València reaffirms its title as the healthiest city in the world

Once again, Valencia has been named the healthiest city in the world according to Money.co.uk,

a prestigious financial products consultancy. For the second year running, the results of this survey have once again crowned the capital of the Turia as the city that takes the best care of the health of its residents and visitors. 

The study considered several key factors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle such as: obesity levels, life expectancy, pollution levels, health care, safety, crime rates and hours of sunlight. In addition, this year they have added other characteristics such as: the number of toilets per 100,000 inhabitants, health expenditure, percentage of the population with access to health support and the prevalence of mental and substance use disorders. 

The light of València 

It is not just a popular expression that refers to the sun and the Valencian climate. The city has 2,696 hours of sunlight per year and an average temperature of 19 degrees. These characteristics make the city a timeless destination to be enjoyed in any season. The parks, the beaches, as well as the terraces accompanied by the aforementioned factors, are part of the great quality of life in Valencia. 

Sustainable gastronomy based on seasonal food 

Few cities in the world have their own natural pantries from which citizens, markets and restaurants can source their food supplies. On the one hand is the land, València is surrounded by miles of market gardens where local foods such as rice from L'Albufera, tomatoes from El Perelló, oranges, persimmons and beans are grown. And then there is the sea, the Mediterranean brings a great variety of fish every day to the city's fish market. València was also the venue for the Gala presentation of the Michelin Guide Spain & Portugal 2022. This event has meant recognition for Valencian cuisine and the excellence of its products. 

Low pollution levels 

Thanks to the sea breezes that clear the city's air, pollution levels are well below those of other cities. In addition to all this, there are five million square metres of green areas in the city. The Parque de Cabecera, the Parque Central, the Jardines del Real or the Jardín del Turia are just some of the main places where citizens and visitors can enjoy trees, flowers, and birds. In addition, projects that stem from València's nomination as European Smart City 2022, such as the carbon footprint or water footprint measurement certification, allow more sustainable and healthy tourism to be enjoyed. 

Excellent health care 

The city has many top-level specialists working in centres equipped with the most advanced instruments and technology in the sector. It is worth mentioning that the city boasts important hospitals such as the IVO (the Valencian Oncological Institute), named for two years running as one of the 50 best oncological centres in the world 

Long life expectancy 

The study points out that the average life expectancy in Valencia is 83.5 years. The peaceful lifestyle, accompanied by a Mediterranean diet and low pollution levels, make the quality of life ideal for maintaining good health. 

This study also includes other important factors that make València once again the healthiest city in the world. One of them is the low crime rate, which means it is considered one of the safest cities in the world. 

This year, 2022 is, without a doubt, the year of València. Twelve months to experience great milestones and great designations such as that of the healthiest city in the world.