The sunniest city in Europe is an ‘underrated gem’ — with return flights for £44

The sunniest city in Europe lies in Spain (Picture: Getty Images)

The UK may have been basking in high temperatures this week, but the weather seems to have turned.

So if you’re craving the sun, a new study has revealed the best European destinations to soak up some rays.

According to research from holiday rental platform Holidu, the top spot for sunshine in Europe is an underrated port city in Spain’s southeastern region. 

Cartagena boasts an impressive 283 hours of sun per month, with temperatures averaging 19.1°C and peaking at 29°C during the summer months of July and August.

Cartagena is a port city in Spain’s southeastern region (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)

The study analysed data from World Weather Online, looking at cities across Europe with populations of over 200,000. 

Researchers then extracted the number of sun hours per month from 2009 to 2025 to calculate each city’s overall monthly average. And perhaps unsurprisingly, the top five spots were taken by Spain. 

In addition to heading to Cartagena, those looking to get the most Vitamin D can head to Alicante, Malaga, Murcia, and Granada, which round out the list of the sunniest spots in Europe.

What to do in Cartagena 

There’s plenty to discover in Europe’s sunniest city. The coastal spot in Spain’s Murcia region is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture yet is often overshadowed by larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona or Seville.

Travellers have frequently hailed it as ‘underrated’ and a ‘hidden gem’ across social media.

The city is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture (Picture: Getty Images)

One of its main attractions is the preserved Roman theatre, built between 5 and 1 BCE. The theatre had a capacity for more than 6,000 people and was used for theatrical performances during Ancient Rome. 

The theatre has a museum attached to it, with an entrance fee of just £5. The attraction has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor with visitors describing the theatre as ‘stunning’ and ‘worth every penny’.

Beyond the theatre, Cartagena is home to several other historic landmarks. The Castillo de la Concepción, a castle perched on a hilltop, offers breathtaking views of the city below. 

For a more relaxing experience, just a few kilometres away from the city is the Playa Cala Cortina. The picturesque cove is surrounded by steep cliffs and lush greenery.

Elsewhere, visitors can explore the Punic Wall, a defensive wall dating back to the 3rd century BC, and the Naval Museum to learn about the city’s maritime past.

How to get to Cartagena

The closest airport to Cartagena is Murcia International Airport (RMU), which is about a 30-minute drive from the city. 

If you’re planning to visit, you can find return flights from London to Murcia on Skyscanner for as little as £44.

From there, you can take a 35-minute bus, which costs around £4, or opt for a taxi, which usually costs around £30.

When is the best time to visit Cartagena? 

As the Holidu study reveals, the hottest months of the year in Cartagena are July and August, with temperatures often reaching a peak of 29°C. 

While considered an underrated city, Cartagena still gets quite busy during the summer. 

If you’re looking for a stress-free time to visit,  the shoulder seasons, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are best. You’ll still enjoy pleasant weather but with fewer crowds. 

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].