An overlooked destination offers sun-soaked rays for a whopping 3,300 hours every year, alongside its Roman ruins, bustling old town and nearby beaches - and flights start from just £16.
Cartagena: Europe's Sunniest City
Nestled in the region of Murcia in Spain, Cartagena has frequently been dubbed Europe's sunniest city, thanks to its more than 3,300 hours of sunshine each year and around 283 hours per month. In spring, holidaymakers can expect to bask in temperatures of around 23C, and by summer, they can reach around 32C.
Alongside its desirable Mediterranean climate, the historic port city is a labyrinth of ancient ruins and walls. The compact city, founded more than two millennia ago, is often considered a lesser-known Spanish destination, with fewer crowds than the typically touristy hotspots.
Historic Attractions
Steeped in history, there's the impressive first-century Roman amphitheater, one of Spain's most renowned monuments, and the medieval hilltop castle of Castillo de la Concepción, offering views across the city and harbor. A stroll around the port of Cartagena is well worth it, with the chance to see the magnificent town hall and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Alongside its Roman, Byzantine, and Moorish ruins, there's the charming old town, brimming with lively squares, tapas bars and boutiques. The pedestrian-friendly Calle Mayor is known for its vibrant atmosphere, tiled walkways, and 19th-century architecture, making it the perfect spot to people-watch or soak up traditional Spanish culture.
Following a trip to Calle Mayor, one visitor shared on TripAdvisor: "The Calle Mayor or main street in Cartagena is a model of beautiful architecture and beautiful buildings with some beautiful churches, nice restaurants, a large underground parking and many hotels nearby, remnants of a very rich past of the city."
Another commented: "The old town shows the former wealth with lavishly restored, mostly public buildings and houses that are waiting to be revived. Many small bars in the side streets away from the tourist hustle and bustle invite you to take a break. The shops are mostly small private ones and only rarely chains. Ideal for a one-day trip."
Beaches and Affordability
Away from its ancient city walls and historic archaeological sites, Cartagena's coastal location offers ample access to some of the most beautiful beaches. Some of its nearby shores include La Manga and Calblanque, which boast golden sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a day at the beach or for cooling off in the sea.
Aside from its promise of sun-soaked rays, one of its most appealing allures might be its affordability. It's been reported that the average cost of a pint of local draught beer in Cartagena is just £2.50 - a stark contrast to the price of a beer in London or other UK cities.
Its dining options are another appealing feature, with an array of affordable restaurants offering Mediterranean flavours for as little as £10. There's also a selection of bars and cafés, alongside rooftop bars to really soak up the city's vistas.
Getting There
And getting to the city is equally budget-friendly, with flights to the Murcia region starting from just £16 from Bournemouth Airport, or £17 from Birmingham, according to Skyscanner. There are plenty of flights departing from various UK airports to Murcia, which typically take around two and a half hours, and then it's just a short car or train journey to reach Cartagena.
