Europe's Sunniest Gem: Grab £44 Flights to This Hidden Treasure

Although the UK might have experienced scorching temperatures earlier this week, the weather appears to be changing now.

If you’re longing for some sunshine, a recent study has identified the top spots.
European destinations
to catch some sunrays.

Based on findings from the vacation rental website
Holidu
, the premier location for sunlight
Europe
is a lesser-known port city located in
Spain
’s southeastern region.

Cartagena receives an impressive 283 hours of sunlight each month, with average temperatures staying around 19.1°C and climbing up to 29°C during the peak summer months of July and August.

The research examined information sourced from World Weather Online, focusing on urban areas throughout Europe that have populations exceeding 200,000 inhabitants.

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.

The researchers subsequently retrieved the total sunlight hours for each month from 2009 to 2025 to determine the cities’ respective monthly averages. As might be expected, the leading five positions were claimed by Spanish locations.

Besides going to Cartagena, individuals aiming to soak up the most Vitamin D might want to visit Alicante as well.
Malaga
, Murcia, and
Granada
, completing the list of the sunniest locations in Europe.

What activities can you enjoy in Cartagena?

There’s lots to uncover in Europe’s most sunny city. This seaside location in Spain’s Murcia district boasts a deep past and stunning architecture but frequently gets overlooked compared to bigger cities such as
Madrid
, Barcelona or Seville.

Travelers often praise it as ‘underappreciated’ and a ‘secret treasure’ on various social platforms.

A major draw of this site is the intact Roman theater constructed from 5 to 1 BCE. This venue could seat over 6,000 spectators and served as an important space for dramatic presentations back in ancient times.

The theater features a connected museum that you can access for only £5. It boasts a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor, where guests often describe the venue as ‘spectacular’ and ‘completely worth the money’.

In addition to the theater, Cartagena boasts numerous other historical sites. Perched atop a hill, the Castillo de la Concepción provides stunning panoramic vistas of the city beneath it.

To enjoy a more serene atmosphere, head just a short distance outside the city to reach Playa Cala Cortina. This charming beach is encircled by towering cliffs and vibrant vegetation.

In other areas, guests can visit the Punic Wall, an ancient defensive structure from the 3rd century BC, as well as the Naval Museum to discover more about the city’s seafaring history.

What is the way to reach Cartagena?

The nearest airport to Cartagena is Murcia International Airport (RMU), located approximately a half-hour drive away from the city center.

Should you be looking to travel, you can book round-trip flights from London to Murcia on Skyscanner starting at just £44.

From there, you have two options: catch a 35-minute bus ride that typically costs about £4, or choose a taxi which generally charges approximately £30.

What is the optimal time to travel to Cartagena?

According to the Holidu study, the most sweltering months in Cartagena are July and August, typically spiking at around 29°C.

Although often seen as an underappreciated destination, Cartagena becomes rather bustling during the summertime.

If you want a more relaxed trip, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons—spring (from April to June) or fall (ranging from September to October). This way, you can experience nice weather without dealing with large numbers of tourists.