These are the sunniest cities in Europe

In the UK, the weather is always unpredictable. It’s, therefore, not surprising that you sometimes long for some guarantee when it comes to hours of sunshine. These sunny European destinations are perfect for a city trip!

Spoiler alert: seven of the ten cities are, as guessed, in Spain 😉 The hours will correspond to a whole month!

1. Málaga, Spain (280.2 hours of sunshine)

Málaga in southern Spain can easily call itself the sunniest city in Europe. It’s the largest city in the Andalusia region and the sixth-largest city in Spain. In Málaga, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the beaches and terraces all year round with sunglasses on, but Málaga is also worth a visit for the cultural sights. World-class museums and colourful festivals such as the Feria de Málaga in August ensure there’s always something to do in this vibrant city.

2. Alicante, Spain (280 hours of sunshine)

The second sunniest city on the continent is also located in southern Spain. This is Alicante, the second largest city in the Valencia region. Located on the Costa Blanca, Alicante has long been a popular holiday destination, mainly because of the good weather conditions and beautiful beaches. Trip planned? Then the pink salt lakes of Torrevieja and Tabarca Island near Alicante are also worth a visit.

3. Murcia, Spain (277.7 hours of sunshine)

Less popular with travelers is the southern Spanish city of Murcia, although it’s a paradise for sun worshippers. Spain’s seventh city is perfect for anyone who prefers to stay away from busy destinations but wants to quietly enjoy a beautiful historic center and all kinds of day trips. For example, the beaches of Bolnuevo, the town of Cartagena, and the medieval village of Lorca are nearby.

4. Catania, Italy (274.9 hours of sunshine)

Have you ever heard of Catania, the second-largest city on the Italian island of Sicily? This city, located on the east coast of the island, is located at the foot of the active volcano Etna and is, therefore, a tourist attraction. The old centre, with its black and white towers and baroque squares, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It’s also a city full of shops, delicious restaurants, and trattorias. In short, it’s the ideal holiday destination.

5. Seville, Spain (273.9 hours of sunshine)

Sun-drenched Seville has been one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe for years. It’s the capital of the Andalusia region and the most important city in southern Spain in terms of culture, politics, economy, and art. In particular, the impressive architecture, the Seville Cathedral with the Giralda Tower, the Alcázar, the Torre del Oro, and the traditional flamenco dancers and music attract many visitors. Seville, located in the Spanish countryside, is also the hottest city in Europe, so you may want to avoid this sunny place in the height of summer.

6. Córdoba, Spain (268.5 hours of sunshine)

The city of Córdoba is an hour and a half drive from Seville. Located 122 meters above sea level, on the Guadalquivir River, and at the foot of the Sierra Morena Mountains, the historic center of this Spanish city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city is home to many cultural attractions, such as the Mesquita Cathedral, the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, and the Roman Bridge. Worth a visit.

7. Marseille, France (267.6 hours of sunshine)

The southern French city of Marseille is the second largest city in France in terms of population, after Paris. This sun-drenched city may not have the charm and culture of other French cities, but it does have an old fishing district, a harbour, and several beautiful viewpoints. The islands off the coast of Marseille are also popular with tourists.

8. Madrid, Spain (266.9 hours of sunshine)

The capital of Spain also has a lot of hours of sunshine. Located in the centre of the country, there’s, unfortunately, no beach, but a lot of sights mean that the capital is a must-see. The Royal Palace, the Cathedral, Playa Mayor, San Miguel Market, the Metropolis Building, and the famous Prado Museum are worth a visit.

9. Zaragoza, Spain (265.9 hours of sunshine)

Another Spanish city on the list is Zaragoza. Relatively unknown, this city isn’t (yet) overrun with tourists and you can experience the quiet Spanish life under the sun here. Cosy restaurants and authentic Roman monuments make this the perfect destination for a weekend away.

10. Athens, Greece (262.2 hours of sunshine)

The capital of Greece is, of course, of great historical value and has several important tourist attractions. You can see the Acropolis with the Parthenon temple, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, and the Roman Agora here. And all while enjoying the sun.

Love, Skye Lewis ❤

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