The gorgeous European island that's the hottest in winter - 26C in October

With winter slowly creeping in and the dark mornings upon us many of us will be dreaming of soaking up some sunshine whilst sipping on a cocktail. Those wanting to escape the bonechilling British winter should look no further than a beautiful European island that is the ultimate sunshine spot during the winter.

The Canary Islands are the undisputed king of warm weather with them boasting an average temperature of 22C and more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Winter is barely a concept in this beach-lined, sun-kissed Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwest Africa. Many resorts on the islands remain open for most of the year too, so there are plenty of places to stay while making the most of quiet beaches.

As for where on the archipelago to go, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are three of the most popular islands among visitors.

The bustling hotspot of Playa del Ingles in Gran Canaria,renowned for its golden sands stretching nearly three kilometres and a magnet for sun-seekers, volleyball enthusiasts, and surfers alike,

Temperatures are often among their hottest in October with the average temperature in Tenerife and Gran Canaria being a glorious 26C. Picking where you stay is crucial as the south coasts are known for being consistently warmer and drier than the north.

While the sea stays surprisingly warm - around 23C in October, only dipping slightly to 22C the following month.

Even in the winter you can expect glorious sunshine with average daytime highs around 22C-24C and mild nights. During this time you may even be lucky enough to see some migrating humpback and fin whales.

Plus you can celebrate Christmas on the beach swapping your winter's coat for swimsuit and sangria. Compared to mainland Spain, the difference is stark: Madrid averages 10C in November, while London sits at around 14C in October.

Flights to the Canary Islands tend to be considerably cheaper in October. Airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet offer flights to and from the island for under £100, making October an attractive month to visit if you are looking to save some cash.

The Canary Islands rank top as the best place to catch some winter sun during the cooler months.