Athens is One of the Sunniest Cities in Europe, Says Study

Photo source: This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau

Athens has emerged as an ideal destination for those seeking an “extra dose of vitamin D”, basking in an average of 262.2 hours of sun per month, according to data from the holiday rental portal Holidu.

In an effort to curate the ultimate summer guide for their users, the platform analyzed data from World Weather Online to identify the sunniest European cities.

According to their findings, Greece, particularly its capital city, ranks among the top 10 destinations, renowned for its beautiful landscapes, captivating history, and delectable cuisine.

Claiming a spot in the top 10, Athens captivates visitors with its rich historical and cultural tapestry, offering a multitude of summer events. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Greek capital recently received global recognition as the 16th ‘most inspiring cultural city’.

Spain leads the list of sunniest European cities

Leading the list are three destinations in Spain, with Malaga claiming the top spot as Europe’s sunniest city. Here, sunseekers can enjoy an average of 280.2 hours of sunshine each month while exploring the city’s beaches and charming cafes.

Alternatively, Alicante on the Costa Blanca has long been a favored holiday spot, renowned for its picturesque weather boasting 280 hours of sunshine monthly and expansive white sand beaches.

Securing third place is Murcia, offering an average of 277.7 hours of sun per month. Following closely are Catania in Italy, Marseille in France, and several cities in Spain including Seville, Cordoba, Madrid, and Saragosa.

To compile this list, Holidu analyzed European cities with populations exceeding 300,000 inhabitants, considering average sunshine hours from 2009 to 2024.