ALREADY sick of the UK’s more autumnal weather? Well, here are five cheap Mediterranean destinations with warmer and sunnier weather.
As we make our way into October with cold mornings and leaves falling around us, the sunny days of summer seem like a distant memory.
But thanks to new research by Which?, there are some breathtaking destinations ideal for winter sun that also don’t break the bank.
Valencia
Sitting as the cheapest winter sun destination is Valencia in Spain.
According to Which?, return flights cost just £91 in December and hotels can be found for £75 per night.
Temperatures between November and January reach up to 19C in Valencia.
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Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey, who has visited Valencia, said: “Valencia has so much going for it, from futuristic attractions to affordable food and drink.
“But my favourite attraction that I think is unmissible is the City of Arts and Science.
“The huge complex – costing £760million and taking a decade – is home to a number of different structures to explore.”
The city itself is also beautiful, with many Art Deco buildings to spot.
Kara added: “There is El Cabanyal, a trendy district named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Europe by The Guardian.
“It’s here I fell into a warehouse-cum-greenhouse that had both a bar and jazz being played live on stage.
“But the cheapest eat I found was La Finestra back in the city, where not only are the beers cheap, but you can get mini pizzas for just £2.”
Porto
Porto in Portugal is another cheap destination, with £135 return flights and hotels from £75.
The city features an amazing food scene and lots of great history to explore.
High temperatures in Porto usually reach between 14C and 17C between November and January.
Reporter Adam Sonin, who has visited the city, said: “That is something I’d been doing a lot of in Porto, where gooey custard tarts can be picked up on almost every street for around €1 (87p).
“The region is known for its traditional food which includes bacalhau (salted cod fish) and the Francesinha toasted sandwich layered with assorted hot meats and cheeses then smothered in a rich beer sauce and served with French fries.”
And it isn’t just food that Porto is good at…
Adam added: “I also discovered Livraria Lello — what can only be described as the world’s most beautiful bookshop, housed in a curious neo-Gothic building.
“Set over four floors, it features stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and a grand, imposing central staircase that takes you up to balconies overlooking the lower levels.
“Allegedly, the site was an inspiration for Harry Potter author JK Rowling when she lived and taught in the city.”
Adam also noted how the basement is particularly special, with many rare books and first editions.
Entry to the shop costs €8 (£6.94), which can then be redeemed against a book.
Tavira
Next up is Tavira, also in Portugal, with £132 return flights and hotels from £74.
High temperatures reach 19C between November and January in Tavira.
This historic city, known as ‘Venice of the Algarve’ according to Algarve Tips, is loved for it’s charming character.
The nickname comes from one of the main attractions in the city, the Roman Bridge.
The bridge has been rebuilt numerous times over the years and today it features seven arches in total, to connect the two sides of Gilão River.
The bridge used to be open to both cars and pedestrians until it was damaged by floods.
Now only pedestrians can cross the bridge, making it a nice walk to enjoy the river – especially at sunset.
For more history, head to Tavira Castle.
Though it is in ruins, the castle features amazing views over the city, including sights of Tavira’s 20+ churches.
Make sure to head to Praça da República as well, which is the city’s main square and features a lot of outdoor cafes.
Cadiz
Alternatively, you could head to Cadiz in Spain, with return flights for £121 and hotels from £74.
Cadiz experiences high temperatures of 19C between November and January.
Travel writer Lee Bell said: “Called El Palmar de Vejer – or just El Palmar by locals – this little surf town on the south-west coast in the province of Cádiz, is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets.
“It’s laid-back, raw, and totally free of the usual Brits-abroad buzz. And that’s exactly why it’s so good.”
El Palmar is mainly about the beach, which luckily stretches far and wide.
Lee added: “Locals even call the area ‘Cádizfornia’ because it’s got that same laid-back, surfy vibe you get in California.”
The town itself is more of a strip, with a number of shops, beach bars and some surf schools.
Lee said: “These chiringuitos are what make it for me. These are beach bars right on the sand, serving cold drinks and some of the best seafood I’ve had in Spain.
“You can get a table with your feet in the sand, order a plate of prawns or tuna tartare, and just sit watching the waves roll in and the sun in your face.
“It’s not expensive, either. You can get a great meal with drinks for under €20 (£17.38) if you know where to go.”
Lagos
The last on the list is Lagos, also in Portugal, with return flights for £132 and hotels from £75.
In Lagos, you can expect high temperatures to reach 19C between November and January.
The Portuguese city has the perfect mix of natural landscapes, historic architecture and all that you’d expect from a modern city.
Those wanting to truly appreciate the landscape should head to Ponta da Piedade, a headland with dramatic cliffs, sea arches, and caves that have been formed by waves from the Atlantic Ocean.
Or head to Praia Dona Ana, which is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve.
In fact, Lagos’ coastline is home to some of Europe‘s most beautiful beaches, according to Lagos Portugal Guide.
Thanks to Lagos’ stunning waters, kayaking and boat tours are a special way to see the coastline.
And if you are lucky enough, you might see some dolphins frolicking in the water.
As for the city itself, make sure to explore the Old Town with narrow and winding streets, lined with whitewashed houses featuring terracotta roofs.
Read more on the Irish Sun
One of the world’s best airlines has also added more flights from the UK to Brit-favourite winter sun destination.
Plus, this is the cheap winter sun holiday destination that Brits are flocking to – where you can still sit on the beach in November.
