The paradise island still 26C in October that's similar to Tenerife - but cheaper

While most of Britain is reaching for coats and umbrellas, there's a sunny escape just four hours away where the thermometers still show 26C and the sea is warm enough for a daily dip.

Gran Canaria, the third-largest of Spain's Canary Islands, offers the same reliable sunshine as Tenerife - but often at lower prices and with fewer crowds once the summer rush dies down.

Steve Witt, Co-founder of Not Just Travel says: "There's an island just four hours away where the sunshine never seems to end."

Gran Canaria has long been known as a "continent in miniature" thanks to its mix of beaches, dunes, forests and mountains - and in autumn, its weather is hard to beat.

October brings average daytime highs of 26C and pleasant evening temperatures of around 18°C. Even by November, highs hover at a comfortable 23-24C, while the sea stays surprisingly warm - around 23C in October, only dipping slightly to 22C the following month. That's warmer than many Mediterranean destinations manage in mid-summer.

With around seven hours of sunshine a day and little rainfall (typically just a handful of short showers per month, often overnight), you can pack light summer clothes, plan beach days without second-guessing the weather, and even swim well into the evening.

Compared to mainland Spain, the difference is stark: Madrid averages 10C in November, while London sits at around 14C in October. Even Ibiza, long considered a go-to for late sun, doesn't quite match Gran Canaria's heat, with sea temperatures dropping to 21C by November. Southern Italy, Rome and Sicily all cool quickly too, making Gran Canaria the clear winner for warm autumn escapes without going long-haul.

Savvy travellers know that October and November are Gran Canaria's "shoulder season." Summer crowds have dispersed, prices drop, yet the weather remains glorious. Once-packed beaches like Playa del Inglés are far quieter, meaning there's actually space to stretch out on the sand.

The Maspalomas dunes - a stunning natural reserve that looks more like the Sahara than Spain - can be explored without wading through crowds.

Accommodation is often cheaper than in peak months, and in many cases, Gran Canaria can be more affordable than neighbouring Tenerife, especially if you venture beyond the most touristy resorts. Food and drink prices also tend to be lower, particularly in local towns away from the main strip.

Gran Canaria's coastline is one of its main draws. Playa de Puerto Rico offers gentle sands ideal for families, while Playa del Inglés stretches for over two miles and is a hub for water sports.

At its southern edge lies the Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve - a vast expanse of golden sand that's perfect for camel rides, desert walks, or simply soaking in the sunset.

In Las Palmas, the capital city, Las Canteras Beach is a favourite for locals and visitors alike. A natural reef just offshore creates calm, pool-like waters ideal for swimming, and the promenade is lined with cafés, bars and shops.

Step inland and the landscape changes dramatically. The green valley of Barranco de Guayadeque hides ancient cave dwellings carved into the cliffs, some still inhabited and others turned into cosy tavernas. At the island's heart, the colonial town of Teror charms with cobbled streets, wooden balconies and a lively Sunday market selling local chorizo and herbs.

For hikers, the cooler autumn temperatures make the central mountains ideal. Tamadaba Natural Park's pine forests offer excellent trekking at around 21C - warm enough for a T-shirt but cool enough for longer climbs. Roque Nublo, the island's iconic rock formation, rewards walkers with spectacular volcanic vistas.

Gran Canaria's capital, Las Palmas, provides a cosmopolitan contrast to the beach resorts. The historic Vegueta district, with its 15th-century buildings and archaeological sites, is best explored in the milder autumn sun. Meanwhile, food lovers can enjoy fresh local produce at its peak, from seafood and cheese to sweet pastries and island wines.

The volcanic vineyards around Monte Lentiscal are particularly beautiful at this time of year, just after harvest. A day can easily begin on a sunny southern beach, continue with a scenic drive inland to mountain villages, and end back at the coast with sunset cocktails.

Reaching Gran Canaria from the UK is simple. Flights take around four to four and a half hours, and the island is only one hour behind GMT in autumn, meaning no jet lag. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but exploring local towns gives a more authentic taste of Canarian life.

Modern resorts range from all-inclusive hotels to smaller boutique stays, and restaurants and bars remain fully open throughout autumn - unlike some Mediterranean destinations where businesses shut for winter.