A new study has revealed Las Palmas in the Canary Islands as the top European destination for soaking up the sun this autumn, according to research conducted by Thames Acropolis Tickets & Tours.
The study analysed average daylight hours and temperatures across European cities from October to December 2023, ranking each city based on its suitability for topping up your tan before winter sets in. Las Palmas took the top spot with an average of 10.89 daylight hours and a warm autumn temperature of 21.4°C.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Santa Cruz de la Palma, both also in the Canary Islands, came in second and third place, with 10.87 and 10.86 daylight hours, respectively. Their warm autumn temperatures, averaging around 21°C, helped secure their places as prime autumn destinations.
Outside the Canary Islands, Nicosia in Cyprus ranked fourth, recording 10.49 daylight hours and the highest average autumn temperature on the list at 19.8°C. Valletta, the capital of Malta, followed in fifth place with 10.45 daylight hours and an autumn temperature of 20.6°C, the highest for October, where it averaged a balmy 24.2°C.
The rankings were calculated using a score system, with lower scores representing more sunshine and warmth. Las Palmas achieved the best score of 2, followed by Santa Cruz de Tenerife with 4 and Santa Cruz de la Palma with 6.
Greek islands also made a strong showing in the study. Santorini, Rhodes, and Crete all tied for sixth place with a score of 15. Santorini recorded the warmest autumn temperature among the three, averaging 19.8°C, while Crete had the longest daylight hours at 10.49. Rhodes landed between them with 19.1°C and 10.43 daylight hours.
In seventh place was Bodrum in Turkey, with a score of 19. Despite cooler temperatures in December, the city maintained an autumn average of 18.9°C and 10.38 daylight hours. Malaga in southern Spain followed in eighth place, with 18.0°C and 10.40 daylight hours.
Rounding out the top ten were Seville and Ibiza, both in Spain. Seville placed ninth with 17.4°C and 10.36 daylight hours, while Ibiza just made the cut in tenth place, with an average of 18.6°C and 10.25 daylight hours.
Magdalena Petrusic, a travel expert from Tours & Tickets, commented on the findings, saying, “Whether you want to unwind on the beaches of southern Spain or explore the Mediterranean islands, this analysis offers a guide for those hoping to escape the winter chill and enjoy some sunshine. The Canary Islands, in particular, offer a unique blend of stunning scenery, year-round sunshine, and vibrant culture.”
For those looking to make a quick getaway, Las Palmas remains the top choice for a sunny autumn escape.
