BENIDORM and six other Alicante towns feature in a study that reveals the greenest places in Europe.

Elda, Alicante, Elche, Torrevieja, Benidorm, Alcoy and San Vicente del Raspeig are among the top 100 European cities with the most green spaces, according to a study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).

They researched more than 1,000 cities, studying the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), a study recommended by the WHO, the World Health Organization.

Using satellite imagery, the study measures how “green” a place might be, considering everything from trees in the streets to gardens in private properties.

In Alicante province, Alcoy has the highest ranking with an NDVI of 0.35.

Full list below: –

  1. Alcoy, 0.35
  2. Benidorm, 0.252
  3. Elche, 0.23
  4. Elda, 0.224
  5. San Vicente del Raspeig, 0.204
  6. Alicante, 2.000
  7. Torrevieja, 0.182

Disappointingly,  the NDVI research shows that 62% of the European population lives in areas with fewer green spaces than the recommended amount from the World Health Organisation.

Green spaces are associated with many positive health benefits, including lower premature mortality, longer life expectancy, fewer mental health problems, fewer cardiovascular diseases, better cognitive function, and healthier babies.

They also help reduce air pollution, heat and noise and also provide more opportunities for exercise and social interaction.

READ MORE: How La Nucia, a town inland from Benidorm on Spain’s Costa Blanca, became a green role model

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