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Summer is here, and if you’re planning on crossing the pond this season for walks down cobbled streets, gelato in hand, and early evening swims in the sunset golden-tinged Mediterranean, Spain is likely to be at the top of your list.
Famous for its ancient heritage, sandy beaches and vibrant Hispanic culture, the Iberian country is leading booking trends right now, and it might be something to do with the fact that not one, not two, but four of Europe’s sunniest destinations are here.
According to Holidu, a popular holiday rental search engine, this is where you should be headed in Spain for the best possible weather between the months of June and August:
Seville
The historic capital of Andalusia, an autonomous region in Southern Spain, Seville is a major European metropolis cut through by wide boulevards, lined by impressive buildings, and famous for its landmark cathedral, colorful Triana district, and traditional tapas restaurants.
It’s home to Plaza de España, a semi-circular square lined by a canal that’s possibly the most beautiful in Spain, if not Europe, the Royal Alcazar, built during the period of Arab rule in Seville back in the Middle Ages, and La Giralda, a former minaret-turned-bell tower.
As if the white tarpaulins covering shading some of the Old Town streets weren’t enough indication, Seville is also one of the sunniest cities in the continent, enjoying 273.9 hours of sunshine per year, and trust us, it can get scorching hot here regardless of season.
Murcia
A hidden gem of Spain, a short 3-hour train ride from Madrid, Murcia is famous for concentrating several of Spain’s best-preserved historic landmarks, such as the imposing Santa Maria Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, and the hilltop Lorca Castle.
Other than the cultural masterpieces and the sightseeing, visitors are drawn to Murcia’s pristine Mediterranean beaches, with honey-colored sands that extend for several long miles and inviting, casual beach clubs lining the modern waterfront.
The best thing is, whether you’re strolling Murcia’s charming historic center, or lounging by the beach or poolside, it is highly unlikely rain will dampen the mood: after all, this vibrant seaside resort enjoys a glorious 277.7 hours of sunshine per year.
Alicante
An up-and-coming resort destination in the Spanish region of Valencia, Alicante is characterized by tall oceanfront condominiums and a modern, palm-shaded promenade that unfolds along an azure, warm Mediterranean.
Similarly to other Southern Spanish cities, Alicante has numerous public beaches, a thriving nightlife, and a food scene that takes pride in its variety, with your usual paella hotspots and quirky Maghreb eateries sharing the same street.
It is perfect for soaking up Spanish culture while also living it up by the coast, and it’s a tried-and-true beach getaway for Northern Europeans, with the sun shining for an average 280 hours per year, and lower prices noted for food and accommodation alike.
Malaga
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Malaga takes the number one spot as the sunniest city in all of Europe: it is, after all, the coastal gem of Andalusia, the continent’s warmest region, owing it to a geographical proximity to Africa, and probably the last place you’d expect the weather forecast to turn dire.
Other than being highly sought-after for its Malagueta beach and upscale resorts, Malaga is a cultural center of the first order, being the birthplace of none less than Pablo Picasso, and accumulating a History spanning over two millennia, with Greeks, Romans and Moors all having set foot here.
It’s only marginally sunnier than Alicante, enjoying 280.2 hours of sunshine per year, but there’s no denying it’s a European summer capital of the sorts, with its elegant, cathedral-dominated Old Town, hilltop fortress, laid-back cafes, ancient ruins, and sea access.
Spain is the hottest country in Europe, and in cities like Seville and Cordoba, thermometers can easily hit the 104°F mark in July, even at sundown, so make sure you enjoy your time out in the sun wisely: use sunscreen, and follow local safety advice during confirmed heatwaves.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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