Athens has been named the fourth happiest city in the world for a holiday, according to a list published by the travel magazine Time Out.

The ranking is based on the Holiday Happiness Index, compiled by the wellness travel platform BookRetreats.com with Harvard-affiliated clinical psychologist Dr Natalie Dattilo-Ryan. It assessed 47 destinations worldwide on five equally weighted factors linked to wellbeing: hours of sunshine, quality of sleep, access to healthy food, time spent in nature and how easily a city can be explored on foot. Each destination was given a score out of 100.

Lisbon finished first, helped by 2,828 hours of sunshine a year, 49 square metres of green space per resident, easy access to beaches and a strong food scene, with nearly 10 percent of its restaurants classed as healthy. Helsinki took second place, Orlando third and Edinburgh fifth.

Time Out described Athens as the most walkable city of all those assessed. It also scored very highly for restaurants serving healthy food, sharing the top position in that category, while its climate and access to countryside and beaches also counted in its favour.

The 10 happiest cities for a holiday

1. Lisbon, Portugal

The Portuguese capital blends history, sunshine and an easy-going atmosphere. Colourful buildings, characterful neighbourhoods, fado music and views over the River Tagus give the city an upbeat, lively feel.

2. Helsinki, Finland

The Finnish capital stands out for its quality of life, its closeness to nature and the balance it strikes between modern city living and calm surroundings. Parks, the sea, saunas and thoughtful urban design all add to a sense of wellbeing.

3. Orlando, United States

Often called the entertainment capital of the world, Orlando draws millions of visitors with its theme parks, family attractions and constant entertainment. The Florida city also scores well for green space, lakes and long hours of daylight.

4. Athens, Greece

The Greek capital combines history, culture, food and modern city life. The Acropolis, sunlit neighbourhoods, a lively nightlife scene and a distinctly Mediterranean approach to everyday living make for a city full of energy.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

The Scottish capital is known for its medieval centre, imposing castle and strong cultural identity. Festivals, historic architecture and green hills add to its appeal, and it is the only UK city in the top 10.

6. Madrid, Spain

The Spanish capital is a sociable, colourful city. Its squares, museums, food, parks and celebrated nightlife create an environment in which residents and visitors alike enjoy the pace of life and the relaxed Spanish culture.

7. Vienna, Austria

Vienna brings together imperial heritage, culture and a high quality of life. Palaces, classical music concerts, historic coffee houses and handsome public spaces give it an air of elegance and calm, and make it one of Europe’s best-loved destinations.

8. Budapest, Hungary

The Hungarian capital impresses with its architecture, the Danube and its famous thermal baths. Affordable prices, good food and a busy cultural calendar draw travellers from around the world.

9. Oslo, Norway

Oslo is a city where modern life meets nature. With its fjords, forests, museums and clean urban design, it offers visitors a sense of calm and renewal, and quality of life is central to its character.

10. Vilnius, Lithuania

The Lithuanian capital is notable for its picturesque old town, arts scene and warm atmosphere. Combining history, contemporary creativity and green spaces, it is a quieter but characterful European destination that is attracting a growing number of visitors.