Destination Suggestions needed

[SisterFarAway]

I am considering a holiday for my Birthday mid-November, but seem to have hit a dead end.

Some of the criteria:

• Culture, museums, historic sites
• Ideally somewhere warm and sunny
• Budget around £400 for flights and accommodation for 4-5 nights
• Flight not longer than 3-4 hours

I've been to Rome for my birthday in 2016 and loved it, but I want to go to new places.
Thought of Barcelona, but that seems too expensive or Krakow (definitely not warm and sunny in Nov).
The one country I would not consider is Germany - purely due to the fact that I go there already quite regularly both for work and to visit family.

Please give me some suggestions. Thank you

Seville.

Warm and sunny + mid-Nov + a small budget might be tough, but I'd go with either southern Spain (Seville or Malaga maybe), or possibly Lisbon. All of those should offer cheap-ish flights (although it will depend where you live) and you'll at least have the chance of a bit of sun and warmth. At that time of the year though, to guarantee warmth you really need to go to the Canaries, Cyprus, Israel, Egypt, etc. You could see if there are any cheap packages around for those destinations. Otherwise, I'd probably do a budget airline + airbnb type thing.

Thanks for the Lisbon suggestion, just having a look at I could get good deals, both on BA and on Expedia.
Living in London, so I've got quite a few airports to choose from, but would prefer Gatwick or Heathrow, which is only a bus ride away from me.

Marrakech is lovely in november, although a little chilly when the sun goes down. This is a lovely place, eating breakfast while looking at the atlas mountains is a memory I will always treasure.

www.manzil-la-tortue.com/en/

A couple of nights and a couple in a riad in the old town is a lovely holiday for culture etc

We went to Lisbon for new year and LOVED it! So much to do and see, lovely vibe about the city, great food and friendly people. Plus, it was sunny every day (but apparently that's not usual in winter - an uber driver told us that it usually rains!). If you do go to Lisbon, don't use the public transport, which is slow and very crowded - use Uber instead.

Lisbon or Porto
Seville or Grenada
Marrakech
Greek islands

I must say, Marrakech looks nice as well. Just a (probably) silly question: Is it safe for a woman travelling alone?

@SisterFarAway. I felt Marrakech was safe, but you definitely get a bit of attention shall we say, especially in the souks. Men might comment on your appearance etc or try to get you to stop and chat, come into their shop, etc.

I didn’t feel unsafe though, you just have to get used to politely ignoring/smile and say a firm ‘no thank you’ when approached by randoms, traders etc.

If you do go the YSL gardens are beautiful!

Cover up if you go to Marrakech. I wore long skirts and covered my neck and shoulders and was treated respectfully, but I saw Western women there in shorts and strappy tops and men were hissing at them. Be respectful of their culture and they will be respectful back.

@juneau agree, definitely good to dress appropriately. I did but still got hassled a bit. And I was with a guy!

I usually check travel guides, etc before I go anywhere to make sure I don't put my foot in.
Covering up - for me - is a given, I'm a bit overweight and don't fancy putting my bingo wings and not so slim thighs on show.

At the moment I'm still very much in the planning stage, but it Marrakech is currently at the top of the list, closely followed by Lisbon.

Paphos

Malta would also be a good choice. perfectly safe for a lone female traveller and good for a budget. Last year Ryanair were selling flights to Malta in November for £10 return, £22 ish if you include a 10 kg trolley case in addition to the tiny basic carry on allowance.

Loads of interesting cultural stuff in Valetta and places like MDina and the Citidel on Gozo, which is a short ferry ride away. Public transport cheap and easy to use.

Marrakesh doesn't appeal to me due to how women especially seem to constantly get pestered and the market bussle, but Lisbon would also be great.