Iceland tops the charts in the Best Holiday Destinations for Quiet awards by BookRetreats [Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay]In these hectic times, many travelers are opting for peace and quiet on their vacations. They don’t want to battle the crowds of fellow tourists, or the harsh glares from locals in places suffering from overtourism. They want to find a sanctuary of tranquility to escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. Meanwhile, BookRetreats, the wellness retreat booking platform, has issued its latest Holiday Relaxation Report, where Iceland comes in at number one around the world in the Best Holiday Destinations for Quiet report.
Iceland wins in the Holiday Destinations for Quiet
Icelandic village [Image by Valentina Zotova from Pixabay]Since the end of the pandemic, tourism is not only back, but has soared, leading to the term “overtourism.” As locals in popular destinations protest and fight against the phenomenon, some places in this world still offer peace and quiet for those on vacation.
For those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, while avoiding crowds of fellow travelers, the latest Holiday Relaxation Report from wellness retreat booking platform, BookRetreats, has ranked Iceland as the top location in the world for peace and quiet.
How did BookRetreats come up with the data?
Reykjavik [Image by Andrzej from Pixabay]The Holiday Relaxation Report evaluated 76 destination, using nine key metrics. These included crowd density, forest coverage, light and noise pollution, protected areas and the availability of wellness experiences. Meanwhile, each destination was given a score out of a possible 100 points, with Iceland coming out tops for the ultimate relaxation and peace.
In a press release, BookRetreats stated:
Iceland is the best place for quiet holidays. The country is home to only one city, scoring top marks for low noise and light pollution, as well as traffic congestion.
That one city is Reykjavik, an exciting destination. Still, those seeking quiet can explore “vast stretches of untamed terrain, while soaking in geothermal hot springs, strolling on black-sand beaches or gazing at towering glaciers with wonder. The wellness booking site added:
This environment blended with mindful modern living provides genuine opportunities for stillness that few other destinations can match.
One of the top relaxing vacation spots in Europe
black sand beach for peace and quiet in Iceland [Image by Susan Browne from Pixabay]Meanwhile, the Holiday Relaxation Report highlights Iceland’s popularity as the most relaxing place in Europe. With its stunning and unique natural features, pristine night skies, sparse population and sleepy little towns, make it a haven of peace. Moreover, those skies make the country an exceptional location for witnessing the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) – an incredible sight to experience.
Where else can travelers seek peace and quiet?
Tara River Canyon, Montenegro [Image by Alexander from Pixabay]Among the top 10 in the Holiday Relaxation Report, the following are ideal alternatives for those seeking a peaceful vacation. The top list features Montenegro, Botswana, Estonia and Finland as top contenders. These destinations boast peaceful landscapes, unspoiled natural beauty and plenty of open spaces.
Sean Kelly, co-founder of BookRetreats said in a statement:
The Global Relaxation Index confirms what many travelers already sense – the places we once visited for peace and quiet have become victims of their own popularity. What’s fascinating is how the map of relaxation has shifted.
The most peaceful escapes now lie in vast wilderness destinations like Australia and Canada, or in Northern European nations that combine safe environments with naturally calm city life.
As we look to 2025 and beyond, destinations that protect their serenity – whether through untouched wilderness or mindful urban living – will become the new standard for relaxation travel.
10 Best Holiday Destinations for Quiet according to BookRetreats:
Elephant strolls on a road in the peace and quiet of Botswana [Image by Herbert Bieser from Pixabay]
Iceland
Montenegro
Botswana
Estonia
Finland
Lithuania
Norway
Sweden
Denmark
Croatia
Make a change this year in choosing the best destinations for quiet. Readers can see more results in BookRetreat’s ranking as follows
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