Spring is a glorious time to travel in Europe, with warm weather melting the snow on the mountains and heating up the beaches along the continent's many glorious coastlines. But which is the best-value destination to catch some spring sun? Compare The Market has studied the number of sunshine hours and worked out the average cost for Europe's most popular holiday destinations to determine which are the cheapest places for a spring break. Here are the top 15 spots in their European Sunshine Index.

You might not associate Berlin with sunshine, but when the skies are blue in this city there's a palpable energy in the air. According to the study, it costs €27 (£23.80/$30.80) for an hour of sunshine here, so if you've a healthy budget and fancy a spring city break, this is the place to go. Berlin's green spaces are delightful in springtime, particularly the English Garden inside the Tiergarten, where the roses bloom and trees blossom as the weather warms up.

Of course, no visit to Berlin is complete without a trip up the Reichstag, the huge glass dome sitting atop one of the city's most historic buildings. From there, on a clear spring morning, you'll get a fine view over the German capital, and the audio guide sheds light on the building's history. Berlin is a cyclable city, so hire a bike to explore when the sunshine's on your side. Get more inspiration with our guide to Berlin.

Damning photographs of thousands of tourists armed with cameras and queueing for the best sunset views in Santorini have taken away some of this island's charm recently. But don't let the overtourism hype fool you, as in spring the crowds are far less, and the weather's still fantastic. April sees an average temperature of 18°C, and the index estimates an hour of sunshine here costs €24 (£21.20/$27.40). 

You'll find those famous white-washed houses in Firá and Oia, on the island's western side, but there's far more to see here than a pretty view out to the ocean. Firá also has some excellent museums, including one on archaeology of the area and another focusing on prehistoric settlements. Then there are the beaches: Kamári and Perívolos are the big hitters, both with volcanic black sand and plenty of amenities. Don't miss a tour of the excellent Venetsanos Winery, which has a spectacular location right on the cliffs.

The Balearic island of Mallorca is a sure bet for spring sunshine: there's seven hours of sun a day and an average temperature of 17°C, making it a positively balmy break. It's also less crowded in spring, meaning you'll only have to share the exceptional restaurants of Palma with the locals and just a few other tourists.

The dramatic coastline is well worth exploring, but make time to head inland too, as the countryside and mountains are just as beautiful. The little village of Orient (pictured) is a special place, with its cluster of sandstone houses and warren of winding streets, and it's worth stopping off for lunch in one of the homely restaurants. Don't miss a visit to the Caves of Campanet, set below ground in Mount Sant Miquel. Back in the capital, Palma, get inspired by the exceptional art galleries and museums. Here's our guide to the city.

According to the Sunshine Index, Prague will set you back just €23 (£20/$26) per hour of spring sunshine. There's plenty to do here as the weather gets warmer too, whether you want to delve into the city's history or take a cruise on the famous Vltava River. Any break in Prague, though, should start beneath its intriguing astronomical clock. Chiming since 1410, it now sounds every hour, its four figurines – symbolising death, vanity, greed and a Turk – nodding their heads as series of saints poke their faces through small peepholes above.

Prague is a city that loves to party, so come for St Patrick's Day and you'll be in for a good time, or visit around Easter to enjoy the markets where local vendors sell glassware, brightly-painted eggs and jewellery. Plus, this time of year brings the Spring International Music Festival to the city. Expect performances by the Czech Philharmonic inside the gorgeous neo-renaissance Rudolfinum concert hall.

London is gorgeous year-round, but spring brings an air of optimism to the city you won't find in any other season. The trees along the South Bank of the River Thames are in full bloom by this time, and the city's numerous green spaces are filled with picnickers and walkers enjoying the warming weather. The Index estimates that an hour of sunshine in the English capital costs €23 (£20/$26).

With fewer crowds, spring is an ideal time to visit London's many fantastic museums, and seek out some of the city's secret gardens, such as St Dunstan in the East – the ruins of a Christopher Wren church, now used by city workers as a peaceful retreat from the office at lunchtime. At the weekend, don't miss the opportunity to sample some of London's best beers along the Bermondsey Beer Mile – a smattering of breweries in the area just south of the river open up their doors under the railway arches on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Read our guide to London here.

If London's not your bag, though, you can find a similarly-priced city break in Rome – an hour of sunshine here also equates to €23 (£20/$26). With spring in full swing come late April and early May, there's no better time to sample Rome's best gelato joints. Take yourself on a crawl, hitting up Gelateria del Teatro (try the sage and raspberry), Come Il Latte (for the salted caramel) and Otaleg (where the white chocolate, liquorice and mint is divine).

Of course, there's far more than ice cream to the Italian capital. Sights such as the Sistine Chapel and Trevi Fountain will be far less crowded in spring than the peak summer season, so take advantage and explore Rome's big hitters, stopping in at a traditional trattoria for a little pasta to refuel. Read our guide to Rome for more inspiration. 

Spring is stunning in Barcelona – the city enjoys seven hours of sun a day throughout April, and even more during May, with regular temperatures upwards of 20°C. This is Gaudí's city, so stop off to admire his still unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. Another highlight by the artist is the Casa Milà, an intriguing and striking building with an undulating facade, just off the Passeig de Gràcia.

The sea is a balmy 17°C at this time of year too, so a visit to Barcelona's beach is essential. And of course, it wouldn't be right to visit this city without sampling some of its finest tapas – Ciudad Condal is an institution. Take a seat on the outside terrace, or at the atmospheric dark-wood bar, and delve into patatas bravas, crotquetas and countless salads. Read our guide to Barcelona for more inspiration.

Budapest is an architectural treasure trove, and there may be no better time to experience it than in spring. The Compare The Market study estimates an hour of sunshine in this European capital costs just €21 (£18.50/$24), and the city's average temperature in April is a lovely 17°C. A cruise on the Danube will offer excellent views of Budapest's glorious architecture, including the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building (pictured).

Don't miss a crawl around the city's ruin bars either – inside some of the city's run-down and abandoned buildings are the coolest bars and clubs offering wild nights out fuelled by Hungarian wines and pálinka (fruit brandy). The spring weather is also perfect for Budapest's favourite pastime: soaking in hot springs. With abundant warm water beneath ground and a history of 'taking the waters' since Roman times, there is a plethora of establishments to choose from. The Széchenyi thermal bath is the biggest in Europe.

It's not exactly warm in St Petersburg come April – expect highs of 8°C – but there are a good few hours (six, in fact) of sunshine daily, making this a relatively cheap city break for some spring sun. Another city full of architectural gems, the imperial capital of Russia is the ideal walking city. Stroll by the canals in the historic centre, lined by Italianate mansions, and find yourself in regal squares overlooked by neoclassical and baroque palaces.

From the river you'll get the best view of the Winter Palace, a vast, Elizabethan Baroque style building with a mint-green facade. Once home to the Russian monarchs from the late 1700s until 1917, it now houses the fantastic Hermitage Museum – the second largest art museum in the world. Once you've taken in as much splendid architecture as possible, spend an evening at the ballet or opera to round off a seriously cultural spring weekend.

Elegant Vienna is a brilliant place for a long weekend, especially in spring when the city's green spaces and wide boulevards come into their own. CompareTheMarket estimates an hour of sun in spring here costs €20 (£17.60$22.80), so this is one of the most affordable spring breaks in Europe. Spot cherry blossom in Stadtpark and spy the locals getting their sunshine fix in the Burggarten (there's an homage to the city's most famous resident, Mozart, by way of a statue here too).

Born in Salzburg, Mozart spent some of his most successful years in Vienna and you can trace his footsteps in the city at the Mozarthaus (his well-preserved apartment), the Schönbrunn Palace and Imperial Palace (where he performed as a child), and St. Stephen's Cathedral (where he married Constanze Weber). At the end of a long weekend, the only thing left to do in Vienna is sit out in one of the many schanigarten (beer gardens), blanket over your knees, hot drink in hand, watching the world go by.

Rhodes is the largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands and has some of the country's finest beaches. Come April, the temperature hovers around 20°C – ideal for a spot of sunbathing on delightful Kálathos, on the island's Mediterranean coast. You'll get around nine hours of sun a day here in spring, so come armed with the SPF.

Beyond the beaches, the Old Town of Rhodes is a warren of cobbled alleyways, hemmed in by a medieval wall, some dating back to the Byzantine era. The pretty nearby town of Lindos is a picturesque cluster of white houses, framed by an ancient acropolis above and the azure ocean below. Of course, with weather as warm as this, you'll be tempted to get out on the water. Boat trips leave Rhodes to take in some of the surrounding islands, including gorgeous Halki and Symi, daily.

With its famous, dominating Duomo, an overwhelming amount of world-class art, and a number of wonderfully decorated chapels, Florence is an all-star Italian city. And Compare The Market estimate an hour of sunshine in April here costs just €20 (£17.60/$22.80) – a good bit cheaper than capital, Rome. To make the most of your trip, book ahead. Museums such as the Uffizi, where some of the world's most important artworks are on display, have limits on the number of visitors at any one time, so secure your tickets in advance to avoid queueing.

If it's all too much and you find yourself with a spot of art fatigue – it's a real thing – then head out into the Chianti countryside. Stop off for a traditional lunch and a glass of red in a quaint hill town surrounded by vineyards, in Italy's premier wine region. You can even stay overnight on one of the many farms offering rooms for tourists.

It doesn't have to be the all-night party town you think it is. Ibiza isn't just for 20-something clubbers, and actually has a far more sedate side to its infamously expensive, raucous summer season. In spring, temperatures sit around 18°C and the ocean is a brisk but refreshing 16°C. When the sun's out, hit the many cycling and hiking trails that criss-cross the island for superb coastal views. The 25-mile Cala Sant Vicenç route has some of the best.

For a spot Balearic culture, head to the Museu d'art Contemporani d'Eivissa, or step inside the 14th-century Catedral de Santa Maria. For dinner, splash out at beachside restaurant like El Chiringuito, or – if money really is no object – try the tasting menu at Sublimotion for just €1,500 (£1,320/$1,700) a head.

 

Summers in Istanbul swelter, so come in spring for a cooler and more affordable break. This Turkish city straddles Europe and the Middle East, sliced in two by the Bosphorus and embracing both western and eastern influences. Its most famous sights are the Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, with its magnificent tiling and multiple domes and minarets, and the chaotic Grand Bazaar.

Stop for a fresh fish lunch at the harbour – around noon you'll see the boats coming in to sell their catch. Forego a sit-down meal and buy yours straight off the boat – the fishermen will grill it on board and serve it in a baguette with a salad. There's no fresher food in the city. A sunset cruise on the water is another essential experience – Istanbul is particularly beautiful during golden hour. Read more about Istanbul here.

According to Compare The Market, the cheapest place for spring sunshine is the Greek island of Crete. The Sunshine Index estimates an hour of the golden stuff costs just €11 (£9.70/$12.50) here in April, and it's even cheaper, €8 (£7/$9) in May. With temperatures around 19°C and eight hours of sun a day, it's an ideal spring beach break.

But Crete is more than just a beach destination – the island has an astonishingly long human history. Home to the Minoans, it was one of Europe's first civilisations and has the archaeological sites to prove it. The Malia Palace offers an insight into life here over 4,000 years ago, and the remains of Knossos has been slated as Europe's oldest city. Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum is an essential stop for history lovers to fully understand the island's ups and downs.