UK Joins Lithuania, Greece, Norway, Japan, and More as Top Quietcationing Destinations for 2026, With Rhodes Leading Global Rankings – You Need to Know

Published on
January 23, 2026

The UK has joined an impressive list of countries including Lithuania, Greece, Norway, and Japan as top destinations for “quietcationing” in 2026, a growing trend that prioritizes tranquility and peaceful holiday experiences. Rhodes, Greece, leads the global rankings, offering a serene escape with low noise pollution, minimal crowds, and easy access to nature. European cities dominate the top spots, showcasing how a balanced mix of cultural richness, natural beauty, and quiet environments are becoming the ideal recipe for modern travelers seeking a calm and rejuvenating vacation. Rhodes’ top rank, along with cities like Vilnius, Edinburgh, and Oslo, reflects a global shift towards destinations that maintain a tranquil atmosphere despite attracting millions of visitors annually.

A new study by travel storage company Stasher has spotlighted the world’s quietest cities for holidays, with Rhodes, Greece topping the global rankings. The study, which analyzed 94 cities from Euromonitor’s Top 100 City Destination Index, revealed a rising trend in “quietcationing”—a holiday style that prioritizes tranquility, low noise, and stress-free environments.

The analysis used a composite scoring system based on six key factors: noise and light pollution levels, population density, annual visitor numbers, access to nature and parks, average commute times, and Instagram saturation. The quieter cities scored high in the first three categories while maintaining peaceful settings despite their tourism draw.

Rhodes emerged as the standout with a Quietcation Score of 99.56, a score that reflects its peaceful charm. The Greek city recorded low noise pollution levels of just 31.25, and a remarkably low population density of 89 people per square kilometre. Despite attracting over 2.25 million visitors annually, Rhodes manages to preserve its calm atmosphere, offering an average commute time of only 16.5 minutes. Instagram posts from the city are also relatively few at just one million, further contributing to its quiet appeal.

At the other end of the scale, Delhi ranked as the least suitable city for quiet holidays with a score of 14.53. The Indian capital scored poorly on almost all fronts, with extreme noise pollution (63.99), a dense population of 23,360 people per square kilometre, and the longest commute times in the study at 57.53 minutes.

European cities dominated the study’s top 20, securing 16 positions. Vilnius, Lithuania, came in second with a Quietcation Score of 96.48, followed by Edinburgh, United Kingdom (95.05), Oslo, Norway (94.41), and Helsinki, Finland (89.98). These destinations proved that Europe remains a hotspot for tranquil urban experiences.

Kyoto, Japan, was the only non-European city to break into the top 10, claiming ninth place with a score of 85.30. Despite the popularity of larger Japanese cities like Tokyo (ranked 59th) and Osaka (ranked 55th), Kyoto stood out as a serene alternative for travelers seeking peace in a bustling country.

Interestingly, the study found that high tourist volumes don’t necessarily disrupt tranquility. Cities like Rhodes, which sees millions of visitors each year, retain a quiet atmosphere, suggesting that managing tourism in a balanced way can help preserve a peaceful environment. For instance, Helsinki, which receives about 4 million visitors annually, still ranked fifth for its serenity.

Access to nature is important but not the only determining factor. While Paris boasts the highest number of parks per 10 square kilometres (304.55), it placed 83rd in the rankings. In contrast, Rhodes had just seven parks per 10 square kilometres but ranked first due to its overall tranquil conditions.

The study applied weighted metrics to assess each city’s suitability for quiet holidays. Noise and light pollution accounted for 35% of the overall score, while population density and annual visitor numbers contributed 20% each. Access to parks and nature, commute times, and Instagram saturation rounded out the analysis.

Overall, the Quietcation Score provides a comprehensive insight into how cities can balance tourism with tranquility, offering a fresh perspective for travelers seeking calm in a world of bustling urban centers. The study’s findings encourage further exploration of destinations where peace and quiet coexist with vibrant cultural offerings.

Top 10 Best Cities for Quietcationing in 2026:

Rhodes, Greece – Quietcation Score: 99.56Vilnius, Lithuania – Quietcation Score: 96.48Edinburgh, United Kingdom – Quietcation Score: 95.05Oslo, Norway – Quietcation Score: 94.41Helsinki, Finland – Quietcation Score: 89.98Tallinn, Estonia – Quietcation Score: 89.56Valencia, Spain – Quietcation Score: 89.01Stockholm, Sweden – Quietcation Score: 86.34Kyoto, Japan – Quietcation Score: 85.30Copenhagen, Denmark – Quietcation Score: 80.48

In conclusion, the rise of quietcationing highlights a shift in travel preferences, where peace, calm, and a connection to nature are becoming just as important as the cultural and historical offerings of a destination. Cities like Rhodes, Vilnius, and Edinburgh are proving that high tourism numbers don’t have to compromise tranquility, and they set a strong example for other destinations aiming to balance the influx of visitors with a serene, stress-free environment. As more travelers seek escapes from the noise and bustle of everyday life, these quiet destinations are paving the way for a new kind of holiday experience—one that fosters relaxation, well-being, and a deep sense of calm.