Europe’s sunniest cities have been revealed and there’s good news for Brits heading to France this summer as one of its cities has made the top 10 – and it has gorgeous beaches
Sun-seeking Brits may want to plan France holidays this summer, as it’s home to one of Europe’s sunniest cities complete with gorgeous beaches, glorious food and beautiful landmarks.
New rankings from the team at Holidu unearthed the sunniest spots for UK holidaymakers, with Marseille being the only French city to make the cut in the top 10. The travel pros looked at a host of factors including the average number of sun hours per month, average temperatures and even prices for a stay per night from 2023, to determine the best destinations if you’re after that glorious balmy weather.
Even if it wasn’t France’s sunniest city, there are still heaps of reasons to visit Marseille. For a start, its coastal location means you’ll find heaps of spectacular beaches and coves where you can bask in the sunshine. Hotspots include the Calanques, which stretch over 20km, with turquoise waters and pebbly shores (you may want to pack some good walking shoes).
Meanwhile the Côte Bleue is a hit with swimmers who want to escape the busier crowds at other results, with plenty of coves and seaside villages packed with charm. (After all, who doesn’t want to enjoy a day at the beach before ambling over to a cafe to sample some of that world-famous French food?) Oh, and don’t miss the Côte Bleue train – it’s a great way to explore the area and get some gorgeous views of the cliffs and crystalline waters.
There’s also heaps to see and do in Marseille itself. The historic city boasts a number of breathtaking landmarks including the likes of the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, the ancient Port and harbour lined with waterfront restaurants and shops, and the Château d’If which inspired the novel the Count of Monte Cristo, which can be reached via boat. Then there are the countless bars, restaurants, and clubs that make up the city’s vibrant nightlife – and definitely leave time on the itinerary for a sunset cocktail or two.
The good news is that you won’t need to break the bank if you want to check the city out for yourself. Ryanair and easyJet both offer cheap direct flights to Marseille, with some fares under £25 each way if you’re booking out of peak seasons or during their sales.
Of course if you want to make the most of that glorious sunshine, then a holiday villa with a pool could be just the home-away-from-home you deserve, and the good news is that Holidu has plenty of accommodation options from £41 a night, depending on your requirements. You can also find hotels from £49 a night with Kayak, while Tripadvisor has a handy guide to the city’s best cheap hotels if you’re on a budget.
If you’re looking for a sun-soaked city break, then Holidu offered up plenty more inspiration with its top 10 rankings. You may want to consider Spain holidays, as the country boasted seven destinations in the top 10, with Malaga having taken the overall crown. You can check out the full list below…
Europe’s top 10 sunniest cities
- Malaga, Spain
- Alicante, Spain
- Murcia, Spain
- Catania, Italy
- Seville, Spain
- Cordoba, Spain
- Marseille, France
- Madrid, Spain
- Zaragoza, Spain
- Athens, Greece
You can find out more on holidu.co.uk.
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