Sunglasses, suncream, and a crucial bit of dopamine. Looking for a getaway where you’re pretty much guaranteed a bit of sun? The sunniest capital cities in Europe have been named.
Taking the top spot is Nicosia in Cyprus, where there’s an impressive 3,388 hours of sunshine per year, equal to around 140 days. That certainly beats London.
Famous for its sparkling waters, architectural marvels and incredibly friendly locals, Valletta in Malta was crowned second place with 3,030 hours of glorious sunshine each year.
With its iconic trams, stunning tiled streets and frankly delicious Pastéis de Nata, Lisbon in Portugal came third. There’s no scrimping on the rays here either, with approximately 2,828 hours annually, according to a new study.
Thinking about booking a holiday to Nicosia? Here’s everything you need to know, from things to do, to how to get there and even when to go to soak up as much heat as possible.
Things to do in Nicosia
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Nicosia, which is also known as Lefkosia and Lefkoşa, is the last divided capital city in the world.
Referencing the colour of the pen used by the United Nations to draw between the different territories, the Green Line has remained in place since 1963, and was extended significantly in 1974. To this day, it separates Greek Cypriot communities from Turkish Cypriots.
When it comes to visiting Nicosia as a tourist, it’s possible to travel between both sides of the city. There are multiple checkpoints dotted around Nicosia – with one on Ledra Street and another on Markou Drakou – and passports are checked by both Greek and Turkish forces.
If history’s your thing, the Cyprus Museum is a must-see. It’s the oldest and largest in the country and displays one of the world’s most extensive collections of Cypriot antiquities, from pottery to jewellery and coins.
Travelling between north and south Cyprus
If you enter the Republic of Cyprus through the north (flying into Ercan Airport, for example), guidance from Gov UK warns that ‘authorities will consider you to have entered illegally.’
For this, you could be fined for illegal entry, refused entry to or exit from the Republic of Cyprus, and prevented from crossing back into the north of Cyprus.
With this in mind, it’s best to fly into Larnaca Airport and then travel to the north afterwards.
There’s also the Leventis Municipal Museum, which tells Cyprus’s history through ceramics, maps, and posters.
Fancy a bit of modern art? You’ll find all that and more at the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre – which is found inside an old power station. It was even given the Europa Nostra award in 1994 for its impressive restoration.
Built in 1572, the Büyük Han is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of Ottoman architecture.
Since it was renovated in the 1990s, it’s now bustling with an old city vibe, home to a number of cafes, including Sedirhan.
Craft workshops are also hosted inside the small rooms that once served as sleeping quarters when the Han, which means inn, operated as one.
And at the centre of it all lies the courtyard with an Islamic prayer centre (known as a mescit), featuring six pillars and a fountain. This particular design is incredibly rare, and there are only two others in Turkey.
The Selimiye Mosque is one of North Nicosia’s most prominent landmarks, and can be seen from the south of the city.
Its history dates back to the 13th century, and before it was converted from a Roman Catholic Cathedral into a mosque in 1570 following the Ottoman invasion, it was known as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia.
What do locals say about Nicosia?
Posting on Reddit, Nicosia local @Rhomaios previously described Nicosia as ‘heads and shoulders’ above the rest of Cyprus in terms of ‘historical and cultural monuments.’
‘The walls of Nicosia are an underappreciated jewel of historical significance,’ they penned on the r/Cyprus Subreddit, adding that the food is both ‘affordable’ and has a ‘good variety of cuisines.’
@Keroline14 added that they appreciate Nicosia for its ‘choice,’ and in their opinion, there are ‘almost no tourists which is great because places are almost never overcrowded.’
And in @JuryBasic2356’s view, Nicosia is the ‘most authentic Cypriot city’ as ‘the amount of history that you can witness here is uncontested.’
How to get to Nicosia
Travelling from London? The easiest way to get to Nicosia is to fly directly from Gatwick.
The journey time to Larnaka International Airport is around 4 hours and 35 minutes, and there are currently flights available departing on May 30 for £66 return.
There are also routes from Gatwick operated by both easyJet and TUI, while British Airways flies out of Heathrow. We’re spoilt for choice, really.
When to visit Nicosia
Thinking about maximising that vitamin D? You’re best off visiting Nicosia in either July or August, which tend to be the hottest months of the year in Cyprus, typically reaching temperatures of 26C. Best get that suncream packed.
If you’re looking for some off-season sun, the mercury tends to hit a balmy 16C in April and 19C in May, while September and October remain warm with highs of 24C and 20C.
The sunniest capital cities in Europe, according to Omio
- Nicosia, Cyprus
- Valletta, Malta
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Athens, Greece
- Madrid, Spain.
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