Winter warmer getaways

With autumn in full swing, the chances are you might be missing the feel of the sun and blue skies, however intermittent they are in the UK. From the Canaries to Malta, here's our pick of where you can escape the chill.

- BY NATALIE KING

Tiede volcano in Tenerife

If you're hoping to stave off the winter blues with a trip to sunnier shores, you don't need to venture too far for balmy weather.

In fact, there are plenty of European destinations where you can enjoy plenty of sun without the crowds. Head over during January and February, and you'll find cheaper prices too as you swerve those peak season crowds.

While you won't be enjoying scorching summer heat, with average temperatures around 15-21C, you can still get some respite from the UK's colder dates, all accessible with a flight time of around four hours.

We take a look at the European hotspots that we think you'll want on your radar this winter...

Flight time: from 4 hours 5 minutes

Tenerife tends to be the warmest Canary Island in January, especially in the sunnier south. It's little surprise that it has been among the most popular winter sun destinations for years, with the sunny, mild days occasionally broken up by light rain showers.

Many people visit in January to hike the lush green landscapes of Anaga Rural Park or explore the desert-like Teide National Park while the weather is mild. Or you could simply enjoy the island's sandy beaches and sea temperatures of around 20C.

Not all of the bars and clubs will be open, but the hotspot continues to have an impressive nightlife scene during the winter months, so if you're after somewhere a bit more lively then it's worth adding to your radar. If you're looking for somewhere a little more peaceful, you may want to consider hopping on a ferry to nearby La Gomera, which takes roughly an hour.