The gorgeous European island just 4 hours from UK that is 22C in November

If you're dreaming of an autumn escape that doesn't require a long-haul flight, look no further than the stunning Azores, a breathtaking, underrated archipelago in the mid-Atlantic that's just four hours from the UK, yet feels like another world entirely. The Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands, one of Portugal's two autonomous regions, located roughly 1,500 km west of Lisbon in the North Atlantic Ocean. Though each island has its own unique character, the largest and most visited is São Miguel, often referred to as "The Green Island."

Both British Airways and Ryanair operate direct flights from the UK to Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel. With a flight time of just four hours, it's a surprisingly accessible destination for a short break or a longer retreat.

The region experiences what's known as St Martin's Summer, a weather phenomenon that typically occurs between November 11 and 20, bringing stretches of sunshine and daily highs of 20C to 22C, according to Living Azores.

One TripAdvisor user, Tyler from Florida, also wrote that "for the first part of November, expect high temperatures in the 20-22 Celsius range."

The island offers everything from volcanic landscapes, crater lakes and hot springs to coastal cliffs, black sand beaches and is home to home to the only two tea plantations in Europe.

Top highlights include the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades , Furnas and Lagoa do Fogo. The striking green and blue lakes sit side by side in a massive volcanic caldera, surrounded by rolling hills and walking trails.

Furnas is a geothermal area with impressive caldeiras, hot springs, a lake, and a dormant volcano located in the heart of the island. You'll find bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and natural hot springs. It's also where the famous cozido stew is slow-cooked underground using volcanic heat, a must-try local experience.

Lagoa do Fogo also offers one of the island's most breathtaking views. It is high in the mountains and this remote crater lake is a haven for hikers, with untouched landscapes and crystal-clear waters that reflect the ever-changing Azorean sky.

The Azores is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Visitors can depart from Ponte Delgada for boat tours that offer the chance to see a wide variety of marine life.

Visitors should make sure they stop at one of the black sand beaches during their stay. From the shores of Praia de Santa Bárbara, a favourite for surfers to the calm waters of Praia dos Moinhos, these volcanic beaches are like no other you have seen before.

With its volcanic landscapes, lush green hills, crater lakes, and dramatic coastlines, it makes sense why many call this stunning archipelago the 'Hawaii of Europe.'