The best destinations for your holiday in October

I hate to admit it, but summer seems to have done a runner in the UK. My flip-flops haven’t been on for a few weeks now, and I’ve needed a jacket – I’m not ready to get the big coat out yet though. The summer holiday season in Europe generally runs from May to October. This means it’s the final month of short-haul sunny getaways. So, where is it good to go on holiday in October?

When we talk short-haul holidays we generally mean flights less than 6 hours flight. Although flying further afield is an option, It’s not the best idea right now. Over in the Caribbean, Central America and the southern United States such as Florida, it’s hurricane season. It’s not something to take lightly either, with the entire island of Cuba without power for a short while and most of Florida affected by Hurricane Ian. Over in East Asia, it’s the end of Monsoon season too so again, not the best time to visit right now.

Luckily for us, we don’t need to fly too far to get a vitamin D top-up before the winter sets in! Lots of short-haul destinations are still good for sunshine. That’s good news for the October half-term that’s coming up. Here’s what I think are the best options to get away.

Southern Greek Islands

Ok, so you knew I was going to mention Greece right? It is a firm favourite of ours after all. For October, I wouldn’t be too confident that the northern Greek islands would have the guaranteed sunshine I want from a holiday. The country is so vast though, that the southern islands are still lovely. Kos, Crete and Rhodes are particularly good.

We got married in Kos in October. We spent 2 full weeks there for our wedding and had consistently hot weather. The only slight issue I have with Greece is that some bars and restaurants start to close for the season in mid-October. It gets quieter and quieter as the month goes on. However, that’s not a huge issue and is understandable because it’s lovely and quiet!

Turkey

Just a 4-4.5 hour flight from the UK takes us to a host of different areas on the Turkish coastline. Similar to the Southern Greek islands The Turkish Coastal resorts still see temperatures in the late 20 Celcius range with lots and lots of sunny days. All the resorts are still open, most of them into November even so not much risk of turning up at a ghost town. The Antalya coast is even open year-round. Huge ranges of hotels and resorts in Turkey are available with something to suit everyone.

Cyprus

In the Southern Mediterranean Sea is the Island of Cyprus. Half Turkish and Half Cypriot. British tour operators tend to have direct flights only into the Cypriot side, either Paphos or Larnaca. If you are looking for beautiful weather, Turquoise seas and lots of history, Cyprus would suit you. Flight duration from the UK is around 4.5 – 5 hours.

Most tour operators will offer flights from UK airports every day of the week. You’ll be able to find something to suit you. If you are looking for laid-back sandy beach resorts, the Larnaca side of the island is great. Ayia Napa and Protaras have lots of hotels ranging from basic self-catering properties to 5* luxury all-inclusive resorts. Lots to choose from accommodation-wise, the resorts do tend to close down a little at the very end of October but there will be lots going on without the mass of tourists.

The Paphos side stays open year-round. Lots of British ex-pats have made this side home, everything stays open all year long and temperatures are mild into the winter. If you love culture and history, this side is great for your adventures. Temperatures in Cyprus in October tend to stay above the mid-20 Celsius range.

Canary Islands

A firm family favourite with British tourists. It’s easy to see why. A 4-hour flight from the UK gives you the option of 4 major islands from most UK airports. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have a reputation for being windy islands. This is true to a certain degree but this conjures up images of gale-force winds, and that certainly isn’t typical! Each island has its own personality too, so you will certainly find one to suit you. On the whole temperatures in the Canaries tend to average around 25 Celcius year round. October is a dry month which makes it a great late summer sun destination.

Tenerife

Tenerife is renowned for being a party island with the notorious Veronicas strip in Las Americas. It’s also home to Europe’s largest water park, Siam Park and the active Volcano, Mount Teide. There are two distinct sides to Tenerife and it actually has two airports. Most airlines from the UK now only fly into Tenerife South. The North of the island is rugged and Green and tends to be a few degrees cooler than the South. The South of the island is where the majority of the British tourist resorts are, this is home to some beautiful sandy beaches and resorts with lots of bars and restaurants.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the furthest south of the Canary Islands, but despite its name, it’s not the biggest! There are lots of beach resorts to choose from on the island or a city break in the island’s capital, Las Palmas. From busy Playa del Ingles and the famous Yumbo centre with its plethora of Drag Clubs to the sleepy fishing village of Puerto Mogan and everything in between. There are lots to see from the Sand Dunes of Maspalomas, the Aqualand waterpark and even Whale and Dolphin watching trips. It’s a great all-rounder.

Lanzarote

Home to Mount Timanfaya, Lanzarote has long been a family favourite with British holidaymakers. The transfers tend to be short here and the beaches long. Playa Blanca, Puerto Del Carmen and Costa Teguise are the most popular resorts with lots of accommodation options to choose from. Small and friendly self-catering, villas, big chain luxury properties, Lanzarote has the place for you. It’s often a better value holiday than Gran Canaria or Tenerife too.

Fuerteventura

I feel Fuerteventura has a reputation for being a Canary Island for old people. It’s a lot quieter than its sister islands with 2 “main resorts” of Costa Caleta and Corralejo. There are a lot smaller, quiet resorts in between but that by no means is saying the biggest two are wild! Lovely typical Canarian islands with lots of beaches, hotels to suit everyone and a choice of shops, cars and restaurants. Do not discount Fuerteventura when you are looking for your next holiday.

Morocco

I feel like Morocco gets missed out quite a lot as people don’t realise just how accessible it is. a 3-hour-ish flight from the UK will take you to the Northern African country. Average temperatures are high 20s in October with lots and lots of sunshine. There are beach resorts and City breaks to be had with most UK tour operators and airlines flying into both Agadir for the beach and Marrakech for the city and the Souks.

If you aren’t big beach fans Marakkech can be a great option as there are some wonderful resort-style hotels within easy reach of the city. Allowing you to spend your holiday both relaxing and exploring. If beach days are more your thing, Agadir is home to some golden sandy beaches with water sports available and lots of sunbeds to soak up those end-of-summer rays!

Notable mentions for your October Holiday

As well as these main destinations, you aren’t “guaranteed” the weather as much but The Algarve in Portugal, The Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol all typically see nice weather right up until mid-November – sometimes even up until Christmas. They are all popular year-round destinations within a 3-hour flight from the UK.

Wherever you choose, I hope you have a fabulous October adventure!

Becky x