As the weather becomes officially cold and your warmest clothes come out of the wardrobe, you may begin to think about taking off for a little winter sun. Excellent idea – year-round sun awaits, if you know where to look! So say no to woolly hats and thick scarves, and hello to beaches, blue skies and a much-needed dose of sunshine.

But before you set off, you need to know which destinations should be on your to-visit list. Let’s take a look at the best places to go in November…

Larnaca Area

While the east coast of Cyprus may be best-known for Ayia Napa, Larnaca takes the top spot for the more relaxed holiday – perfect if you’re in the mood for a winter recharge.

Think stretching beaches, untouched countryside and ancient landmarks. Pair all this with authentic eateries and seafront bars for a taste of the good life, all while the temperatures dip at home.

Paphos Area

Just along the coast from Larnaca, you’ll stumble upon pretty Paphos. Balmy temperatures mean beach days and water sports are still on the agenda. Tick the impressive Tombs of the Kings off your history checklist before deciding which bar or restaurant to head to first.

The sun sets a little earlier in the autumn, which means you can witness the colourful display of reds, oranges and pinks in the sky before you go for dinner. It’s a good idea to pack a light jumper or cardigan too, as it can get a bit chilly when it’s dark.

Madeira

Madeira is a classic year-round holiday destination. It’s got plenty of opportunities to get active and enjoy the great outdoors alongside thriving resorts with bags of flavour. If you’d prefer to while away the days, take your pick from serene beaches and relaxing pools.

The island is known for its lush green levadas and stunning natural beauty, so with temperatures in the low 20s, it’s the ideal climate to explore.

Lanzarote

The Canary Islands are famed for their year-round sunshine, so what better place to head to than lively Lanzarote? Think fascinating volcanic landscapes, a striking national park and a huge choice of beaches.

Stroll golden shores in the sunshine and don’t be afraid to dip your toe in – the water temperature is still surprisingly toasty! If you fancy upping the tempo, why not head into the Timanfaya National Park for a hike or camel ride?

Antalya Area

On Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, you’ll find the astonishing Antalya Area. Kick back on a beach while the sun beams down, venture out on a sightseeing tour or practise your swing on fabulous fairways – there really is something for everyone.

Temperatures are at a manageable 20C, unlike the summer months, when they can soar into the high 30s!

Barcelona

The Catalan capital is a popular year-round destination. In November, it boasts an average of ten hours of sunlight and much milder temperatures than back home. So, while you might need to add a lightweight jumper to your packing list, you can be sure to leave your woollies at home.

Make the most of the mild climes with some al fresco dining, followed by a post-dinner wander on Barceloneta Beach. Still want to see all the top attractions? November’s perfect, as you can enjoy it without those summer crowds. Why not have a mooch around Gaudí’s Park Güell? Then head towards the spectacular Sagrada Familia. A trip to Barcelona isn’t complete without it!

Malta

Looking for a cultural retreat before the height of winter? Make it Malta! The temperature still reaches low 20s, which is handy because there’s no better weather to be exploring the centuries-old towns and palaces. Take a stroll through the stone-walled maze of Valletta or the blossoming gardens in San Anton to get to know Malta’s history.

Between all the sightseeing, take a day to visit the stunning shores. It’s a Mediterranean island after all – turquoise waters, blue lagoons and vast views await. If you aren’t brave enough to dip a toe in November, the sandy beaches make serene picnic locations.