What Are the Sunniest Places in Europe?

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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Vacations are always better when the weather is nice. Up your chances of a warm holiday filled with sunny skies by booking a trip to one the sunniest cities in Europe. These ten destinations each get an average of 340 hours (or more) of sunshine per month.

Vacation rental site Holidu analyzed data from World Weather Online to determine the average number of sun hours per month for each city in Europe.

The 10 Sunniest Cities in Europe

Sunshine, warm temperatures, and good vacation vibes await you at these European destinations. Here’s a hint: Head for Italy or Spain for your best chance of good weather on your next trip.

Alicante, Spain

A waterfront location mixed with a historic old quarter and picturesque castle make Alicante a classic Spanish vacation destination. With an average of 349 hours of sunshine a month, this provincial capital is the sunniest city in Europe.

Average Monthly Sun Hours: 349

Average Monthly Temperature: 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit

Catania, Italy

Sicily’s second-largest city draws sunseeker visitors who come to admire Mount Etna (an active volcano) and soak in the Ionian Sea. There’s plenty of history in addition to the natural beauty here—the central old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Average Monthly Sun Hours: 347

Average Monthly Temperature: 68 degrees Fahrenheit

Murica, Spain

Nicknamed “Europe’s orchard” for the city’s plentiful fruit, vegetable, and flower exports, Murica is paradise for anyone looking for fresh food or sunny weather. Time your visit for the lively Fiestas de Primavera (spring Festival), a carnival-type celebration featuring costumes and parades.

Average Monthly Sun Hours: 346

Average Monthly Temperature: 68 degrees Fahrenheit

Málaga, Spain

Dating back to 770 BC, Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and there is history everywhere you look. With a prime location on the Mediterranean’s Costa del Sol, there are also plenty of beaches from which to soak in those 345 average monthly sun hours.

Average Monthly Sun Hours: 345

Average Monthly Temperature: 68 degrees Fahrenheit

Messina, Italy

Located just a few miles from mainland Italy, Messina is often the first stop for travelers to Sicily. This bustling port city provides a great introduction to Sicily, with incredible dining and scenery to explore.

Average Monthly Sun Hours: 345

Average Monthly Temperature: 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit

Valencia, Spain

As the third-largest city in Spain, Valencia has the nightlife and dining scenes to rival Madrid and Barcelona—but with less crowds. There’s plenty of outdoor space to explore in this sunny city, including a riverbed turned into an urban park that winds through the center of town.

Average Monthly Sun Hours: 343

Average Monthly Temperature: 68 degrees Fahrenheit

Nice, France

Nice’s location on the French Riviera at the foot of the French Alps, combined with an average 342 hours of sun per month, makes it a popular destination year-round. It will only take you one visit to Nice to find out why this city is nicknamed Nice la Belle (“Nice the Beautiful”).

Average Monthly Sun Hours: 342

Average Monthly Temperature: 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Las Palmas, Spain

The Canary Islands are famed for their plentiful sunshine, and Las Palmas makes a great jumping off point to explore this vacation spot. Las Palmas is the largest city on the island of Gran Canaria, so you’ll find lots of hotels and amenities here.

Average Monthly Sun Hours: 341

Average Monthly Temperature: 68 degrees Fahrenheit

Grenada, Spain

Situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is a great destination for both beach and mountain-lovers. For those beaches, head down to the Costa Tropical, where there are miles of beaches along the Mediterranean coast that will satisfy your sand fix.

Average Monthly Sun Hours: 341

Average Monthly Temperature: 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Palermo, Italy

Come to Palermo for the food, weather, or the beaches—you won’t be disappointed. In the capital of Sicily you’ll find some of Italy’s most delicious food—some claim the city is home to the best pizza and cannolis in the world), which you can enjoy with scenic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Average Monthly Sun Hours: 340

Average Monthly Temperature: 66.2 degrees Fahrenheit

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The 10 Sunniest Cities in Europe

Caroline Morse Teel