MADRID – Do you want to experience a sunny city trip this spring or this summer? Then we have ten cities filled with sunshine suitable for you here. Destinations where you can at least raise your vitamin D level. And probably your mood too. 

And what is the city with the most hours of sunshine in Europe? Thanks to data from World Weather Online, the holiday portal Holidu has counted the average number of hours of sunshine per month and created a map based on which you can book your next city trip full of sun. 

“This ranking was performed by extracting the average hours of sunshine per month in each city for the years 2009 to 2021 and the forecast for 2022. In total, the 300 most populous cities in Europe were analysed,” Holidu reports. It will come as no surprise that a total of six Spanish cities appear in the top 10. Then there are three more Italian cities and one French. 

10. Palermo

Sicily has three cities in this ranking of hours of sunshine. Palermo, the capital, has about 340 hours of sunshine per month and an average temperature of 19º. Rated as a cultural melting pot, this city offers tourists authentic Sicilian street food, Italy’s largest opera house, and many historic buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

9. Granada

Granada has so many sights that we don’t know where to start. According to the ranking, Granada has 341 hours of sunshine and an average of 17 degrees. Wander endlessly through the narrow streets of the Albaicín district to Plaza de San Nicolas where you can watch one of the most incredible sunsets in the world in front of the Alhambra. 

Or enjoy a magical walk along Paseo de los Tristes to Sacromonte. And witness its beautiful streets full of scents and its flamenco atmosphere. 

8. Las Palmas

There is no sun like the one in the Canary Islands. Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and the largest city in the Canary archipelago. It is a popular base for travellers looking to explore the volcanic islands. 

It is also an ideal spot during the low season months, as temperatures in Las Palmas still average 21º in October and November. The number of hours of sunshine, 341, makes it a safe trip for those seeking sun and beach tourism. 

7. Nice

In seventh place is Nice, the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department and located on the Côte d’Azur, with 342 hours of sunshine and an average of 17º. Nice offers visitors sandy beaches, excellent bars and restaurants, an abundance of cultural and architectural offerings and, to top it all off, fantastic weather. 

6. Valencia

Valencia is the sixth sunniest city in Europe, with an average of 343 hours of sunshine per month. This port city, located on the southeast coast of Spain, is a joy to visit if you want to combine a city break with a beach holiday. Valencia is also an ideal city to explore by bike. 

5. Messina

In fifth place, with an average of 345 hours of sunshine per month, we return to Italy, to Messina, the third-largest city on the island of Sicily. This port city is a thriving tourist destination for cruise ships and is located on the northeastern tip of the island. Due to its location, it offers a variety of beautiful coastlines to choose from once you dock in the city. Messina also has a great regional museum and one of the best cathedrals in Sicily, the Norman Cathedral of Messina, with marble fountains in the interior. 

4. Málaga

The coast of Málaga is not called Costa del Sol for nothing. Málaga, the fourth city in the ranking with 345 hours and an average temperature of 20º, is the favourite of those looking for good weather. Earlier we wrote about the fact that Málaga is a very popular city among expats. 

3. Murcia

Who can resist the charms of Cala Cortina, chosen as one of the best beaches in Spain? In addition to beautiful beaches, Murcia has a lot of sun. A total of 346 hours and 20º temperature. The coastal part of the region is known as the Costa Cálida because of its microclimate, which makes the region warm with warm water all year round. 

2. Catania

Catania, second in the ranking, has an average of 347 hours of sunshine per month. It is located on the east coast of Sicily, at the foot of the famous active volcano Etna. Catania’s Baroque Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so history and culture buffs will marvel at landmarks such as the Biscari Palace and Piazza del Duomo. To take advantage of the good weather, you have to go to the beaches. The one known as “the beach” has 18km of sand.

1. Alicante

With an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month and an average temperature of 19º, Alicante is the ultimate destination for sunbathers. The town is known for its beautiful coastline on the Costa Blanca, which offers wide public beaches where you can sunbathe on the sand or jump in the water and try your hand at water sports.