthy Life
Europe officially recognizes two "Blue Zones"—Ikaria in Greece and Sardinia in Italy—areas renowned for their residents’ exceptional longevity linked to healthy living habits. Anna Marshall highlights that
“these locations offer all the essentials for a restorative and fulfilling lifestyle, including accessible walking routes, nutritious food, a strong sense of community, and an overall slower pace of life that many of us are not accustomed to.”
The study assessed nearly 100 locations based on principles of healthy living, underscoring the critical role of social interaction and access to quality food. Additionally, 24,000 respondents rated public transportation in their cities on a five-point scale, with Taipei, Taiwan, being recognized globally as the city with the best public transit system.
The top 20 European destinations for longevity are as follows:
- 1. Valletta, Malta
- 2. Paxos, Greece
- 3. Saint-Tropez, France
- 4. Eger, Hungary
- 5. Mdina, Malta
- 6. Ibiza, Spain
- 7. Taormina, Italy
- 8. Lefkada, Greece
- 9. Budva, Montenegro
- 10. Dingle, Ireland
- 11. Nesebar, Bulgaria
- 12. Bad Ischl, Austria
- 13. Piran, Slovenia
- 14. Ålesund, Norway
- 15. St. Julian's, Malta
- 16. Gozo, Malta
- 17. Ksamil, Albania
- 18. Levoča, Slovakia
- 19. Bordeaux, France
- 20. Novi Sad, Serbia
This compilation highlights the importance of selecting living environments that actively foster health and longevity. As interest in wellness and lifespan extension grows, people increasingly seek out communities and destinations that support balanced lifestyles. The CV Villas ranking serves as a valuable guide for individuals aiming to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. It also emphasizes how crucial social bonds and access to healthy food are in shaping long-term strategies for improving quality of life.
As Europe increasingly embraces wellness-focused travel, destinations like Sofia, recognized for its short getaway appeal, exemplify the diverse options available for those seeking rejuvenation. These cities not only promote healthy living but also offer unique experiences that contribute to overall wellbeing, making them ideal complements to the top longevity destinations highlighted in our report.