Where To Book A Hot Holiday For Your October Half Term

As we brace ourselves for the return to September school routines and early starts, there’s one thing at the very top of our to do list. We’re dreaming up a sunny October half-term break that is just a short flight from Britain. When organising a family trip with little ones in tow, it pays to ask around and do your holiday homework.



From biking around Romania to snorkelling with turtles in Turkey, here’s our edit of short haul sunny destinations for October half term holidays. You’ll love these destinations as much as your brood.

For A Different World: Essaouira, Atlas Mountains and Marrakech, Morocco

Camel riding, snake charmers, henna painters, monkeys, street theatre… you name it. Morocco is a playground for children and October is arguably the best time to visit. You’ll feel miles away in terms of culture and yet flights take only four hours from the UK. This trip by Original Travel combines the laid-back beaches of windswept Essaouira, treks through the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the bustling labyrinth of Marrakech souks.

For A Cool City Break With Surfing: Lisbon and the Silver Coast, Portugal

For a dash of adrenalin, active families with teens will be kept entertained by Lisbon and the nearby cool surfer town of Ericeira. Hop on one of the city’s iconic yellow trams to explore the colourful streets, restaurants, shopping and panoramic viewpoints. In October, the surf is at its best with both waves and weather amazing and predictable. Book interconnecting family rooms at Immerso, the five-star design hotel for surfers.

For Waterparks And Bringing Greek Myths To Life: Crete, Greece

Famous for its myth-steeped ancient ruins and being the birthplace of Zeus, the beautiful island of Crete is ideal for educational yet fun family half-term holidays. By October, the severe summer heat subsides leaving average highs of 24ºC – ideal for hiking, waterparks, beach days and exploring archaeological sites. Book a family bungalow at the 5-star resort Cretan Malia Park which has a private beach, river-like pool for tots and good teens club.

Cruise By Gulet And Snorkel With Turtles: Bodrum, Turkey

If your rabble is up for a laidback half-term flopping and floating in warm, crystal clear seas, there is little more seductive than the unspoilt Turkish coast in October. Adventurous families sail and sleep on classic wooden gulets exploring bays, beaches, and ancient tombs. Spend lazy days launching off the bowsprit into the balmy waters, SUPing and snorkel with turtles. Salamander Voyages charters gulets laden with onboard toys.

For Simple Pleasures, Take A Trip On Two Wheels: Transylvania, Romania

For a half-term with a difference, fly your family to Romania and hop on a bike. The Slow Cyclist hosts multi-generational families on cycling journeys around Transylvania’s Saxon villages, home to lynx, wolves and bears. Their itineraries combine history, culture and physical exercise. Families will sleep in beautifully restored traditional guest houses, picnic in remote forests and cycle quiet back roads, trails and meadows.

Find Flamenco Shows, Tapas And Orange Trees: Seville, Spain

Famous for flamenco shows, orange trees, year-round sunshine and Moorish influences, a family autumn break in Seville will keep everyone happy. In October, the city is cool enough to comfortably wander the winding cobbled streets, explore the 16th century Cathedral and climb the Giralda tower. Best of all, it is also warm enough to eat outside. Stay out of town at Hacienda de San Rafael, the luxury yet low-key hideaway hotel.