Best Family Holidays in October: Destinations & Tips

We all know how dreary the weather gets in the UK. We have a few weeks of sun, a couple days of unbearable heat and then suddenly the summer is over in the blink of an eye! This gives you barely any time to squeeze in your family holiday before the kids are back at school and it’s dark by 6PM again. Treat yourself to a change in your yearly routine and escape to a sunny and warm paradise this October half term, the perfect time to unwind with your family. Unsure why October is the natural choice for a family holiday? It’s simple:

• Quieter resorts to help you avoid the crowds
• Cheaper flights
• Less crowded airports and smoother travel experiences
• Amazing deals on villas
• Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and exploring local towns
• Warmer sea temperatures than in spring
• More authentic local experiences as destinations return to a slower pace after summer

If this sounds like exactly what you’re looking for, be sure to read on through the rest of our guide to find out where to go for the best family holidays in October.

Best Family Holidays in October

Tenerife, Canary Islands

With year-round sunshine and average October temperatures hovering in the mid-20s, the Canary Islands, and specifically Tenerife, is a great choice if you're looking to swap the cold autumn weather for a week of warmth. As the largest island in the archipelago, there’s something for everyone here, from golden beaches and family attractions to volcanic landscapes and charming coastal towns.

Just a four and a half hour flight from the UK’s shores, Tenerife is the middleground between a proper overseas escape and an easy outing with the kids in tow. Once you've landed, getting around is easy, with plenty of public transport, taxis and easy to navigate roads if you’ve hired a car, making it ideal for families who want to spend less time worrying about travelling and more time enjoying their holiday.

When it comes to entertainment, there’s no beating Siam Park. Voted the best waterpark in the world, it’ll be hard work to get the kids (and grown ups too) off of the numerous slides or out of the wave pool! If you want something a little more laid back, Costa Adeje has family-friendly beaches, restaurants and seafront walks, and if you want to slow it down even more, Callao Salvaje is perfect for relaxed days by the coast.

Toddlers, older children, teenagers, adults - it doesn’t matter who comes along, you’re all in for a memorable time in Tenerife, easily making it one of the best places to visit for a family holiday in October.

Greece

If your idea of a family holiday is something along the lines of relaxing in the warm sun, taking in the beautiful scenery and immersing yourself in the culture that you can find on the other side of your villa’s wall, Greece is hard to beat. Across October, you’ll still be enjoying temperatures above 20°C, the sea remains warm enough for swimming and you won’t have to deal with anywhere near the same amount of crowds.

Getting there is pretty straightforward too. You can fly to most islands in around three to four hours from the UK, and some islands like Paxos are so small that you can walk from the port to your villa in under half an hour. That means less time in transit and more time spent making memories.

No two days need to look the same in Greece, which is what really makes it stand out as one of the best places to go for a family holiday in October. Families visiting Crete can spend an afternoon racing down the slides at Acqua Plus Water Park before exploring the ancient ruins that bring history to life. Over in Kefalonia, you'll find some of the country's most beautiful beaches, with calm waters and plenty of space for children to play.

What makes Greece particularly special is its variety. Beach-loving families will feel right at home, while those who enjoy a little culture, adventure or sightseeing will find plenty to keep everyone entertained, from toddlers through to teenagers.

Cyprus

Cyprus is a fantastic option if you’re looking to extend the summer feeling into the October half term. Sitting at the eastern edge of the Mediterranean, it's one of the warmest places you can escape to in Europe at this time of year. With plenty of sunshine and temperatures that are perfect for relaxing by your private pool, Cyprus really shines as one of the best family holiday destinations in October. 

Although the flights are a little bit of a journey from the UK, taking anywhere between four to five hours, Cyprus offers the kind of reliable autumn sunshine that makes the journey feel well worth it. It's an easy destination to properly immerse yourself into thanks to the familiar home comforts paired perfectly with sightseeing and beautiful beaches.

No matter who you’re bringing with you, Cyprus will keep everyone entertained. If you’re a bit of a history buff you’ve got the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, if you love your nature up close, Paphos Zoo has all sorts of animals to admire, a great option for a family day out. You can enjoy a more relaxed day by heading down to Coral Bay's golden sands and sparkling waters - easily one of the island's most family-friendly beaches. Swimming, paddling, unwinding by the sea, relaxation is always on the cards down at Coral Bay.

So, you may be able to tell already, but Cyprus really is for everyone. Beach time and days out, with enough variety to keep toddlers, teens and curious explorers equally happy.

Turkey

Combining warm October weather with great value and plenty to keep all ages entertained, Turkey is a popular choice for families looking to make the most of half term. Along the Turquoise Coast, you'll still find plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures, making it easy to enjoy time outdoors long after summer has ended in the UK.

With flight times of around four hours, Turkey offers an easy escape for families who want a change of scenery without a long journey. Many resorts are designed with families in mind too, giving you plenty of options whether you're after lazy beach days, outdoor adventures or a mix of both.

There's no shortage of things to do once you arrive. In Bodrum, the impressive Bodrum Castle offers a glimpse into the region's fascinating history, while the beautiful beaches around Dalaman provide the perfect setting for swimming, sandcastle-building and relaxing by the sea. Older children and teens can also try a range of water sports, from paddleboarding to jet skiing.

Turkey is particularly well suited to families who like variety. Beach lovers, adventure seekers and budding explorers will all find something to enjoy, whether you're travelling with toddlers, teenagers or a mix of ages.

The Algarve, Portugal

Short flight times, golden coastline, mild October temperatures and family-friendly resorts make the Algarve an easy choice for an October half-term escape. While summer may be winding down, you'll still find plenty of sunshine and comfortable weather for spending time outdoors, whether that's relaxing on the beach or exploring the picturesque south coast that stretches from Vilamoura to Carvoeiro.

Flights from the UK to the Algarve typically take under three hours, making it one of the easiest sunshine destinations to reach for a half-term break. If you're looking to maximise your holiday time without spending too long travelling, the Algarve is truly ideal - an easy flight into easy transport options from Faro airport make this holiday nothing short of hassle free.

When it comes to keeping everyone entertained, the Algarve has plenty to offer, from world famous golf courses to waterparks and beaches. Zoomarine has been a family favourite for years on end, giving tourists an insight into the local marine life, paired with a few thrills from the rides and attractions on offer. Slide & Splash has plenty to keep the slightly bigger kids entertained, making it the perfect place to enjoy a day out when you don’t fancy relaxing on the beach all afternoon. The sandy beaches around Albufeira are exactly what you picture when you think of the best day at the beach, so whether you fancy a paddle, take the construction of sandcastles very seriously, or just want to enjoy some time together by the sea, the Algarve is the best place for it.

Practical Travel Tips for October

If you’re wanting to make the best family holiday in October even better, these fast fire practical tips have everything you need to know to take things to the next level:

• Packing essentials: Layers are a must as the temperature may drop in the evening! But then also don’t forget the classics, you’ll need plenty of suncream and swimwear to make the most of your holiday.
• Travel hacks: There’s nothing worse than waiting around in an airport or suffering through a flight with nothing to keep you entertained - be sure to download a few films, bring a portable charger and plenty of snacks!
• Insurance and health notes: Make sure that you arrange your travel insurance before you jet off and that you’ve done your research on any government advice on taking medication to the country you’re flying to.
• School holiday overlaps to consider: Keep in mind that the half term is only a week long. Be sure to book your holiday with enough time to get the kids back to school on Monday!

How to Find the Best Deals

• Midweek flights: the perfect way to make the most of the cheaper prices during the shoulder season, with incredible deals to be enjoyed.
• Self-catering vs package: Without too much bias, self catering is always the move. Less busy resorts means you can really do what you want, when you want, without restrictive schedules getting in the way of things. For the best family holiday in October, there’s no beating a villa holiday.
• Early vs late October pricing: As you’d expect, the price of a holiday does naturally go up when the holidays kick in towards the end of the month, but there’s still plenty of great deals to be had no matter whether you opt for early or late October.
• Using villa/holiday rental deals: Going on a villa holiday couldn’t be any easier. Simply contact us and our friendly Travel Consultants will be happy to help you find your perfect escape.

So, that’s your lot! Have you decided on which destination to visit yet? If you haven’t quite decided, rest assured that the benefits of shoulder season pricing, quieter resorts and still warm temperatures are still going to apply to your holiday no matter where you choose. And don’t forget, so long as you’ve got your nearest and dearest by your side, you’ll always be in the best place for a family holiday in October.