November in the UK is far from the best time of year. The clocks have gone back, the rain is relentless, and it’s often cold, dark and windy. Most people assume that to escape the miserable weather and find sunshine, you’d need to travel far away. But that’s not always the case. In fact, there’s a stunning island in Europe where temperatures still hit 20C in November, and the best part is, you can get there for just £20.
The island is packed with history, has one of the most famous volcanoes in the world, and offers amazing food, beaches and cities. It’s the kind of place where you can walk around in a t-shirt in late autumn while everyone back home is wearing three layers.
That place is Sicily. The Italian island is one of the warmest parts of Europe in November, with average daytime highs of 20C and plenty of sun, especially on the coast.
It’s the largest island in the Mediterranean and has everything from mountain towns to ancient ruins and golden beaches.
Some of the most popular places to visit include the capital Palermo, Catania, the historic coastal town of Syracuse, and Mount Etna.
Among many things, Palermo is famous for its markets, street food and stunning Norman architecture.
You can spend hours wandering the narrow streets, visiting the cathedral, or tasting fresh arancini and panelle from local stalls.
It’s also home to some of the island’s best beaches, including Mondello Beach, which is just a short bus ride from the city centre.
Catania, on the eastern side of the island, sits at the foot of Mount Etna. It’s a lively university city with beautiful piazzas, baroque buildings and an impressive fish market.
From there, you can easily reach the volcano by cable car or book a guided tour around the craters and lava flows.
Further south, Syracuse offers a quieter, more laid-back feel. Its old town, Ortigia, is a small island connected to the mainland by a short road bridge, and it’s full of history, with Greek ruins, elegant squares and seafront restaurants.
The nearby beaches are calm and less crowded, making them ideal for a late autumn swim.
The food is another big reason people visit. Sicily is famous for dishes like arancini, fresh seafood pasta, cannoli, and local wines.
Many visitors say the food is even better than what you’ll find on the Italian mainland.
It’s also easy and affordable to get to. Ryanair has direct flights from London Stansted to Catania on multiple dates in November, with one-way fares starting at just £20.
There are also flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Bristol and other UK airports to either Catania or Palermo.