The sunniest destinations in Europe, according to new research

Spain claimed 11 out of the top 30 spots

By Amanda Teague Published April 2, 2025

Cartagena Spain — AG-Pics / Pixabay

If you’re dreaming of soaking up some rays this summer, Europe has plenty of sun-soaked cities to explore. A recent study by Holidu, a vacation rental portal, analyzed data from World Weather Online to identify the European cities that enjoy the most sunshine.

Topping the list is Cartagena, Spain, which boasts an impressive 283 sun hours per month, roughly equivalent to nearly 12 full days of sunshine. While cities like Barcelona and Valencia are often on the radar for travelers, Cartagena is a bit of a hidden gem. Visitors can enjoy its incredible history, including a 1st-century BC Roman Theatre, as well as its charming old town.

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Spain shines throughout the list, claiming all five spots in the top rankings. Alongside Cartagena, Alicante, Malaga, Murcia, and Granada round out the top five sunniest cities. Italy also made a strong showing, with 11 cities landing in the top 30, while France, Greece, and Portugal are also represented.

Europe’s sunniest cities: The full list

Alicante Spain — NachoRuiz / Pixabay

Cartagena, Spain: 283 hours of sun
Alicante, Spain: 279.6 hours of sun
Malaga, Spain: 279.3 hours of sun
Murcia, Spain: 277 hours of sun
Granada, Spain: 274.4 hours of sun
Catania, Italy: 273.7 hours of sun
Sevilla, Spain: 273.4 hours of sun
Cordoba, Spain: 268.2 hours of sun
Marseille, France: 266.1 hours of sun
Madrid, Spain: 265.4 hours of sun
Saragossa, Spain: 264.5 hours of sun
Athens, Greece: 261.6 hours of sun
Palma de Mallorca, Spain: 259 hours of sun
Nice, France: 252.5 hours of sun
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain: 251.1 hours of sun
Bari, Italy: 248.9 hours of sun
Rome, Italy: 247.5 hours of sun
Palermo, Italy: 247.4 hours of sun
Montpellier, France: 247.1 hours of sun
Naples, Italy: 242.9 hours of sun
Messina, Italy: 241.7 hours of sun
Turin, Italy: 241.1 hours of sun
Lisbon, Portugal: 237.6 hours of sun
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain: 233.1 hours of sun
Valladolid, Spain: 232.1 hours of sun
Bologna, Italy: 222.2 hours of sun
Milan, Italy: 220.1 hours of sun
Porto, Portugal, 219.3 hours of sun
Padua, Italy: 219.2 hours of sun
Genoa, Italy: 215.0 hours of sun

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Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

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