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Date Published: 23/02/2022

Revealed: the top 10 sunniest cities in Europe... and six of them are Spanish

Alicante, Murcia and Seville all feature on the list of European cities with the most sunshine hours

Jorge Vasconez via unsplash

A recent study has ranked the top 10 sunniest places in Europe, and Spanish cities feature in six of those spots, while the rest go to destinations in France and Italy.

Using data from World Weather Online, the search engine for holiday rentals, Holidu, counted the average number of sunshine hours per month and have created the ultimate sun-seekers travel guide. Read on to discover these sun trap cities as well as some tips about the best sunset spots, rooftops and beaches in each of them.

In fact, the winner, with an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month, is Alicante city on Spain’s Costa Blanca. So now you know – if you’re looking to get away from the blustery, cold winter, come to Alicante or one of these other sunny European cities.

1. Alicante, Spain: 349 sunshine hours/month

Attila Suranyi via unsplash

It’s official – Alicante is the sunniest city in Europe! With an average of 349 hours of sun each month, Alicante is the ultimate destination for sun-seeking travellers. The city is known for its stunning Costa Blanca coastline, offering expansive public beaches where you can soak up the sun on the sand or take to the water and try your hand at some watersports.

As if the sunny climate wasn’t enough, Alicante is a gorgeous city in its own right. Boasting a colourful old town, an abundance of museums and historical sites, a variety of excellent restaurants and a vibrant nightlife scene, Alicante has something to offer all kinds of travellers.

Find out more about the rest of Alicante province

2. Catania, Italy: 347 sunshine hours/month

Samir Kharrat via unsplash

The first Italian city in this ranking is the ancient port city of Sicily, located on the east coast of Sicily at the foot of the famous active volcano, Mt. Etna. Catania’s baroque old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so history and culture buffs will marvel whilst taking in sights such as the Palazzo Biscari and the Piazza del Duomo.

3. Murcia, Spain: 346 sunshine hours/month

Santiago Lopez-Pastor via Flickr

In third place is Murcia, the capital city of the Murcia Region in southeastern Spain. The coastal part of the Region is actually known as the Costa Cálida due to its micro-climate which leaves the region hot and with warm waters all year round.

The endless beaches with small coves are perfect for swimming, watersports and leisurely sunbathing. The city also has a historic town centre and wonderful works of architecture, including the Plaza Cardenal Belluga.

4. Messina, Italy: 345 sunshine hours/month

Luca N via unsplash

In fourth place is Messina, the third largest city on the island of Sicily. This harbour city is a thriving tourist cruise ship destination with a wide array of beautiful coastlines. Messina also boasts an amazing regional museum and one of Sicily’s finest cathedrals, the Norman Messina Cathedral, which has marble fountains nearby.

5. Valencia, Spain: 343 sunshine hours/month

Jonny James M via unsplash

Valencia comes in as the fifth sunniest city in Europe with an average of 343 hours of sun per month every year. Located on the south-eastern coast of Spain, this port city is an absolute treat to visit if you want a city break combined with a beach escape.

Be sure to visit Valencia’s famed City of Arts and Sciences museum or wander through its streets and squares dotted with tapas bars – definitely try paella whilst you’re there, as Valencia is the birthplace of this iconic Spanish dish. Cool down with a jug of Agua de Valencia, the city’s signature cocktail made from a base of cava or champagne, orange juice, vodka and gin.

Find out more about Spain’s popular Valencia region

6. Nice, France: 342 sunshine hours/month

Danilo Pantalena via unsplash

Sixth place belongs to Nice on the French Riviera. Nice offers visitors sandy beaches, outstanding bars and restaurants, an abundance of cultural and architectural offerings and, to top it all off, a fantastic climate! Visit the Musée Matisse to admire a huge collection of this master’s work, and the Promenade des Anglais, a 7-mile stretch of restaurants, beach clubs and ice cream shops.

7. Las Palmas, Spain: 341 sunshine hours/month

Joel Rohland via unsplash

Heading now to Spain’s Canary Islands, situated just off north-western Africa, we come to Las Palmas! The capital of Gran Canaria and the largest city in the Canaries, this is a popular base for travellers looking to explore the volcanic islands. This is an ideal location during the off-peak months, as the temperatures in Las Palmas average at a cosy 21ºC in October and November, for example. Playa de Las Canteras, a sandy beach two and a half miles long, attracts visitors all year round.

8. Granada, Spain: 341 sunshine hours/month

Jorge Fernandez Salas via unsplash

The mythical Spanish city of Granada scores 8th position on this ranking. The Nasrid city is a city full of romance, magic and beautiful places to escape to. Under the foothills of the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada, its historic centre will transport you to a fascinating past where a multitude of cultures intersect and are perfectly reflected in the architecture and in the city’s day-to-day life.

You won’t find a better day out than strolling through the narrow streets of the Albaicín neighbourhood, which will lead you to witness one of the most incredible sunsets in the world at the Alhambra. You can also enjoy a magical walk along the Paseo de los Tristes to Sacromonte with its beautiful streets full of smells and its flamenco atmosphere.

9. Palermo, Italy: 340 sunshine hours/month

Henrique Ferreira via unsplash

The third and final third Sicilian city in this ranking is Palermo, the island’s capital. Dubbed a cultural melting pot, this city offers tourists authentic Sicilian street food, Italy’s biggest opera house and many historic buildings that have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

10. Seville, Spain: 340 sunshine hours/month

Joan Oger via unsplash

Completing the top 10 is stunning Seville, the capital city of the Andalusia region of southern Spain and an absolute dream historic city to visit for lovers of culture, tradition, and tasty tapas.

The best time to visit Seville is in May or October, when the temperature is around ºC, which is the perfect temperature for a city break with no oceanfront. A trip during the peak summer months proves sizzling even for the biggest of heat lovers, as this non-coastal city records some of the most scorching temperatures in the country.

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