In the quest for the perfect sun-soaked getaway, look no further than Europe’s sunniest cities. Holidu, the renowned holiday rental portal, has meticulously sifted through data from World Weather Online to unveil the European havens where the sun shines the brightest.
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Malaga, Spain | Bask in 280.2 Hours of Sunshine Monthly
Securing the top spot on the list, Malaga emerges as Europe’s sunniest city this year, boasting an average of 280.2 hours of sunshine per month.
Beyond its radiant skies, Malaga beckons with its pristine beaches and charming pavement cafes, offering a delightful blend of cultural immersion and culinary delights.
From the iconic Pompidou to vibrant festivals like the Feria de Malaga, there’s an abundance of experiences awaiting in this Spanish gem.
- Average temperature: 18.8ºC
- Average price of a holiday home per night: €135
Alicante, Spain | A Coastal Paradise with 280.0 Sun Hours Monthly
Following closely behind is Alicante, nestled on the picturesque Costa Blanca. With 280 hours of sunshine gracing its shores each month, Alicante stands as a perennial favourite among holidaymakers, luring them with its sun-kissed beaches and rich cultural heritage.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the enchanting pink salt lakes of Torrevieja and the captivating Tabarca Island, offering unforgettable excursions from Alicante.
- Average temperature: 18.5ºC
- Average price of a holiday home per night: €120
Murcia, Spain | A Hidden Gem with 277.7 Sun Hours Monthly
Claiming the third spot is Murcia, often overshadowed by its more prominent counterparts.
Boasting sunshine all year round, Murcia is a haven for sun seekers seeking respite from crowded tourist hubs.
Immerse yourself in the city’s historic charm, or embark on thrilling day trips to the idyllic beaches of Bolnuevo, the historic wonders of Cartagena, and the medieval allure of Lorca.
- Average temperature: 18.4ºC
- Average price of a holiday home per night: €93
Completing the Top 10 Sunniest Cities in Europe:
- Catania, Italy | 274.9 sun hours per month
- Seville, Spain | 273.9 sun hours per month
- Cordoba, Spain | 268.5 sun hours per month
- Marseille, France | 267.6 sun hours per month
- Madrid, Spain | 266.9 sun hours per month
- Zaragoza, Spain | 265.9 sun hours per month
- Athens, Greece | 262.2 sun hours per month
Europe’s Affordable Sun-Drenched Destinations
Yearning for sunshine without breaking the bank? Europe offers a plethora of budget-friendly options where you can soak up the rays without burning a hole in your pocket.
In Spain, both Murcia (€93/night) and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (€94/night) present enticing options for accommodation under 100 euros per night.
Similarly, in Sicily’s Catania, you can indulge in a sunny retreat for just €96 per night. Additional affordable destinations include Athens (€113/night) and Palermo (€109/night).
For the full study and methodology, visit Holidu’s website.
Methodology:
All European cities with more than 300,000 inhabitants were considered. This ranking was made using data from World Weather Online.
The average number of sun hours per month in each city for the years 2009 to 2024 was extracted.
With this data from World Weather Online, it was then calculated on the overall average number of sun hours per month using the average from each month of the year.
The average temperature (via World Weather Online) and average price per night for 2023 (internal data from Holidu) were also collected as secondary data points.
You can find the full study here:https://www.holidu.co.uk/magazine/the-sunniest-cities-in-europe