Valletta in Malta tops a new ranking of longevity holiday destinations in Europe. The list comes from the villa company CV Villas, as reported by Euronews. Forget red-light masks and costly supplements. These places make it easy to walk more, eat plant-based food and share a glass of wine with friends.
What Blue Zones Teach Us About Longevity
Interest in longevity is growing fast. People talk more and more about peptides, red-light therapy and other ways to live longer. However, you do not need costly devices or supplements. The basics of a healthy lifestyle matter far more.
This is how people live in the so-called blue zones. These are regions with a high number of people who live to 100. Europe has two official blue zones: the Greek island of Ikaria and Sardinia in Italy. In addition, many other places in Europe share the same habits. People walk a lot, eat simple food and keep close ties with friends and family.
How the Longevity Holiday Destinations in Europe Were Ranked
CV Villas looked at almost 100 places. It based its scores on the Power 9 principles of blue zones described by Dan Buettner. Each place got a score out of 100. The team used four main criteria:
- Walkability, taking hills and slopes into account;
- Pace of life, measured by average working hours per year;
- Restaurants and wineries with vegan options per person;
- Social life, measured by cafes and churches per person.
“Thanks to the opportunities for walking, quality food, a sense of community and, overall, a slower pace of life that many of us are not used to, these places offer everything needed for a full and restorative holiday,” said Anna Marshall, head of marketing at CV Villas.
She added that Europe has only two official blue zones. Still, the company’s long experience in travel shows that a similar way of life lives on in many other places.
Keep in mind that the ranking does not measure life expectancy. Instead, it highlights places where habits linked to a healthy lifestyle are easy to follow.
Top 4: Valletta, Paxos, Saint-Tropez and Eger
1. Valletta, Malta
Four of the top 20 places are in Malta. First place went to the capital, Valletta. It won thanks to its walkable streets and its many places to eat and meet people. As a result, it offers the mix of daily movement and a balanced pace of life linked to longevity. Planning a trip? See our guide to Malta in October, and don’t miss Victoria, the capital of Gozo.
2. Paxos, Greece
Second place went to the Greek island of Paxos. The ranking praised its close community, slow way of life and chances to walk. Its unspoilt nature helps visitors slow down, rest and join the local rhythm. For similar escapes, see our hidden Greek islands without the crowds.
3. Saint-Tropez, France
Third place went to Saint-Tropez in France.
4. Eger, Hungary
Fourth place went to a surprise entry: the Hungarian town of Eger. This historic town is easy to explore on foot. The ranking also noted its sociable wine culture, with locals sharing the famous red Bull’s Blood over dinner. However, Euronews stresses that this does not mean alcohol helps you live longer. Alcohol carries health risks even when you drink it with friends.
The Full List: 20 Longevity Holiday Destinations in Europe
Spain makes the top 10 with Ibiza in sixth place. If it tempts you, check out our top attractions in Ibiza. Here is the full top 20:
- Valletta, Malta.
- Paxos, Greece.
- Saint-Tropez, France.
- Eger, Hungary.
- Mdina, Malta.
- Ibiza, Spain.
- Taormina, Italy.
- Lefkada, Greece.
- Budva, Montenegro.
- Dingle, Ireland.
- Nessebar, Bulgaria.
- Bad Ischl, Austria.
- Piran, Slovenia.
- Ålesund, Norway.
- St Julian’s, Malta.
- Gozo, Malta.
- Ksamil, Albania.
- Levoča, Slovakia.
- Bordeaux, France.
- Novi Sad, Serbia.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
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