A beautiful city is one of Europe’s sunniest destinations and might just be the sun-soaked escape you’ve been longing for. Plus, with flights starting at just £45, it’s hard to say no.

Nicosia in Cyprus, is a charming walkable city drenched in sunshine, offering a serene escape from the bitter British weather. Majestic Gothic and Ottoman architecture characterise the city, alongside its Venetian walls and historic Old Town quarter, while major tourist attractions are conveniently located within walking distance of one another.

A significant draw of the divided city is its promise of balmy rays: it boasts 3,388 hours of sunlight per year, making it Europe’s sunniest city, according to travel booking site Omio. The Cypriot spot benefits from a remarkable 358 additional hours of sunshine each year compared to its nearest rival, Valletta, in Malta.

In March, visitors can expect to bask in a welcoming 22C, with temperatures only increasing to 24C in April and a blistering 33C during June. The sunny rays and spectacular city scenes are enough to warrant a visit away from the chilly British weather, along with budget-friendly flights.

Those looking to explore Nicosia will need to fly to Ercan International Airport, conveniently located a short drive from the capital. One-way flights from London Luton Airport to Ercan start from £45, according to Skyscanner, and while there are no direct flights available, it’s well worth the trip for a winter escape.

The city is encircled by ancient walls and gates, which mark out the historic quarters, creating a perfectly circular fortification. Constructed by the Venetians during the 1500s, these walls have remained remarkably preserved, while the former moat encircling them has been repurposed into a jogging track, gardens, and a sculpture park.

Ledra Street is the primary shopping district and one of the most popular areas to visit, renowned for its catalogue of boutiques, café and international brands. Sitting adjacent to the main shopping hub is the Shacolas Tower, where visitors can explore a small museum dedicated to the city’s history whilst soaking up sweeping vistas.

The historical landmark of Büyük Han, with its preserved Ottoman architecture, is another highlight and served as Nicosia’s central prison between 1892 and 1903. Travellers have noted it feels as though you’re “stepping back in time” during a visit to Büyük Han, alongside its “vibrant courtyard”, shops and restaurants.

For those looking to soak up the history of this captivating city, there is the Cyprus Museum, the Panagia Asinou Church and Machairas Monastery. But the magnificent Selimiye Camii, a former Christian cathedral that has been converted into a mosque, is certainly worth a visit to marvel at its enchanting structure that looks like it’s been plucked from a fairy tale storybook.

Following a visit to the charming city, one traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “A busy bustling town with some great designer shops and quaint touristy souvenir shops too.” While a second commented: “A unique divided city, with a Green Wall separating the south (Greek) from the north (Turkish). Easy to cross and a striking contrast. Lots of history to explore on both sides. City feels safe and welcoming, and small enough to be walkable.”

Crossing the Green Line, which divides the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, where the capital is located, is typically straightforward unless you’ve entered Cyprus through Turkey. In such instances, there’s a chance you might be denied entry.

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