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Discover Europe’s Sunniest City: Spain Dominates Top Spots for Sunshine Seekers
For those prioritizing sunshine on their European vacation, new meteorological research reveals Spain as the continent’s sunniest destination, overshadowing other countries. A recent study conducted by the holiday rental platform Holidu identified Europe’s sunniest cities, with an impressive eight out of the top ten located in Spain. Despite recent adverse weather conditions impacting some Spanish islands, mainland Spain remains the premier choice for travelers seeking a sun-drenched city escape.
Cartagena, Spain: Crowned Europe’s Sunniest City
Holidu’s analysis, leveraging data from World Weather Online, pinpointed Cartagena, a southeastern Spanish city, as the recipient of the most sunshine hours per month. This historic port city, with origins dating back to around 220 BC, enjoys a remarkable average of 283 hours of sunshine each month. Furthermore, Cartagena boasts a pleasant year-round average temperature of 19.1 degrees Celsius, with temperatures frequently exceeding 30 degrees Celsius during the summer months.
Affordable Travel to Sunny Cartagena
Adding to its appeal, Cartagena is readily accessible via budget-friendly airlines. Numerous carriers, including Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2, offer flights to nearby airports such as Murcia International (RMU), situated approximately 25 minutes from the city center. With Ryanair fares starting from around £34, Cartagena emerges as an ideal destination for an inexpensive weekend retreat.
Cost-Effective Destination: Enjoy Sunshine and Value
The affordability extends beyond flights. On-the-ground expenses in Cartagena are also favorable for budget-conscious travelers. The average cost of a pint of beer is approximately €3, translating to just over £2.50.
Cartagena: Recognized for Value
In a prior assessment, a Which? traveler survey encompassing 28 Spanish coastal towns recognized Cartagena as a top-value destination within Spain. The survey evaluated Spanish seaside towns across 11 criteria, including beach and seafront quality, safety, dining options, accommodations, and overall value for money.
Other Sunny Spanish Cities
Additional Spanish mainland destinations renowned for abundant sunshine, according to the latest findings, include Alicante and Malaga. These cities record averages of 279.6 and 279.3 hours of sunshine per month, respectively.
Beyond Spain: Marseille and Catania Offer Sunshine
Notably, two non-Spanish city break destinations also secured positions within the top ten sunniest European cities: Marseille in France, a cultural hub, with 266.1 monthly sunshine hours, and Catania in Sicily, Italy, logging 273.7 hours. Both cities are also served by low-cost airlines.
More Sunshine Hotspots in Southern Spain
Other Spanish cities guaranteeing sunny weekend getaways include Seville (273.4 hours) and Cordoba (268.2 hours).
Valencia: Affordable Entertainment and Sunshine
For travelers prioritizing budget and sunshine, Valencia presents a compelling combination of affordable leisure and ample sunlight.
Valencia: Highly Rated for Expat Living Costs
Recent survey data highlights Valencia’s cost-effectiveness. A survey earlier this month examining the most and least expensive cities for expatriates ranked Valencia favorably. Conducted by the expat network InterNations, the survey gauged the financial satisfaction of individuals living abroad.
Expat Financial Satisfaction in Valencia
Respondents assessed their financial well-being based on local living costs, satisfaction with their financial situations, and whether their disposable income adequately supported a comfortable lifestyle. A significant majority (77 percent) of expats residing in Valencia expressed satisfaction with their financial situation, considerably exceeding the global average of 54 percent. Furthermore, over 60 percent (61 percent) reported that their disposable income was “more than enough” for a comfortable life, substantially higher than the global average of 41 percent.
Expat Testimonial: Affordable Living in Valencia
An American expatriate living in Valencia shared with InterNations, ‘I appreciate not having to be concerned about living expenses, be it housing or healthcare.’
Europe’s Top Ten Sunniest Cities (Average Hours of Sun per Month)
- Cartagena, Spain (283)
- Alicante, Spain (279.6)
- Malaga, Spain (279.3)
- Murcia, Spain (277.0)
- Granada, Spain (274.4)
- Catania, Italy (273.7)
- Seville, Spain (273.4)
- Cordoba, Spain (268.2)
- Marseille, France (266.1)
- Madrid, Spain (265.4)