Is it too soon to be thinking about October half term getaways? Nope. So here’s the answer to the big question: where is hot in October half term.
Scala dei Turchi, southwest Sicily
October half-term getaways in under three hours…
October half term getaways need to be sunny and easy to do, and any flights longer than 3 hours are just a bit too long with only seven days in play. That might sound like a big ask, but destinations for October sun weren’t that tricky to find with a bit of determination. And trust us, when it comes to getting some sunshine stored up before winter, we’re pretty determined.
Playa de Muro, northeast Mallorca
Mallorca: it’s still beach weather for October half term getaways
The largest of the Balearic Islands gives you grand Palma de Mallorca, gorgeous calas on the south coast and the Tramuntana Mountains. That’s before we even get to its heart stealing villages like Valldemossa and Deia.
Pick the southeast coast for lively resorts like Playa Blanca and those cove-like Mallorcan beaches. Or go for the northeast to discover Puerto Pollensa, Alcudia and the hair raising (but so worth it) drive to Cap de Formentor.
A warm and sunny average of 24° in October and UK flights from 2 hours, 15 minutes.
Insider idea: ditch the car for the day and take the train from Palma to Port de Soller: silly cute way to see hidden bits of the island.
Ibiza Old Town doing its thing
Ibiza: one Balearic you can do without a hired car
Another Balearic with a stunning capital, Ibiza old town is worth a holiday in itself. Fortunately, this is also an easy island to get around, so resorts like Cala Longa, Santa Eularia and Es Canar, to the east of southerly Ibiza town, give you beaches and a city hit when you want it.
Portinatx in the northeast holds on to a bit more of Ibiza’s authentic vibe and tends to be less busy. Although you’re not likely to find anywhere too crowded for October half term getaways.
Insider idea: stay in the east and ferries round the coast mean you can save yourself some money on a hired car.
Round about 24° in October, plenty of sun and UK flights from 2 hours, 20 minutes.
Little Menorca is an easy pick for October
Menorca: the laid back Balearic for October half term getaways
Ibiza might have the coolest rep, but our money is on Menorca as the most laid back Balearic.
The beaches are gorgeous and if you don’t mind a walk, you’ll find plenty deserted ones. Don’t miss Ciutadella de Menorca, the old town is spectacular during the day and great for restaurants at night. It’s also in the west, which is the less expensive side of the island and, in our opinion, the most interesting. Although it’s a small island, so base yourself anywhere and go exploring.
The warmest of the Balearics, if a bit windy at times, it’s about 25° in October, and UK flights from 2 hours, 20 minutes.
Insider idea: hire kayaks in El Grau and paddle round the coast of Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau.
Carvoeiro Beach, the Algarve
Algarve: easily the most beautiful beaches for half term
To be right in the thick of the most Algarve-y beaches, we like round about Carvoeiro: it’s less built up and the bit for legendary caves like Benagil. If it’s a real resort vibe you’re after, Vilamoura is all that and it gives you Praia de Falesia. But for the chillest mood, you want Tavira, east of Faro and neighbour to mysterious Ria Formosa Natural Parc.
Try to spend a day in charming Lagos and time it for lunch in the old town. Then go inland to Silves and see what it used to be like in the Algarve before it got ‘discovered’.
The Algarve is reliably sunny and doesn’t disappoint for half term with averages of 25°. UK flights from 2 hours, 35 minutes.
Insider idea: take a sunset dolphin cruise from Portimao, we saw dolphin in the first 5 minutes and also sailed right into Benagil Cave.
Mondello, Palermo, Sicily
Sicily: go southwest for dramatic coasts and fun cities
Forget its rumbly volcano and fly into Palermo in the northwest of Sicily for half term getaways. It’s the slightly quieter side of the island which always surprises us because the beaches are something else.
High drama doesn’t come more dramatic than the astounding Scala dei Turchi on the southwest coast. This is also another great area for beaches, a little bit swankier than the northwest, but if you want a few days lux-ing it up before winter, we can recommend the lovely, unspoiled part round Sciacca.
Southern Italy is another October sun icon, expect averages of 24° and UK flights from 2 hours, 55 minutes.
Insider idea: take a break from the beach and book one of the kid-friendly guided history tours round Palermo this half term.