Guaranteed sunshine? These are the brightest destinations in Europe

Looking for sunshine? These are the sunniest cities in Europe

Spring is just around the corner, which means many campers are starting to get the travel itch. After the dark winter months, we are all craving a healthy dose of vitamin D. Holiday portal Holidu has found out which European cities get the most sunshine. Read on to discover the perfect destination for your next sunny trip!

The full study can be found here.

1. Malaga, Spain: The undisputed number one

Malaga takes first place and can officially call itself the sunniest city in Europe. Here, you can enjoy an average of 278 hours of sunshine per month and a pleasant temperature of nearly 19 degrees. The beaches and outdoor terraces are a wonderful place to relax all year round.

But Malaga offers more than just sun. The city has a rich cultural and culinary scene, from the Centre Pompidou and other world-class museums to vibrant festivals such as the famous Feria de Malaga.

2. Seville, Spain: Passion and culture in Andalusia

In second place, we find Seville, the capital of Andalusia. With an average of 271.5 hours of sunshine per month and a temperature of over 19 degrees, it is also a great place to be. The city is bursting with culture and passion.

Visit the breathtaking Real Alcázar, the imposing cathedral with its iconic Giralda, or enjoy a captivating flamenco performance in the Triana district. During the Feria de Abril, the city transforms into a grand spectacle filled with dancing, music, and delicious tapas.

3. Alicante, Spain: White beaches on the Costa Blanca

Third place also goes to Spain. Alicante, located on the Costa Blanca, has been a popular holiday destination for years. With 279 hours of sunshine per month and an average temperature of 18.5 degrees, the city is ideal for sunbathing on its white sandy beaches.

In addition to the beaches and monuments, there are also unique day trips to be made. For example, visit the pink salt lakes of Torrevieja or take a boat trip to the island of Tabarca for an unforgettable day.

The complete top 10 sunniest cities

Spanish and Italian cities dominate the top 10. Here is the full list:

• Murcia, Spain: 276.1 hours of sunshine p/m, 18.5°C
• Catania, Italy: 272.4 hours of sunshine p/m, 18.6°C
• Cordoba, Spain: 266.3 hours of sunshine p/m, 18.6°C
• Athens, Greece: 261.5 hours of sunshine p/m, 18.4°C
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain: 257.2 hours of sunshine p/m, 18.3°C
• Las Palmas, Spain: 231.1 hours of sunshine p/m, 19.9°C
• Palermo, Italy: 246.8 hours of sunshine p/m, 17.9°C

About the study

For this study, all European cities with more than 300,000 inhabitants were analysed. Based on historical weather data from World Weather Online (period 2009-2025), the average number of sunshine hours and average temperature were calculated for each city. These two factors were then combined into a final sunshine score on a scale of 10.