Ready to hang up your holiday clothes for another year? No? Us neither! As the sun sets on summer, we’ve rounded up some of the best vitamin-d-drenched spots where you can swap that English drizzle for some winter-sun sizzle.

Tenerife

The longstanding British love affair with terrific Tenerife, shows no sign of fading. It boasts the most reliable winter weather you can get within a four-hour flight of the UK, so it’s primed for escaping the chill. There’s natural beauty in abundance; pine-speckled mountains, cayenne-coloured craters and of course the mighty Mount Teide.

Action-packed activities are all part of the appeal here and in the milder months, al fresco fun is even more delightful! Embark on hikes through the national parks, whizz on two wheels along seafront promenades, or perfect your putt on fabulous fairways. And no Tenerife stay would be complete without an adrenaline-pumping day at one of the world’s best waterparks, Siam Park.

When it comes to resorts, you’ll be spoilt for choice too. Choose southern Tenerife for everything-at-your-fingertips trips in buzzing Playa de las Americas or heard north for the lush-green landscapes of Puerto de la Cruz.

Costa del Sol

Golden beaches in superlative settings are this crowd-pleasing Costa’s calling card. And with a name that translates to the ‘sunshine coast’, you’ll have the balmy weather to make the most of them all winter long! Torremolinos and Benalmadena have been Brit hits for over 60 years thanks to their Blue Flag beaches and buzzing mix of nightlife. Whether you’re looking for an evening of tasty tapas and fabulous flamenco, or drinks in a home-from-home style pub, you’ll find it here.

Over in Nerja, cloudless skies are primed for leisurely days beach-hopping and roaming the cobbled streets of the whitewashed old town. Looking to swap the grey gloom for some glitz and glam? Head to A-lister-approved Marbella for a hive of high-end hotels, swish shops and a yacht-packed marina. And if you’re a keen golfer, this is the perfect time of year to flock to the fairway!

Costa Blanca

For short-haul sunshine, there are few better spots than the Costa Blanca. Larger-than-life Benidorm takes centre stage, and although things slow down a notch during the winter, there’s still a fun-loving atmosphere to be found. For good times galore, visit in November, when there’s a jam-packed calendar of festivities to celebrate the town’s patron saints. Expect streets decked in flowers, live music performances and dazzling firework displays. For a taste of tradition venture further along the coast to charming Calpe. In the winter, Calpe’s cooler temperatures and view-laden routes are a match made in cycling heaven! Cruise along the coast and soak up the sensational sea views, or head up into the mountains for postcard-perfect pedalling.

Antalya Area

Winter days in the Antalya Area go something like this: sightseeing sprees around ancient relics, R&R in soothing spas and pitching and putting on pristine greens. Temperatures are usually still up in the high teens, so beach days aren’t out of the question!

There’s plenty to keep kids entertained too, like the thrilling Land of Legends Theme Park which is open all year round. This water wonderland is sure to delight big kids and tiny tots alike, with a whole range of dizzying slides, rides and even a shopping centre! But the best perk of choosing the Antalya Area for your next winter break? Your holiday budget will go even further, as great-value, luxury boltholes and everything-on-tap All Inclusive hotels are all par for the course.

Gran Canaria

While the UK shivers in minus temperatures, Gran Canaria’s thermometer rarely dips below 20°C throughout the winter. Come for the sunshine, but stay for the beautiful beaches, cloud-clearing mountains and all-the-bells-and-whistles resorts. In the sun-soaked south, expect a gold rush of beaches in resorts like vibrant Playa Del Ingles and stylish Meloneras.

Fancy a go-slow getaway? Head for Maspalomas and spend your days making footprints in the Sahara-style sand dunes. If you’re visiting in November, be sure to pack your flags, as this is when Winter Pride brings a host of colour-popping celebrations to the island. Get ready for a hive of sparkle-splashed activity, with performances and parties of every size and decibel!

Paphos Area

Soak up the lingering sunshine in the mild Mediterranean with a break to ticks-all-the-boxes Paphos. In winter, temperatures hit the sightseeing sweet spot. Breezy enough for leisurely wanders around cultural hotspots like the Tombs of the Kings and you’ll still have a blue-sky backdrop for those holiday snaps. The lack of crowds adds the cherry and sprinkles on top!

Night owls will find plenty of entertainment in both Paphos and Limassol, as both have harbourfronts accessorised with bars, pubs and nightclubs. Travelling with the whole tribe? There’s stacks in store for kids, from a splash-tastic waterpark to a fascinating zoo. There’s no shortage of lounging locations either, with a cluster of Blue Flag swathes backed by limestone cliffs and dip-dyed by teal-tinted waters.