25 May, 2024 @ 12:00
1 min read

Spain is one of the world’s most walkable countries, according to a new UK study

A NEW UK study has revealed Spain is one of the world’s most walkable countries. 

Published in the Economist, the research judged the ability to explore cities on foot by finding which locations were ‘the most active’. 

They found out how people travelled to work, calculating where people cycled and walked the most during their commute. 

READ MORE: The optimum number of steps per day to reduce your risk of heart problems and death

Spain had four cities in the world ranking of the top ten walkable destinations.
Photo by Arturo Castaneyra on Unsplash

Quelimane, a port city found in Mozambique, was declared the most walkable destination. 

But Spain took the overall crown, with four cities in the top ten ranking. 

Around 30km from Barcelona, Granollers was the country’s most walkable city, with around 72% of workers cycling or walking during their daily commute. 

Next was Vitoria-Gasteiz, another northern city alongside Bilbao and Leon. 

READ MORE: This is the best time of day to go for a walk if you want to reduce your sugar levels, according to a new study

In all of these locations, more than 65% of the population walked or cycled to work. 

In comparison, the UK didn’t have cities in the top ten and Birmingham was named the least walkable city in the world outside North America. 

The region has the world’s least walkable cities and in some, fewer than one percent of residents used active modes of transport to reach their jobs. 

Peja, Kosovo, was Europe’s most pedestrian friendly destination, with 80% of people choosing to walk or cycle to work. 

Meanwhile in Asia and Europe’s big metropolises, many people opted for public transport, including London and Paris. 

However in smaller cities, people more often chose to walk or cycle.

READ MORE: How eating pistachios daily can help improve brain function and memory, according to Harvard scientists

Yzabelle Bostyn

After spending much of her childhood in Andalucia and adulthood between Barcelona and Latin America, Yzabelle has settled in the Costa del Sol to put her NCTJ & Journalism Masters to good use. She is particularly interested in travel, vegan food and has been leading the Olive Press Nolotil campaign. Have a story? email yzabelle@theolivepress.es

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