Split, unlike many other Adriatic resorts, is known for its crystal clear water on the coast // Photo: croatia.hr
The international company “Scenic Cruises” has conducted a study of tourist destinations on the degree of receiving the “happiness hormone”. The analysis was based on such indicators as the number of sunny days, air quality, quality of green areas and parks, pedestrian accessibility and average rating of restaurants. The last indicator is approximately the same for the first 20 destinations in the rating, it ranges between 4.4 and 4.7.
According to the study (see TOP-20 in the table below), Split receives more than 2.6 thousand hours of sunlight during the year – one of the key sources of dopamine, known as the “happiness hormone”. The city is located near four of Croatia’s eight national parks, which provides all the necessary conditions for an active and fulfilling vacation.
Split is home to numerous historical monuments, among which the Diocletian’s Palace stands out. This building is included in the UNESCO heritage list. The city also abounds with panoramic views of the sea, and on the Kašuni beach you can swim in crystal clear water.
After enjoying your vacation in Split, you can head to the nearby islands of Hvar and Brač, popular destinations for boat trips. The positive impressions of this place can be complemented by the Mediterranean cuisine, which is dominated by fresh fish, seafood and olive oil.
The second place in the list was taken by Amsterdam. The capital city of the Netherlands is known for its numerous canals and parks, in particular, Vondelpark. By 2050, it is planned to provide all city residents with walking distance to the parks – no more than 10 minutes walk.
Tallinn is ranked third. The capital of Estonia is known for its architecture, which combines Scandinavian style and futuristic. Notable is the medieval Old Town, included in the UNESCO heritage list. Sauna culture is also widespread here. Special attention of tourists is attracted by the Igloo Sauna with a panoramic view of the Baltic Sea.
|
TOP-20 destinations* with the most intensive production of the “happiness hormone” |
||||||
|
№ |
Destination / Country | Number of sunny days per year | Air quality (µg/m3)** | Quality of green areas and parks*** | Pedestrian accessibility*** |
“Dopamine Score*** |
| 1 | Split (Croatia) |
2.631 |
10 | 59 | 97 |
100 |
| 2 | Amsterdam (Netherlands) |
1.662 |
13 | 84 | 85 |
98 |
| 3 | Tallinn (Estonia) |
1.923 |
5 | 77 | 78 |
95 |
| 4 | New Orleans (USA) |
2.649 |
8 | 78 | 65 |
93 |
| 5 | Lisbon (Portugal) |
2.806 |
12 | 68 | 64 |
91 |
| 6 | Bay of Cadiz (Spain) |
3.024 |
18 | 56 | 95 |
88 |
| 7 | Malaga (Spain) |
2.919 |
17 | 69 | 76 |
86 |
| 8 | Liverpool (Great Britain) |
1.507 |
8 | 80 | 97 |
84 |
| 9 | Vancouver (Canada) |
1.938 |
7 | 85 | 56 |
81 |
| 10 | Oslo (Norway) |
1.668 |
9 | 86 | 68 |
79 |
| 11 | New York, Manhattan (USA) |
2.535 |
7 | 64 | 69 |
77 |
| 12 | Boston (USA) |
2.634 |
7 | 78 | 60 |
74 |
| 13 | Valencia (Spain) |
2.696 |
10 | 88 | 24 |
72 |
| 14 | Singapore |
2.022 |
18 | 81 | 86 |
70 |
| 15 | Bergen (Norway) |
1.187 |
8 | 81 | 91 |
67 |
| 16 | Seattle (USA) |
2.170 |
6 | 80 | 43 |
65 |
| 17 | Quebec (Canada) |
1.916 |
9 | 71 | 45 |
63 |
| 18 | Palma de Mallorca (Spain) |
2.789 |
7 | 65 | 40 |
60 |
| 19 | Buenos Aires (Argentina) |
2.525 |
14 | 66 | 63 |
58 |
| 20 | Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain) |
2.848 |
7 | 59 | 36 |
56 |
| * According to Scenic Cruises International (Australia)
** Values from 0 to 50 are considered good, 51-100 – satisfactory *** The maximum value is 100 |
||||||
