7 Late Season Sun destinations for less

Get yourself geared up for some last-minute sunshine.

1. Lanzarote

Still reaching 24 degrees in November, Lanzarote is a safe bet for some autumn sunshine. It is the driest of the Canaries due to its proximity to North Africa so (especially southern parts of) the island offers warm, sunny afternoons, regardless of the time of year. Lanzarote was once known for low-cost package holidays but over the past few years more hotels in rural, idyllic locations have popped up if you're after a laid-back, luxurious stay. The island is small enough to explore so if lying on a beach isn’t your thing, rent a car and spend some time driving round the islands white-washed coastal villages and pretty vineyards. 

 

 

2. Cyprus

Still reaching 20 degrees in December, Cyprus is a great island to catch some off-season rays. See Paphos’s famous ancient harbour and historical sites without the hordes of tourists or head inland and visit the beautiful Troodos National Park, which is dotted with scenic hiking trails that can be enjoyed in the cooler sunshine. In the parks you may come across one of the traditional painted churches, 10 of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites that are charmingly decorated with pretty frescos and rustic wooden roofs. However if you simply are in need of relaxation, the likes of Pissouri on the southern coast offers near deserted beaches in the winter months. 

 

 

3. Corfu

Like Lanzarote, Corfu suffers from the perception that is a destination only for summer package holiidays. So how about Corfu Town for an off-season city break? The surrounding beach resorts wil be quieter in autumn - great for catching some last-minute rays. Munch on meze in a harbourfront restaurant and watch the sun set over mainland Greece. 

 

 

4. Malaga

Malaga enjoys a warm winter comparable even to other cities in Andalucía, let alone the rest of Spain. The city’s beach, a 10-minute walk from the city centre, is surprisingly unspoilt with a classic combo of soft golden sand and turquoise water. Malaga's nightlife does not stop when summer is over, thriving in traditional tavernas and tapas bars behind the harbour. Take a day trip to the mountain town of Ronda. In summer it's heaving with busloads of tourists but in winter you can take in the mountain scenery and its iconic gorge bridge without the unbearable crowds. 

 

 

 

5. Malta

Malta markets itself on its year-round sunshine and rich history. In winter, ferries sail from the cities of Valetta and Sliema to the neighbouring islands of Gozo and Comino. Gozo has one of the archipelago’s best beaches - Ramla Bay - famed its appearance in Homer’s Odyssey, as well as being a gorgeous enclave of yellow sands and rocky surroundings. Malta's many medieval attractions include the ancient walled city of Mdina, a setting for the not-real historical events in Game of Thrones. We'll leave you to guess where it's supposed to be in GoT.

 

 

 

 

 

6. Cuba

Whether your interests lie in experiecing the decaying of Communist rule or getting a selfie with a vintage car, Havana is certainly an exciting city to explore before the sun goes down and the dancing starts. Or maybe you'd prefer to simply top up your tan on the beach at the resort of Varadero. If you're gazing at crumbling colonial buildings in the town of Trinidad, or exploring the Caribbean Sea’s coral reefs, you'll enjoy temperatures in the mid to late twenties. Absolute paradise.

 

 

7. Mauritius

Luxury resorts, volcanic landscapes, white sands, welcoming locals, a rich culture and amazing cuisine, topped off  with a peak season that runs from October to April - Cuba is an ideal winter location. If you can drag yourself away from the sun lounger, the island has plenty to offer. Potter around capital Port Louis - a mix of Asian, African and European cultures and architecture - or adventure out into the great outdoors in the Black River Gorges National Park, that has easy hikes that lead to jaw-dropping views with plenty of wildlife to spot in between.