The chic European city just 3 hours from London with plenty of autumn sun

Portugal is probably one of the countries at the top of your list when it comes to choosing a summer holiday destination - but did you know it's the perfect spot for some autumn sunshine, too? Faro, the warm capital of the Algarve, still enjoys temperatures of 25C in September and has been named one of the best places for winter sun by the Telegraph's 30 Best Winter Sun Destinations.

Visiting Faro outside of peak season is a fantastic way to avoid the crowds, as this popular spot is teeming with tourists in the summer. With a flight time of just 3 hours from London airports and prices starting from as little as £30 return, there couldn't be a better time for a last-minute trip.

As the nights start to draw in here in Britain, Faro offers generous temperatures that match its nine hours of daylight - plus, there's plenty to see and do. The city boasts a rich history dating back to 418 AD, although many of the ancient buildings were destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1755.

READ MORE: The little known city 3 hours from London that's just been named Europe's best city break

There are numerous idyllic beaches within easy reach of the city, just a short ferry or bus ride away. Combined with the hot climate, these make perfect spots for sunbathing, reports the Express. They're warm enough for sunbathing until October, as this is one of Europe's driest regions with the most sunshine hours.

Ilha de Faro is the most accessible beach, which you can get to by bus from the city centre. This coastline features a long stretch of sand around 5km (3.1 miles) long, with beautiful warm blue water that's ideal for swimming or playing in. But even without the beaches, Faro is a delightful city in its own right, filled with traditional buildings.

Faro's historical landmarks include the Bishop's place and city hall, but the most intriguing is undoubtedly the Faro Bone Chapel. The chapel certainly has a macabre edge, so it might not be for the squeamish. Constructed in the 17th century using the bones of Carmelite monks, it boasts over 1,000 skulls.

If that's not your cup of tea, how about Faro Cathedral? This historic landmark dates back to the 13th century and narrowly escaped destruction in the 1755 earthquake, thankfully remaining intact.

It's also worth taking a trip to the city's renowned museum, the Municipal Museum of Faro. Housed in a 16th-century convent, it's now Faro's primary museum. It's home to an array of Roman artefacts, with its most notable treasures being busts of Roman emperors and a stunning Roman mosaic found near Faro's train station in 1926. It was taken away for preservation in 1976.

Nestled among the city's narrow streets and pavements in the Old Town, you'll discover numerous cafes, restaurants and bars where you can pause for a while and sample the region's culinary offerings. Seafood is a staple in Faro - expect delicious fresh fish, shellfish and molluscs. The Algarve region is particularly famous for a sweet treat known as Dom Rodrigos, a delicacy is made from fios de ovos (egg yolks finished in syrup, or 'angel hair'), egg yolk, cinnamon and almonds.

So if you're on the hunt for an intriguing and warm escape in the coming months, look no further than the Algarve city of Faro.

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