As part of the International Day of Happiness, the consulting firm YouGov conducted a study to identify the happiest municipalities in Spain.
This analysis, conducted in November 2023, was based on the opinions of more than 1,000 people, who indicated places where they perceived their inhabitants to be particularly happy.
Within this list of 35 localities, three Catalan municipalities stood out, providing an interesting overview of welfare in the region.
The happiest Catalan municipalities in Spain
The first Catalan municipality to appear in the study is Sitges, ranked sixteenth in the country. For those surveyed, the natural beauty of the place, its pleasant climate and the offer of festivals and activities are some of the factors that contribute to the happiness of its inhabitants.
In addition, aspects such as the hospitality of its residents, the natural environment, the philosophy of life and the rich cultural heritage offered by this coastal town of Garraf were highlighted.
In the eighteenth position is Salou, a municipality in the province of Tarragona. Here, sunny weather and diverse leisure and entertainment options were the aspects most mentioned by respondents.
The natural environment also played a relevant role in the perception of happiness of the inhabitants of Salou, who positively value the combination of beaches, mountains and green spaces offered by the region.
Finally, in the twenty-fifth position at the state level, is Cadaqués, a picturesque town on the Costa Brava. The natural beauty of this enclave, together with its peaceful environment and favorable climate, were the aspects most highlighted by the participants in the survey.
Cadaqués is perceived as a place where it is possible to find peace and serenity, ideal for those looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The reasons for your choice
Despite the differences between these three localities, the study highlights that they all share a series of conditions that promote the well-being of their residents.
The natural environment, the pleasant climate, the cultural and leisure offer, as well as the hospitality of its inhabitants, are some of the common elements that contribute to create an environment conducive to happiness in Sitges, Salou and Cadaqués.
In the broader context of the study, Andalusia is the Autonomous Community with the most municipalities represented in the ranking of the happiest, with a total of 13 localities.
This result reflects the geographic and cultural diversity of Spain. The study conducted by YouGov offers an interesting perspective on happiness in Catalonia, highlighting the natural beauty, pleasant climate and friendly atmosphere as key elements in the perception of well-being of the inhabitants of Sitges, Salou and Cadaqués.
