Slipping from summer into autumn into winter is such a slow, gradual process, that we often fail to recognise how much sunshine – or a lack of it – affects our mood. But for those lucky enough to have remaining holiday leave, one doesn’t have to go too far to find that strange glowing yellow ball in the sky.

Barcelona, Spain

The Catalonian capital often enjoys sunshine – throughout winter. Of course, it’s still a bit nippy to take a dip by Barceloneta Beach or go sunbathing, but bright sunshine is usually the norm here. This sprawling city is best viewed on the Teleferico – a cable car – which offers fantastic views across the metropolis and along the coast. If you take your car from the UK, you can choose from the Portsmouth-Bilbao or Plymouth-Santander ferries; or choose to the classic Dover-Calais crossing and enjoy a drive through France.

Nice, France

While a little more pricey that Barcelona, Nice is a classic Mediterranean destination, where the Promenade de Anglais is still a popular haunt among Britons seeking some winter sun. But just as it was a fairly exclusive resort in the late 19th Century, so it is today. When you first see the cost of a hotel, you might be tempted to sleep in your car – not recommended for maintaining your holiday mood! – but if you book in advance and are not too worried about being centrally located, then you can still find some accommodation bargains – especially now it’s off-season and the kids of Europe are back at school. The most direct route to Nice is the Dover-Calais crossing, then down through France’s fine autoroutes; you will have to pay for using some of these.

So if you’re experiencing premature winter blues, why not take out some short term European breakdown cover and head to Europe’s southern coast: where the sun still shines.