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ARCHIVED - Costa Calida crowned happiest region in Spain
The Region of Murcia raises a smile basking in 300 days of sunshine a year
It's easy to feel glum on a dull day, but on the Costa Cálida these are the exception as opposed to the rule, with the Region of Murcia basking in 300 days of glorious sunshine a year.
And according to the findings of the Spain Happy Index, developed by the proptech company Sonneil Homes to celebrate the International Day of Happiness (Sunday March 20), the Costa Cálida is officially the jolliest in Spain, with an average score of 87 points out of 100.
The scale has been designed based on quantitative data published by sources such as the Ministry of the Interior and the State Meteorological Agency to map the places in Spain with the highest quality of life.
Amongst the criteria highlighted in the Happy Index are Blue Flag beaches, international schools, hospitals, distance to airports, and meteorological data such as average temperatures, and the number of windy, rainy and sunny days per year.
"There are many studies that relate the sunlight we receive to our physical and mental wellbeing. For example, sunlight activates our body's production of serotonin, the so-called 'happiness hormone', which regulates our mood and sleep quality," explained Alfredo Millá, CEO of Sonneil Homes.
And with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, the Murcian coast is the Spanish coastline with the best happiness index.
"This makes the Region stand out from other coastal areas and places it as a firm choice as a residential destination for those seeking a high quality of life," added Millá.
Leading the way on the Costa Cálida is San Javier, with 90.78 points and Blue Flag beaches such as Ensenada del Esparto. The municipality is followed by Los Alcázares, with 90.31 points, and San Pedro del Pinatar, with 89.58.
"These three towns are among the happiest in the country," according to Index researchers.
As to be expected, year-round temperatures are also a factor, and the Region boasts an average of 18ºC.
Weather aside, Murcia also stands out for its infrastructures and services, "designed so that even the areas furthest from urban centres can easily access hospitals, schools, shopping centres... an aspect that adds points to the quality of life".
The Spain Happy Index was created to serve as a guide for those looking to move to Spain or relocate to a new destination.
"We identified the needs of our clients when they had to choose an area to move to, and we realised that there was no source that gathered the information they were asking for, so we decided to create one through Sonneil," said the CEO, adding that it acts as a tool for foreigners who have not yet decided where next to set up home.
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