If the cold dark UK winter is getting you down, why not escape it for a bit? Further afield there areseveral countries which are still enjoying sunshine and mild weather where you can wander down the beach and maybe even swim.

For a mid-winter escape, these are the six countries you'll want to have on your radar. Each one is warm in December and January and even better, you won't have to break the bank to get there. The travel experts ateurochange have shared their six favourites for a winter break that will leave you refreshed and ready for the rest of winter.

Cadiz, Spain

• Return flights: From £34 from London Stansted to Seville in January


• Accommodation price: Starting from £51 per person, per night


• Average Jan-March temperature: Highs of 17°C

This gorgeous city is on the southern tip of Spain, just a short journey from Seville. Temperatures here rarely dip below 10C even in the depths of winter and there's plenty to explore. Some must sees are the Castle of Santa Cataline and the Torre Tavira.

• Return flights: From £62 from London Gatwick to Larnaca in March


• Accommodation price: Starting from £55 per person, per night


• Average Jan-March temperature: Highs of 16°C

This quiet stretch of Northern Cyprus is a fabulous place to get a little bit of winter sun. Considered to be one of the most unspoiled places in the whole Mediterranean, this gorgeous region has some truly jaw dropping beaches as well as the natural beauty of Dipkarpaz National Park.

São Vicente, Madeira, Portugal

• Return flights: From £37 from London Stansted to Madeira Airport in January


• Accommodation price: Starting from £25 per person, per night


• Average January temperature: Highs of 19°C

Madeira is famous for its awe-inspiring landscapes, wild coastlines and delicious wines. It's also a great way to see some of the best Portugal has to offer - without breaking the bank.

São Vicente is known for its valleys and vineyards as well as its charming villages. It is also home to stunning volcanic caves and great beaches perfect for surfing and bodyboarding

Valletta, Malta

• Return flights: From £38 from London Gatwick to Valletta in March


• Accommodation price: Starting from £31 per person, per night


• Average January temperature: Highs of 16°C

The walled capital of Malta is an amazing city to explore. A dedicated UNESCO Heritage site that is filled with palaces, gardens and charming cobbled streets to wander through.

It's also perfect for a winter getaway as Valletta is also known as the ‘sunny city' basking in an average of 2,957 hours of sunshine each year.

Formentera, Spain

• Return flights: From £57 from London Stansted to Ibiza in March


• Accommodation price: Starting from £62 per person, per night


• Average January temperature: Highs of 16°C

This island is the smallest of the Balearics and is often overlooked. If you love Ibiza, then Formentera is a great place to visit - it's just as beautiful but quieter and cheaper.

It's laid back and relaxed and offers the perfect way to relax into the New Year.

Palermo, Sicily

• Return flights: From £35 from London Stansted to Palermo


• Accommodation price: Starting from £40 per person, per night


• Average January temperature: Highs of 15°C

This charming Italian city has all the beauty with none of the crowds in January. It's tucked on the north west coast of Sicily and has gorgeous beaches as well as cute seaside towns and a bustling city centre.

Spend your days wandering the cobbled streets, exploring gorgeous architecture and of course eating delicious Italian food.