Europe's sunniest city is underrated gem - and Brits can get there with £16 flights

Summer is fast approaching, but Brits chasing some hot and sunny weather may want to start planning a trip to the breathtaking city of Cartagena, .

That's because the historic port city has been named Europe's sunniest city by the travel experts over at Holidu, who have estimated that it boasts an average of 283 sunshine hours every month. Cartagena may not be a hidden gem - cruise fans will no doubt know it as one of the ports where plenty of ships dock as part of their itineraries.

However, it remains underrated as most people will then flock to nearby Alicante or Murcia for their adventures, so the sun-soaked spot doesn't always have to deal with the big crowds during peak months.

The good news for Brits is that you won't need to break the bank to visit either. The nearest airport is Murcia, approximately an hour's drive away, with flights from £16.62 each way available from the likes of Ryanair and easyJet. Meanwhile Holidu has uncovered a number of starting from £30 a night, although typically the cheapest rates fall outside of the school holidays.

Those who do a bit of exploring around the city won't be disappointed, thanks to a plethora of gorgeous architecture, fascinating museums and of course, plenty of spots to sample some of that mouthwatering Spanish fare. The Roman amphitheatre remains one of the biggest highlights for any history fan, especially with the adjacent museum that delves into Roman history, and the ongoing project and renovations to sustain the landmark.

Meanwhile the 'Casa de la Fortuna' aka the House of Fortunes offers another interesting glimpse into Roman life, specifically what it might have been like day-to-day for residents.

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Then of course it's well worth just having a relaxed wander through the city to take in the shops and all-important tapas bars, not to mention there are plenty of scenic walks so you can enjoy views of the ships and yachts that dock into the harbour throughout the day.

For those who want a bit of downtime on the beach, there are a few spots along the coast where you can relax on sandy and pebbled shores, but if the beaches are the main focus of your holidays, then you may want to head to the likes of Barcelona or Alicante instead, where you'll find those picture-perfect golden sands, as well as a plethora of beachfront hotels and holiday homes.

Of course while it's no secret that Spain is blessed with plenty of hot and sunny months, it's definitely the European hotspot for sunseekers; the research found that the country is home to nine of the top 10 sunniest destinations on the continent! You can check out the full list below for a dose of inspiration.

Europe's top 10 sunniest cities

Cartagena, Spain

Alicante, Spain

Malaga, Spain

Murcia, Spain

Granada, Spain

Catania, Spain

Seville, Spain

Cordoba, Spain

Marseille, France,

Madrid, Spain

You can find out more on .