If you’re planning your summer vacation and peace of mind is your top priority this year, there are excellent reasons to consider these destinations. Here are the destinations to keep in mind, according to the 2026 Global Peace Index, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
The safest destinations near Rome
Although Italy ranks 35th in the global rankings, travelers from Rome are definitely lucky: four of the seven safest European countries in the world are less than a three-hour flight from Rome. There’s no need to plan exhausting intercontinental trips to find complete peace of mind; the top ten of the 2026 Global Peace Index speaks for itself and highlights destinations very close to the capital.
About a 1.5-hour flight from Rome’s airports lies Switzerland (3rd place). Breathtaking landscapes, alpine lakes, and record-breaking public safety—perfect for those seeking a rejuvenating summer.
Slovenia (4th place): one of the closest surprises. Reachable by a very short flight (or even by car or train via northern Italy), it offers unspoiled nature, the wonderful views of Ljubljana and Lake Bled, and extremely low crime rates.
Just over 1 hour and 40 minutes from Rome, in sixth place is Austria. An ideal destination to escape the summer heat, renowned for its extremely high quality of life and social stability.
For those who don’t want to miss out on the sea and surfing, Lisbon and the Portuguese coast are just a 3-hour flight away; in fact, Portugal ranks among the safest places in the world, coming in at seventh place. A welcoming country that has been climbing the popularity rankings for safety and hospitality for years.
If, on the other hand, you’d like to venture a bit further north without straying too far from the continent, the top spot in the ranking is heldby Iceland (1st place), followed by Ireland (5th place). Both are well-connected to Rome’s airports.
