The best climate in Spain and the most sunshine is found in Alicante on the Costa Blanca. With an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month, it's easy to see why so many expats choose to move to Alicante, not to mention the city's lively culture scene, great nightlife and an endless list of historical sights to visit.
Thanks to its inclusion of the Mediterranean coast, plenty of European countries experience warm winter weather. However, Spain tends to be Europe's hottest country in summer and winter due to its southern location.
1. Alicante, Spain: For a daily dose of vitamin C. Located on Spain's southeast coast, Alicante has the highest number of sunny hours in Europe. With an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month (an average month has 730 hours in total, including nighttimes), it's a dream destination for sun lovers.
Gran Canaria, Canary IslandsIt's hottest in July, August and September when temperatures average close to 30C. However, the difference between summer and winter is only 5 degrees Celsius.
The Canary Islands climate is considered the best climate in the world, thanks to the year-round pleasant, mild temperatures. This is added to the facts that it rarely rains in the archipelago and that it is the region with the most hours of sunlight per day in Europe.
Life expectancy by countryThe country with the highest life expectancy at birth is Spain, with an average of 83.3 years, followed by Sweden (83.1 years), Luxembourg, and Italy (both 82.7 years). The lowest lifespan is predicted in Bulgaria (71.4 years), Romania (72.8 years), and Latvia (73.1 years).
The top 3 sunniest cities in EuropeUnsurprisingly, Spain and Italy take the top spots. Topping the list, the city of Alicante in Spain has an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month and an average yearly temperature of 19°C. An ideal climate for enjoying the beautiful beaches of Costa Blanca!
The inland mountainous regions of northern Spain (northern Aragon & Catalonia, Navarra) are among the country's chilliest and the most beautiful. Snow is common all winter long, so if you're looking to experience a white Christmas in Spain—or even go skiing—this region is your best bet.
While the cost of living can vary depending on location and personal preferences, Portugal tends to be slightly cheaper than Spain for accommodation, food, and transportation. Both countries offer beautiful scenery, rich culture, and delicious food, making them great destinations for travelers on a budget.
While there are definitely far more beautiful places to see in Portugal, from Óbidos to the Berlengas Islands to Monsanto and beyond, there's no doubt that you can cover a bigger percentage of Portugal's top destinations in one trip than you can Spain's.