Spain’s healthiest (and unhealthiest) cities

If you want to live a healthier lifestyle in Spain, then the north is the best place for you.

You can also find out more about the following: Lancet Planetary HealthTogether with Barcelona’s ISGlobal Institute, has published a new study that examines 917 European Cities across 26 different countries.

These cities were all ranked based on factors such as urban design, public transportation, air quality and walkability.

Pamplona: the most healthy city in Europe

It’s surprising that it’s not big metropolises who come out on top. The smaller cities (with a population between 50,000 and 200 000) are the ones that dominate the urban health rankings.

The Healthy Urban Design Index (IDUS) has ranked Pamplona San Sebastian and Bilbao as some of the healthiest European cities to live.

Pamplona was the winner with a score of 6.80/10, followed by Geneva (Switzerland), and Harlow (UK).

Spain has a strong presence in the top 10 with:

• San Sebastian (4th).
• Majadahonda (6th)
• Parla (8th)
• Santa Coloma de Gramenet (9th)
• Bilbao (10th).

What is a “healthy city”?

These cities all have something in common: infrastructures that make healthy living easy.

In fact, the index looks at 13 different indicators — from how compact the city is, to whether you can easily bike to work, breathe clean air, or find a park nearby.

The report also assesses how cities cope with the rising temperatures, which is a growing concern in Europe as summers become hotter.

The smaller cities are more likely to have better access to green spaces, less pollution and a layout that is calmer and easier to walk. All of these factors are important for your long-term health, both physically and mentally.

The “not-so healthy” end to the list

Who’s the lowest-ranking Spanish citizen?

Lorca in Murcia scored only 3.69 out 10. That puts it at 913 out of 917 cities in Europe — almost last.

What went wrong with Lorca? According to the study

• Only 2.45 points out of 10 were awarded for the cycling infrastructure.
• Just 2.95 per cent live within 300 metres of a stop for public transport.
• Scores on air quality, green space and accessibility are poor.

There are other Spanish cities that have underperformed:

• Alcala de Guadaira (Seville – 911th position)
• Sagunto (Valencia – 907)
• Elche (899)
• Cartagena (881).

Here’s some good news: these cities are all able to solve their problems by simply looking at the top ranking.

More Spanish Living News.