As the UK endures the chill of winter, many are seeking a much-needed dose of vitamin D, and what better place than a European hotspot boasting over 3,300 hours of annual sunshine. With flights starting from a mere £52 in December, it could be the sun-drenched getaway you’ve been yearning for.

Nicosia, the capital of  Cyprus, is a pedestrian-friendly city bathed in sunlight, with all major tourist attractions conveniently located within walking distance of one another. Ledra Street, the main shopping hub, is adjacent to Shacolas Tower, where visitors can explore a small museum dedicated to the city’s history whilst soaking up panoramic views.

The city is also encircled by ancient walls and gates that mark out the historic quarters, forming a perfectly round fortification. Built by the Venetians in the 1500s, these walls remain impressively intact, while the former moat surrounding them has been repurposed into a running track, gardens, and a sculpture park, reports the Mirror. 

If these features aren’t enough to tempt you, consider this: Nicosia boasts an astounding 3,388 hours of sunlight annually, making it Europe’s sunniest city according to travel booking site Omio. The Cypriot capital enjoys a staggering 358 more hours of sunshine each year compared to its nearest rival, Valletta in Malta.

The top five were also rounded off by Lisbon in Portugal with 2,838 hours, Athens in Greece with 2,773 hours, and Madrid in Spain with 2,712 hours of yearly sunshine. The list, put together by Omio using figures from Weather and Climate, predictably doesn’t include London in the top 20, with the UK capital recording an average of 1,675 hours of sunshine each year.

Fascinatingly, Nicosia represents a tale of two cities. It functions as the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, a globally recognised EU member state, and simultaneously of Northern Cyprus, a territory recognised solely by Turkey. This split originated from a Turkish military intervention in 1974, prompted by a Greek Cypriot nationalist uprising.

Following independence from Britain in 1960, Greek Cypriots pursued union with Greece, but Turkey created Northern Cyprus as a distinct state for Turkish Cypriots in 1983, drawing considerable international condemnation. Despite this, the capital has emerged as a favoured spot for tourists, with numerous visitors remarking on its exceptional beauty.

One visitor commented on Expedia: “A busy bustling town with some great designer shops and quaint touristy souvenir shops too.”

Another wrote: “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 separates the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus, where the city is situated, is usually a simple process unless you’ve arrived in Cyprus via Turkey. In these cases, there’s a possibility you could be refused entry.

To explore Nicosia, you’ll need to land at Ercan International Airport, conveniently located a short drive from the capital. Skyscanner offers flights starting from £52 for travel in December, making it a perfect choice for a winter getaway.

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