Europe’s Sunniest City: £34 Flights, £2.50 Pints and 29°C Summers from the UK
Spain Dominates Europe’s Sunniest Cities List – With Cartagena Topping the Chart
If summer sunshine is your priority, Spain is the clear winner, according to a Holidu study analyzing Europe’s sunniest cities. Eight of the top ten spots belong to Spanish destinations, with the historic port city of Cartagena leading the pack.
[Image: Cartagena’s sunny coastline and historic architecture]
Caption: Cartagena boasts 283 hours of monthly sunshine and affordable stays, making it a top pick for sun-seekers.
Why Cartagena Shines
Cartagena, founded in 220 BC, enjoys a staggering 283 hours of sunshine monthly and an average annual temperature of 19.1°C, soaring above 30°C in summer. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet offer flights from £34 return to nearby Murcia International Airport. The city is also wallet-friendly: a pint costs around €3 (£2.50), and a Which? survey named it one of Spain’s best-value coastal towns.
Spanish Hotspots Fill the Top Ten
Other Spanish cities dominate the list:
- Alicante: 279.6 hours/month
- Málaga: 279.3 hours/month
- Seville: 273.4 hours/month
- Córdoba: 268.2 hours/month
[Image: Alicante’s vibrant beaches]
Caption: Alicante’s coastline averages 279.6 hours of sunshine monthly.
[Image: Málaga’s sandy shores]
Caption: Málaga combines cultural attractions with 279.3 hours of sun per month.
Only two non-Spanish cities made the cut: Catania, Sicily (273.7 hours) and Marseille, France (266.1 hours). Both are accessible via budget flights.
Affordable Living in Valencia
While not in the top ten, Valencia stands out for expats. A 2024 InterNations survey revealed 77% of expats there are satisfied financially, with 61% stating their income allows a comfortable lifestyle. “I don’t worry about costs here,” shared one American expat.
[Image: Valencia’s mix of modern and historic architecture]
Caption: Valencia offers affordability and sunshine, ideal for expats and travelers.
Europe’s Sunniest Cities at a Glance
- Cartagena, Spain – 283 hours
- Alicante, Spain – 279.6
- Málaga, Spain – 279.3
- Murcia, Spain – 277.0
- Granada, Spain – 274.4
- Catania, Italy – 273.7
- Seville, Spain – 273.4
- Córdoba, Spain – 268.2
- Marseille, France – 266.1
- Madrid, Spain – 265.4
Despite occasional weather surprises, Spain remains Europe’s sunshine king, blending rich history, vibrant culture, and unbeatable value. Whether you seek ancient ruins in Cartagena or tapas in Seville, these cities promise golden days without breaking the bank.
[Image: Seville’s iconic Plaza de España]
Caption: Seville’s sunny plazas and historic charm attract visitors year-round.
All images via Holidu/Shutterstock
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