Cartagena, Spain – 283 (average sunny hours per month)
Positioned on Spain’s Costa Cálida, Cartagena takes top honours on the list of the sunniest cities in Europe, with a remarkable 283 hours of sunshine per month on average. The port city combines Roman heritage and history with picturesque Mediterranean beaches making it also one of the best places to visit in Europe. Travellers enjoy Roman theatres, maritime museums and seafront promenades. May to September is the time to visit when the weather is balmy and the city comes alive and hosts numerous festivals and events. Cartagena’s combination of history, coastlines and virtually perpetual sunshine make it a top destination for history buffs and sun-lovers alike.Alicante, Spain – 279.6 (average sunny hours per month)
Just behind Cartagena, Alicante benefits from 279.6 hours of sunshine per month and remains a top choice for visitors and expats alike when looking for holiday destinations in Europe. Located on the Costa Blanca, Alicante boasts white-sand beaches, nightlife and Moorish heritage. The panoramic views from the Santa Bárbara Castle, the Moorish heritage, and the markets and beach restaurants all offer a genuine flavor of Spain. Travel and sunshine peak between the months of May and October. Whether on the beach at Playa del Postiguet or walking the historic Old Town of the city, Alicante provides the perfect combination of action and relaxation.Malaga, Spain – 279.3 (average sunny hours per month)
Malaga in the Spanish region of Costa del Sol boasts sunshine almost all through the year. With its 279.3 average sunshine hours every month, it's a culinary, artistic and Mediterranean resort hub. It boasts beaches, the Picasso Museum and beautiful Moorish architecture such as the Alcazaba. The mild winters make it a perfect off-season getaway too.Murcia, Spain – 277.0 (average sunny hours per month)
Murcia glows as one of the best sunspots with 277 hours of sunshine every month. It has traditional elegance coupled with a robust agricultural economy and a cozy, sunny atmosphere. The baroque cathedral, river walks and barrios of the city make it perfect to discover on foot. It might get hot summers, so the best time to visit is in the springs and the start of fall.Granada, Spain – 274.4 (average sunny hours per month)
Granada presents a distinctive combination of Islamic and Spanish style under the almost 274.4 hours of sunshine every month. It is situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and houses the iconic Alhambra palace and a sizeable student population. Although it receives high sunshine hours, it also experiences a cool mountain breeze.Catania, Sicily – (average sunny hours per month)
Sicily's sun-kissed coastal treasure, Catania receives 273.7 hours of sunshine per month and lies at the foot of Mount Etna. This Italian city strikes the perfect balance of natural beauty and historic charm, from busy fish markets to Baroque cathedrals and is often mentioned as one of the best holiday destinations in Europe. With the beaches and volcanoes close at hand, it's a treat for adventure-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. Summer months get unbearably hot, so the best time to visit is in the spring and autumn. Catania's Mediterranean charm and sunny weather create a perpetual ambience of warmth and hospitality.Seville, Spain – 273.4 (average sunny hours per month)
Sevilla, of course, boasts flamenco heritage, the Gothic cathedral and orange-scented boulevards. With 273.4 sunny hours a month, it's one of the brightest places in Spain. It's hot in the summer, so the best weather for visiting is in the spring and late autumn.Cordoba, Spain – 268.2 (average sunny hours per month)
Cordoba is a UNESCO World Heritage site that glimmers under the light of 268.2 hours of sunshine each month. Highlights of Cordoba include the Mezquita, historic Jewish Quarter and the vibrant patios of flowers. With its dry climate, Cordoba also provides a fantastic wintertime getaway.Marseille, France – 266.1 (average sunny hours per month)
Marseille, the sunniest major city in France, receives 266.1 hours of sunshine per month. It's a busy sea port with a rich maritime heritage, beaches along the Mediterranean and cosmopolitan quarters. Must-sees that make it one of the best places to visit in Europe include the Old Port, the Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Calanques National Park.Madrid, Spain – 265.4 (average sunny hours per month)
Spain's capital enjoys 265.4 sunshine hours per month. Madrid has royal palaces, major museums and a thriving food scene. It is a great location to soak up the sun, despite being landlocked, due to its dry climate and active street life.Saragossa, Spain – 264.5 (average sunny hours per month)
Saragossa (Zaragoza), found in the northeast of Spain, has 264.5 sunny hours per month. With its Basilica del Pilar and location on the River Ebro, the city has Roman, Moorish and Christian influences. Spring and the early autumn seasons are quite sunny and pleasant to visit.Athens, Greece – 261.6 (average sunny hours per month)
Athens enjoys 261.6 sunshine hours per month and serves as a Mediterranean sun magnet. Aside from the ruins and Acropolis, there are vibrant street artworks, rooftop cafés and beach activities to enjoy. The sunshine provides pleasant weather for visiting throughout the year.Palma de Mallorca, Spain – 259 (average sunny hours per month)
Palma, situated in the island of Mallorca, is one of the popular holiday destinations in Europe and shines with 259 hours of sunshine each month. With its mixture of Gothic-style buildings, beach resorts and dramatic coastlines, it provides the perfect getaway for relaxation and adventure. Summer is peak tourist season, but spring and autumn enjoy pleasant weather with lower crowds.Nice, France – 252.5 (average sunny hours per month)
Nice, situated on the French Riviera, receives 252.5 sunshine hours per month. The Promenade des Anglais, the pastel-hued buildings and the markets all contribute to a timeless elegance in the city. It's perfect for beach-lovers and the culturally curious.Santa Cruz de Tenerife – 251.1 (average sunny hours per month)
Number 15 on this list of the sunniest cities in Europe, this Canary Island resort receives 251.1 hours of sunshine per month, providing warmth all year round. It's a hub for beaches, volcanic hikes and carnival celebrations. Its subtropical climate ranks it as one of the sunniest wintertime getaways in Europe.This report from 2025, based on World Weather Online data, finds Spanish destinations are topping the list of the sunniest cities in Europe, with Cartagena and Alicante at the top. Whether your desire is for vitamin D, beach life, or culture, these areas all guarantee sunshine and blue skies virtually every month of the year.
Comments