According to a 2025 report, two in five travellers now prioritise hotels where they can achieve better sleep than at home, fuelling the rise of “sleep tourism”. This trend, centred on quality rest and rejuvenation, has seen a 100% year-on-year increase in searches for “sleep retreat”, with Europe’s wellness tourism sector projected to reach $298.98 billion in 2025. New research by MattressNextDay has identified the best European cities for a restful getaway, analysing factors such as light pollution, traffic congestion, hotel quality, safety, and access to green spaces.
Funchal leads the ranking
The capital of Portugal’s Madeira Islands, Funchal, tops the list with a score of 75.62 out of 100. Its low light pollution (1.7 mcd/m², second lowest among ranked cities), minimal traffic congestion (22%, fourth lowest), and high safety score (80.03, the highest) make it ideal for restful sleep. Funchal also boasts 23.7 walking trails per 100,000 people, the most of any city ranked, and 7.6 health and fitness centres per 100,000 residents. Visitors can stay at wellness-focused hotels like Belmond Reid’s Palace, which overlooks botanical gardens, or explore trails such as Levada do Caldeirão Verde, a UNESCO World Heritage site leading to a stunning waterfall. Green spaces, proven to enhance sleep quality, further elevate Funchal’s appeal as a destination for unplugging from modern life.
Bergen secures second place
Norway’s coastal city of Bergen scores 66.59, offering a serene environment with the lowest traffic congestion (14%) among ranked cities. Its safety score of 76.02 (fourth highest) and light pollution of 2.6 mcd/m² (seventh lowest) create optimal conditions for rest. Nestled among mountains and fjords, Bergen invites peaceful walks or spa visits to places like Vannkanten Waterworld or Bergen Harbour Spa. A stay at Hotel Norge by Scandic provides tranquil views and access to wellness facilities, enhancing the sleep-focused experience.
Lausanne ranks third
Situated on Lake Geneva’s edge, Lausanne scores 56.43, excelling with the lowest light pollution (1.3 mcd/m²) and a high proportion of soundproofed hotel rooms with blackout curtains (25.4%, sixth highest). Its safety score of 72.73 and low congestion (28%) complement a relaxed pace of life. Visitors can enjoy lakeside strolls or wellness experiences at Bains de Lavey or Les Bains de Montreux. Hotels like Beau-Rivage Palace offer luxurious, soundproofed rooms, while Hotel Continental Lausanne provides a budget-friendly alternative with similar amenities.
Why sleep tourism is gaining traction
Senior sleep expert at MattressNextDay, Martin Seeley, highlights the appeal of these destinations: “Research shows that consistent sleep schedules and a calm, distraction-free environment contribute significantly to a good night’s rest. With sleep tourism on the rise, we wanted to explore how relaxation-led travel focused on destinations boasting green spaces and low light pollution levels can help reset sleep routines and reduce everyday stress. Not only can a sleep-focused getaway help you unwind and reconnect, but it also highlights the importance of having high-quality sleep setups at home. From incorporating hotel-level comfort into your own bedroom such as supportive mattresses to premium pillows, it becomes easier to replicate that rested, rejuvenated feeling long after the holiday ends.”
Other notable cities
The study also ranks Parma (Italy), Ghent (Belgium), and Munich (Germany) among the top six, each offering unique strengths. Parma scores well for hotel quality (25% of hotels are four-star or above), Ghent for safety (74.56), and Munich for soundproofed rooms (32.9%). These cities cater to the 94% of European travellers seeking destinations to disconnect from digital screens and daily stress.
As sleep tourism grows, cities like Funchal, Bergen, and Lausanne stand out for their ability to deliver restful, rejuvenating breaks, blending natural beauty, safety, and wellness-focused amenities.
