Best last-minute holiday deals for November, from Malta to Mexico

Leave gloomy skies behind

Jet off to Cancun (Getty)

If November’s gloomy days are less than appealing, then plan an escape to somewhere where you can bask in the warmth and a welcome change of scenery. And if you’re looking ahead to a February holiday, then some of these ideas might tempt you to book now.

Go now

Cyprus

Enjoy the last lingering warmth of the Mediterranean at the foot of the Troodos Mountains and throw yourself into village life at the Blue Arches apartments in Pano Lefkara. Hikers will have long-distance footpaths to explore, and the south coast’s beaches are a short drive away. Sunvil has a week’s self-catering in a one-bedroom apartment from £753pp, including flights, car hire and a welcome pack, based on a 16 November departure.

Morocco

The mosque at Bab Guissa Gate in Fez (Getty)

If you want a change from the madness of Marrakech, spend a few days in Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Stay within the old walls of this Unesco-listed city and take in views of the Medina from the rooftop terrace of Ryad Mabrouka. There’s also a pool in the flower-filled central courtyard. Fleewinter has four-night breaks throughout November at Ryad Mabrouka from £365pp, including breakfast, transfers, a guided tour of the Medina and a day trip to Meknes and Volubilis. Flights are extra, but can be arranged.

Malta

Valletta has a lot to offer (Getty) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

For something so small, Valletta’s exquisite Baroque old town packs a big punch. Discover its heart by staying at Valletta Vintage, a 16th-century townhouse that’s been converted into three apartments whose eclectic décor lives up to its name. They all have private roof terraces and cooking facilities as well as a communal rooftop and kitchen. Three nights’ self-catering with i-escape can be yours for £258 throughout November.

Mexico

You’ll just miss the start of high season in Cancun if you go now, with the bonus of balmy days hovering around the 30C mark. Teletext Holidays has a week’s all-inclusive holiday at Dos Playas Beach House, which is seconds away from a long white sandy beach and has a pool as well as a choice of restaurants. The starting price of £913pp includes flights, transfers and all-inclusive board, and is for an 18 November departure.

Book now for February

France

La Plagne is a great winter getaway (Olivier Allamand)

Treat yourself and the family to a week’s skiing in the vast expanse of France’s Paradiski domain. At Belle Plagne in La Plagne, you’ll have fabulous views of the mountains from Hotel des Deux Domaines, where the children’s ski garden is only a few minutes away. Esprit Ski has seven nights’ full board from £3,996 for a family of four sharing two interconnecting rooms, departing 23 February. The price includes flights and transfers.

Goa

Goa is known for its beaches (Getty) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Goa’s beaches and wonderfully diverse cuisine make an irresistible combination, especially when you add long sunny days of 30C heat. At Holiday Inn Resort, you’ll have the golden sands of Mobor Beach within striking distance, as well as a pool and lush landscaped gardens. TransIndus has a seven-night break for February departures from £1,275pp, including flights, transfers and breakfast.

Tenerife

Rather than just fly and flop on the beach, join the party at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife February carnival, the second largest in the world after Rio. Stay in the elegant Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey next to the historic centre, where Classic Collection Holidays has cut its price by up to £271 per couple. A week’s B&B departing 20 February can be yours for £989pp, including flights and transfers.

Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk