If you're dreaming of winter sun without the long-haul flight, new research has found the perfect European beaches to help chase away those November blues.
Experts have analysed climate data from November through April to identify which coastal spots offer the most reliable sunshine during the off-season.
Findings by Travel company Saga Holidays reveal that Gran Canaria's Playa de Maspalomas claims the crown as Europe's brightest winter beach destination.
The Spanish hotspot delivers an impressive 10 hours of sunshine daily during the traditionally gloomy months.
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Gran Canaria's Playa de Maspalomas claims the crown as Europe's brightest winter beach destination
| GETTY
Almeria in Spain is a great option for a sunny beach break
| GETTYSunniest beaches in the low season
- Gran Canaria (10hr 3m)
- Tenerife (9hr 52m)
- Limassol (9hr 8m)
- Almeria (9hr)
- Crete (8hr 59m)
Following close behind are Tenerife's Playa de las Teresitas and Cyprus's Lady's Mile Beach in Limassol, both offering generous doses of winter warmth.
Maspalomas isn't just sunny - it boasts hot temperatures too. The beach basks in more than 10 hours of daily sunshine throughout the low season, with temperatures climbing to 22°C on average.
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The research used climate data and a special ranking system to work out which European beaches get the most consistent sunshine and warmth. Maspalomas came out on top, making it the ideal spot for anyone desperate to swap grey skies for golden sands.
The complete sunshine rankings show Tenerife's Playa de las Teresitas enjoying nearly 10 hours of daily rays, whilst Cyprus's Lady's Mile Beach in Limassol gets just over nine hours.
Almeria in Spain also makes the list with nine hours of sunshine, followed by Crete which has just under nine hours daily. These destinations all offer great options for winter sun-seekers looking for short flights from Britain.
Crete rounded out the top five sunniest winter beaches
| GETTYThe data examined typical sunshine hours and temperatures across Europe's beaches during the quieter months.
Beyond its stunning beach, Maspalomas offers fascinating attractions worth exploring. The area's famous lighthouse has stood since 1861, originally helping steamships find their way between Europe, Africa and America.
These days, it marks the start of a lively beachfront walkway that's perfect for evening strolls. Just inland, you'll find the Maspalomas Palm Tree Plantation, a protected haven where migrating birds stop to rest on their journey between Europe and Africa.
The palm-filled paths make for a refreshing wander when you fancy a break from sunbathing. It's these extras that make Maspalomas more than just another beach holiday.
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