Are you fed up with the grey winter weather and need of some vitamin D? We've got just the thing, with the Holidu ranking of Europe's sunniest cities, featuring the 3 sunniest places in Italy: Catania, Messina and Palermo, where sunshine and good weather are almost guaranteed.
The sunniest cities in Italy
Catania
Italy's sunniest city is Catania in Sicily, which gets an average of 347 hours of sunshine per month and enjoys an annual average temperature of 18 degrees celsius. This beautiful city is the second largest in Sicily behind Palermo and has plenty to see all year round under the glorious sunshine.
Under the watchful eye of the Mount Etna volcano, Catania has been able throughout its history to adapt its shape to the successive natural disasters that have moulded the city's architecture. The city has been devastated by numerous volcanic eruptions, forcing Catania to be rebuilt practically from scratch.
In 2002, UNESCO declared Catania a World Heritage Site and many of its monuments are now restored to their former glory.
Messina
Next up in the ranking of the sunniest cities in Italy is Messina, also in Sicily, with 345 hours of sunshine per month and an average temperature of 19 degrees celsius.
When travelling to the Italian island of Sicily, most people will first dock at the port of Messina, located on the north eastern side of Sicily. Just a few kilometres from the mainland, this buzzing transport hub has plenty to delight visitors under the sun, including one of Sicily's finest cathedrals and an outstanding regional museum.
Palermo
With 340 hours of sun per month and an average temperature of 19 degrees, Palermo is Italy's third sunniest city, also confirming Sicily as the place in Italy with the best weather being home to the 3 sunniest destinations.
Palermo is a city that leaves a lasting impression on its visitors, thanks to its historic buildings that dot the old town and a lively atmosphere, not to mention beautiful beaches nearby and the excellent local food and wine. Sunshine is almost guaranteed on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea and is a great place for a weekend break throughout the year.
Which is the sunniest place in Europe?
More than half of the sunniest cities in Europe are Spanish, according to the same report published by Holidu with data from World Weather Online. The sunniest place in Europe and the best destination for catching the sun's rays is Alicante, which receives an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month. Italy's sunniest city Catania, Sicily, follows in second place with 347 hours and Spain's Murcia with 346 hours closes the podium.
Sunshine is also virtually guaranteed in the French city of Nice, on the Mediterranean Sea, while other popular resorts in the top 10 cities include Malaga, Valencia, Las Palmas and Granada, all located in Spain.
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