According to the UN’s World Tourism Organisation, sports is one of the travel industry’s fastest-growing sectors, and boasts an impressive 10% share of the entire world’s tourism expenditure, as fans increasingly choose to venture abroad to support and celebrate their favoured teams.

Keen to uncover the best European cities for uplifting sports getaways ahead of the UEFA Champions League (26th November – 19th January), the experts at Live Football Tickets analysed the average temperature, daylight hours, and average cost for a one-night stay during the game months in 16 participating cities to identify the perfect destination for football fans this winter.

They also partnered with wellness expert Amanda Strowbridge, founder and CEO of This Balm, who provides expert commentary on the wellbeing benefits that sport tourism offers.

Top 10 Cities for an Uplifting UEFA Champions League Experience

Find the full dataset here.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

According to the study from Live Football Tickets, Lisbon takes the top spot as Europe’s best city for an uplifting sports getaway during the UEFA Champions League this winter.

With a score of 8.14/10, the city excels in delivering a fulfilling experience for sports fans. Boasting the warmest winter temperature at 12.8°C, fans can enjoy mild, comfortable conditions, along with an impressive daily average of 6.03 hours of sunlight to brighten their stays. 

With a three-course meal for two averaging at £41.66, dining out is more on the affordable side, making it easy to enjoy local cuisine without overspending. Hotel prices average at  £117 per night, further enhancing Lisbon’s affordability  for sport loving tourists.

2. Girona, Spain

Girona claims second place as a top destination for wellbeing-focused sports tourism, earning a solid score of 8.04/10, surpassing its fellow ranking Spanish cities, Madrid and Barcelona. With an impressive 6.7 hours of sunlight per day, Girona offers the brightest conditions out of the top ten cities, making it ideal for fans seeking to escape the gloom of winter months.

With food and hotel costs both averaging at  reasonable prices, visitors can have peace of mind that  overspending on the essentials can be avoided, saving cash for the more meaningful activities.

3. Bologna, Italy                                                                                     

The third best city for fans looking to experience the UEFA Champions League over the winter season is Bologna. With the highest ratio of parks to residents (58263.31m² per 1000), there is plenty of green space to get in some exercise and take in your surroundings, all whilst enjoying the sun which lasts a sturdy average of  5 hours daily during winter.

4. Guingamp, France

Guingamp comes in fourth with a score of 7.67/10. The low hotel cost averaging at just £77.93 per night makes it the cheapest for accommodation in the dataset, and gives room for the costlier dining experience, amounting to £60.53 for a three course for two. 

5. Barcelona, Spain

In fifth place is Barcelona, scoring 7.59/10 across well being boosting factors. The warm average climate of 10 °C degrees in winter, paired with a glorious sunlight average of  6.95 hours, gives a delightful climate to explore the city’s many different environments.

While Barcelona offers a perfect setting for a wellbeing-focused trip, accommodation costs, which average £197.15 per night;  and  the highest in the dataset, could be a slight drawback for those mindful of budget.

Wellness expert Amanda Strowbridge, founder and CEO of This Balm, breaks down the surprising benefits of sports tourism for wellbeing and mental health:

“Whether it’s travelling to see your favourite team, actively participating in a sport, or learning a new skill, sports tourism provides a refreshing break from routine, much like a typical holiday.”

Strowbridge highlights the social advantages of sports tourism, stating, “If you’re part of a team or group enjoying a sport together, the camaraderie and shared purpose foster meaningful social interactions.” She explains that these shared experiences often lead to new connections, whether with teammates or fellow fans, enhancing mood and overall mental wellbeing through a common passion.

Sports tourism also encourages deep mental focus: “Being fully absorbed in the event at hand promotes a sense of wellbeing and gives the mind a break from daily concerns. It can be viewed as a form of meditation, where the mind is 100% engaged.”

In addition to mental benefits, Strowbridge notes the physical boosts that accompany sports tourism. “Engaging in physical activity can improve fitness, while the release of endorphins and dopamine enhances energy levels, creating a sense of excitement and lifting overall mood.”

Strowbridge also emphasises the impact of a change in environment: “Experiencing a new location, especially in nature, significantly improves wellbeing. Connecting with the outdoors has a calming effect on the mind, offering a deeper level of rejuvenation.”