Autumn is here and winter is almost upon us, but as the last of the sun’s rays leave UK shores, you can still find plenty of heat just a short flight away.

Don’t suffer another dreary winter at home. Brighten these dark months and plan your escape from Britain’s cold, wet shores, with one of these warm, welcoming sun spots. Just don’t forget the sun cream!

1. Gibraltar, £77

This little slice of Britain in the Med is the perfect place to escape if you don’t want too much of a change from home, just better weather, with temperatures still in the 20s (centigrade) during winter.

The sands of Eastern beach stretch for hundreds of meters and are great for strolling, jogging or just catching those rays. Marina Bay has a dive school for those wanting to explore beneath the waves while Camp Bay is wonderful for families with a small swimming pool for younger children, a waterfall and plenty of cafes to cool off in. Find flights to Gibraltar

2. Tenerife, Spain £127

This stunning Canary Island offers sun hunters a balmy 17 plus degrees centigrade throughout the winter months along with blue seas, long stretches of golden sands, palm trees, energetic nightlife, not to mention gorgeous landscapes dotted with banana plantations and whitewashed villages.

The high quality resorts are hugely popular with families and couples while those wanting to let their hair down will find plenty of bars and clubs to party the night away. Santa Cruz and Los Cristianos offer fantastic shopping and there’s even a colossal volcanic peak (Mt Teide) for those wanting to escape the crowds on a hike. Find flights to Tenerife

3. Madeira, Portugal £167

A sub-tropical climate means that Madeira is warm all year round with temperatures up to 18 degrees, even in winter. Madeira has something for everyone, from exciting water sports like diving, sailing and windsurfing to quiet family beaches on Porto Santo to thumping nightclubs in converted warehouses, like Vespas.

The famous Reid’s Palace hotel is the place to stay on the island, a luxury hotel with views stretching out across the blue ocean.  Be sure to come home with a little reminder of your time in Madeira with a bottle of the famous Madeira wine, and a slab of Madeira cake. Find flights to Madeira.

4. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt £182

As well as lazing on silky soft sands in roasting temperatures of up to 25 degrees centigrade, even in the winter, Sharm el Sheikh also offers incredible diving with blue seas stuffed full of colourful corals and fish, designer boutiques for shopping and ritzy casinos, bars and restaurants to enjoy the long, warm evenings.

From resorts with private beaches to quiet family run hotels, you can have your pick of accommodation but the main reason to go to Sharm is the beautiful beaches, ideal for soaking up the sun. Want to impress your other half? Head for the heat of the Sinai Desert in a dune buggy to a romantic Bedouin camp where you dine and relax under starry skies. Find flights to Sharm el Sheikh

5. Cape Verde, £254

Feel like a proper castaway in this unspoilt paradise with china-white beaches and swaying palms all lapped by aquamarine waters. Drifting off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde offers visitors far flung holidays with few tourists and still at very reasonable prices. You won’t even need to bring a pair of shoes for this tropical paradise. Sailing, surfing, sunbathing and golf…you can do it all on Cape Verde in temperatures of 25 degrees centigrade throughout the winter months.

Nightlife in Cape Verde is low key but luxurious; bars and restaurants have a backdrop of sea views and the sound of waves lapping on the shore mingled with soulful African and Portuguese music. Find flights to Cape Verde