Sunniest European cities in Spring: It’s the five-word phrase every shade-seeking traveller wants to hear this time of year.
If you’re craving a break from the damp and dreary weather that can cling to much of Europe during spring, you’ll be thrilled to learn that there are corners of the continent basking in far more welcoming rays.
In fact, Holidu—the holiday rental portal—took a deep dive into data from World Weather Online to uncover the sunniest cities in Europe.
Here’s what they found, along with some pointers to help you decide where your next vitamin D fix should be.
The Latest Findings: A Look at the Top 15
Holidu’s research shone the spotlight on destinations blessed with the highest average monthly sun hours.
For anyone chasing bright days and comfortable temperatures, this ranking is like a ready-made bucket list:
| Ranking | Country | City | Avg. Monthly Sun Hours | Avg. Monthly Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | Cartagena | 283.0 | 19.1 |
| 2 | Spain | Alicante | 279.6 | 18.5 |
| 3 | Spain | Malaga | 279.3 | 18.9 |
| 4 | Spain | Murcia | 277.0 | 18.4 |
| 5 | Spain | Granada | 274.4 | 15.5 |
| 6 | Italy | Catania | 273.7 | 18.6 |
| 7 | Spain | Sevilla | 273.4 | 19.3 |
| 8 | Spain | Cordoba | 268.2 | 18.6 |
| 9 | France | Marseille | 266.1 | 16.0 |
| 10 | Spain | Madrid | 265.4 | 15.6 |
| 11 | Spain | Saragossa | 264.5 | 15.5 |
| 12 | Greece | Athens | 261.6 | 18.4 |
| 13 | Spain | Palma de Mallorca | 259.0 | 18.3 |
| 14 | France | Nice | 252.5 | 15.2 |
| 15 | Spain | Santa Cruz de Tenerife | 251.1 | 20.4 |
For the full top 30 ranking, head over to: https://www.holidu.co.uk/magazine/the-sunniest-cities-in-europe
Spotlight on the Top 3
1. Cartagena, Spain | 283 Sun Hours per Month
With an impressive monthly average of 283 sun hours, Cartagena emerges as the sunniest city in Europe.
Tucked into the southeastern region of Murcia, it’s been labelled by many as a Spanish hidden gem—often overshadowed by heavyweights like Barcelona and Valencia.
But there’s plenty to see here: a Roman Theatre dating all the way back to the 1st century BC, the charming old town, and Concepción Castle with its sweeping panoramas of the city and harbour. The icing on the cake? You’ll enjoy all of this with fewer tourist crowds bustling around.
Average temperature per month: 19.1ºC
2. Alicante, Spain | 279.6 Sun Hours per Month
Sun hats off to Alicante, which ranks a close second with a monthly average of 279.6 sun hours.
Nestled along Spain’s famed Costa Blanca, Alicante is known for its pristine white beaches and year-round pleasant climate.
Beyond the shore, there’s a lively Old Town studded with white houses, the commanding Santa Bárbara Castle perched above it all, and nightlife as vibrant as any you’ll find in the Mediterranean.
Average temperature per month: 18.5ºC
3. Malaga, Spain | 279.3 Sun Hours per Month
Rounding out the top three is Malaga, known not only for its 279.3 average monthly sun hours but also its storied past as one of Europe’s oldest cities.
Birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Malaga boasts cultural highlights like the 11th-century Moorish Alcazaba and an essential visit to the Picasso Museum.
If you’ve got the time and wanderlust to spare, neighbouring cities like Ronda, Granada, and Cordoba make for magical day trips in the radiant Andalusian sunshine.
Average temperature per month: 18.9ºC
A Final Note
For those seeking the sunniest European cities in Spring, these locales offer a marvellous break from the soggy skies found elsewhere.
Whether you’re drawn to the ancient ruins of Cartagena, the sun-soaked beaches of Alicante, or the cultural tapestry of Malaga, there’s plenty of light to chase and sights to savour.
Ready to plan? Peruse Holidu’s rankings, book yourself a cosy holiday rental, and prepare to bask in Europe’s most brilliant rays.
Sometimes, the brightest destinations really are the best-kept secrets.
