Cartagena, a historic port city on Spain's southeastern coast, has been named Europe's sunniest city by travel experts at Holidu, with an average of 283 sunshine hours every month. The city also sees average temperatures of 24C in October, making it a strong candidate for a long weekend away in the sun, and it is roughly a three-hour flight from the UK.
Why Cartagena stands out
Unlike busier destinations such as Alicante or Murcia, Cartagena draws fewer crowds, though it is not exactly a hidden gem. The city regularly appears on cruise ship itineraries, with MSC Cruises, Marella Cruises and P&O Cruises among the lines that include it as a port of call.
Getting there by air is straightforward. The nearest airport is Murcia, about an hour's drive away, with flights from £16.62 each way available from carriers including Ryanair and easyJet. Holiday homes can be booked through platforms like Holidu and Airbnb, while Lastminute.com lists hotels from £40 a night, and TripAdvisor offers a round-up of the city's top 10 budget hotels based on reviews.
Things to see and do
Visitors can explore a wealth of architecture and museums. A highlight is the Roman amphitheatre, which sits next to a museum offering insights into the city's history, as well as ongoing projects and renovations to sustain the landmark. The Casa de la Fortuna, or House of Fortunes, provides another glimpse into daily life for the Romans.
The city has some stretches of beach, though they are not as charming as those found in Barcelona or Alicante. For those picturing golden sands with a cocktail in hand, Cartagena may not fully deliver on that front.
A solid city break option
Still, Cartagena offers plenty for a city break. Visitors can spend hours browsing shops, stopping for Spanish fare in tapas bars, or taking a scenic stroll along the harbour to see cruise ships and yachts.
Holidu's list of Europe's top 10 sunniest destinations includes Cartagena, Malaga, Seville, Alicante, Murcia, Catania, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Cordoba, Athens and Majorca, with more details available on holidu.co.uk.
