Summer doesn’t always present itself in its best side – it could be one rainy day followed by another. This situation is especially annoying for those who love the hot season and cannot get enough of the sunlight and heat. For this reason, sunny places are often chosen for holidays, when good weather is almost pre-scheduled.
You don’t even need to travel halfway around the world to reach such places. Europe also has numerous destinations that receive an impressive amount of sunshine each year. They are also suitable for weekend trips. According to a 2016 Statista survey, these are the ten sunniest cities in Europe.
1. Valletta, Malta – 2957 hours of sunshine per year
Malta’s island capital, Valletta, ranks first, indulging its residents and visitors with an average of 3000 hours of sunshine per year.
By the way, it’s the smallest capital in Europe by area, and it’s great to explore on foot. Where you can enjoy the sun and the Mediterranean, as well as culture and art, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the palace Casa Rocca Piccola, the famous harbor promenade Valletta-Waterfront or the National Museum of Fine Arts await you here. Sea.
2. Marseille, France – 2858 hours of sunshine per year
A popular port city in southern France, Marseille is located on the Mediterranean coast and is France’s second largest city. It also ranks second in the ranking of the sunniest cities in Europe.
The old port, the Vieux-Port, is particularly picturesque, but the various museums and churches, such as the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, are also worth a visit. There are also many boutiques, cafes and restaurants to explore in Marseille. After enjoying the sun during the day, the vibrant nightlife of the city awaits you after the sun goes down.
3. Lisbon, Portugal – 2799 hours of sunshine per year
Another recommended destination for all sun lovers is Lisbon, the capital of Portugal on the Atlantic coast. The colorful old town itself, with many colorful houses, is a highlight.
There is also the great suspension bridge Ponte 25 de Abril, so Lisbon is also known as the San Francisco of Europe. Those with good walking can also hike to São Jorge Castle. If you like to be more comfortable, you should definitely take the trams that are typical in the city. The Mosteiro Jerónimos monastery and the Torre de Belém tower are also among the highlights and are also World Heritage Sites.
4. Athens, Greece – 2771 hours of sunshine per year
Greece’s Aegean capital is brimming with historical attractions and sunny days. Contrary to expectations, even if it rains, there is plenty to do there so that you do not spoil your mood.
If you are coming to Athens for the first time, you should definitely visit the Acropolis, where the Parthenon is located. But also impressive are the monasteries of Meteora, the agora, the ruins of Delphi and many other ancient sights. For example, you can take a leisurely walk in Plaka, one of the oldest parts of the city. Or just sunbathe on one of the beaches.
5. Madrid, Spain – 2769 hours of sunshine per year
Spain’s capital attracts tourists from all over the world and fascinates them with its impressive architecture as well as plenty of sunshine.
In Madrid, it’s worth wandering along the long boulevards and numerous parks, and wandering around Plaza Mayor and Plaza de España. Art lovers should also visit the Museo del Prado and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. Other attractions include the Royal Palace or Almudena Cathedral.
6. Nice, France – 2724 hours of sunshine per year
Another travel destination in France has made it into the top seven among Europe’s sunniest places: Nice is considered the cultural capital of the Côte d’Azur and is Provence’s second largest city.
The Promenade des Anglais is a great place to explore by bike (or on foot). Castle Hill and its Parc de la Colline du Château are also popular with tourists, offering picturesque views of Nice. Otherwise, the old town and of course the beaches stand out.
7. Monaco, Monaco – 2724 hours of sunshine a year
Monaco is known as a place where the rich and famous live and vacation. There is a lot to experience in the city-state on the Mediterranean coast of France.
If you want to indulge in luxury, you can stay in expensive hotels, go shopping and try your luck at the famous Monte Carlo casino. The Opéra de Monte Carlo is also worth a visit. Otherwise, you can just wander around the old town, admiring the marina of Port Hercule, the Notre-Dame-Immaculée cathedral and the Grimaldis palace. The best way to enjoy the sun in Monaco is on the beach, in the parks or in cafes.