One of Europe's sunniest cities has 19C November weather and is just 3 hours from the UK

With the British weather not likely to brighten up any time soon, many people will be missing the sight of the sun. But the good news for Brits is that one of the sunniest cities in Europe is a mere three hour flight away, and it could be the ideal destination for some winter sun.

Cordoba in southern Spain is about an hour's train ride from either Malaga or Seville, set in the mountainous and historic region of Andalucia. It was namedone of the sunniest cities by Holidu, who reported it gets on average a whopping 268.2 hours of sunshine each month. In October, highs can reach 26C during the day, then drop a little and hover at around 19C during November.

Cordoba was the capital of the Moorish Empire during the 10th-century's Islamic Golden Age, and there are still many perfectly-preserved examples of architecture from the time.

Cross the Roman Bridge and wander around the cobbled streets of the old town area where you'll spot ornate buildings such as the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Construction on this grand building ran from 785-786, and you can still see the dramatic arches and columns of the mosque building. It was later converted to a cathedral in the 13th-century, although many of the mosaics and historic details have been kept intact to this day.

Cordoba also has a Jewish Quarter (La Judería) with a 14th-century synagogue, and it's worth visiting to learn about the era when Muslims, Jews, and Christians co-existed in the city. The Torre de la Calahorra is an excellent place to discover Cordoba's rich history. This medieval gate tower has been turned into a 'living museum' full of artefacts from the different eras of the city. Once you've enjoyed the exhibits, you can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the old town.

Another unique feature of Cordoba is its courtyards, many of which date back to Roman and Moorish times. These courtyards were designed as spaces where people could escape the heat and were often filled with flowers, plants, and fountains. There are courtyards that can be visited year-round, while the Festival of the Courtyards in May sees many private owners also open up their spaces to explore.

For the perfect place to unwind after sightseeing, book a spot at the historic Hammam Al Ándalus. It was built on the site of 13th-century Arab baths. Each room is beautifully decorated with tiled walls and soft lighting, creating a relaxing and authentic atmosphere. Once you've enjoyed a traditional Hammam experience, you can also book treatments such as a massage to soothe aching muscles.

Andalusia is known for its vibrant food scene, and in Cordoba look out for dishes such as Cordoban salmorejo, a chilled soup made from local tomatoes with plenty of olive oil and garlic. Or try hearty Rabo de Toro, an oxtail stew that originated from the city.

To really experience the culture of the city, stay in one of the historic hotels. Hotel Las Casas de la Judería is a 4-star boutique hotel in the Jewish Quarter, just a short stroll from many of Cordoba's sightseeing spots. It even has a pretty courtyard with a pool to help you cool off from the Spanish heat. Or consider the H10 Palacio Colomera, which sits on a historic plaza and has a rooftop terrace where you can sip cocktails and watch the sun go down over the city.