Travel guru Simon Calder recommended Cascais, just outside of Lisbon, Portugal, as one of his favourite winter locations. Cascais is an affordable destination during the winter months, with direct flights from UK airports to Lisbon, which is the closest airport, and an average temperature of 18C in November.

Cascais is a very walkable town, making it perfect for pensioners seeking a holiday destination that’s easy to explore on foot. Travel writer and photographer Caroline explained on her travel blog Packthesuitcases that Cascais “is a nice walkable size, you don’t need to worry about taxis and buses unless you’re venturing further afield to things like Cabo da Roca – everything in the town itself is easily reached on foot”.

Caroline said that Cascais is also easily reached by train from Lisbon. “The train takes about 40 minutes from Cais do Sodré, and it’s an enjoyable journey along the coast.”

Simon Calder talked about Cascais on her travel podcast, where he said the beautiful town is one of his “favourite Portuguese locations”.

“Cascais is the port planted elegantly on the shoreline west of the capital, Lisbon, on what’s known as the Portuguese Riviera. It was settled in turn by Romans, Visigoths and Moors, and today the centre of Cascais is an intriguing combination of sun-worn houses, cafés, shops and smart hotels.”

The travel expert explained that there are also “excellent beaches within easy reach of Cascais”.

A visitor described the town as “a little slice of heaven” on Tripadvisor. The traveller said: “Cascais is amazing, beautiful coastline, stunning, immaculate beaches and a really charming town. The people are lovely and the food is out of this world!”

Simon also recommended Cassis, in the south of France, as another walkable destination, and a perfect winter escape.