5 Cheap European Destinations for October Half Term Holiday: 2022
With the blistering heat of summer passed and a plethora of tantalising deals on offer, October half term is a great time for a family getaway.
While the month can be wet and dreary in the UK, it can be pleasantly warm and sunny in areas like the Mediterranean and wider southern Europe.
Prices do rise somewhat during October half term due to demand, but they're considerably better than peak summer.
Here's our pick of the top 5 cheap European destinations for an October Half Term Holiday in 2022...
When is October half term?
In England and Wales, most schools have their break from Monday, 24 October to Friday 28 October.
In Northern Ireland it is from Monday 31 October to Wednesday 2 November, while in Scotland dates vary.
Sicily, Italy
Temperature in Sicily in October
With average temperatures of between 56-69˚F (14-21˚C), Sicily could be ideal for a half-term escape.
The capital Palermo sees an average high of 75˚F (24˚C), comparable to an average midsummer day in the UK.
Things to do in Sicily in October
With 1,000 km of coastline, Sicily is blessed with a vast array of beaches, one of the biggest draws of the island. Highlights include the Isola Bella close to Taormina, or “Pearl of the Ionian Sea'', a nature reserve with a lovely pebble beach, formerly owned by the British aristocrat, Frances Trevelyan.
Greeks, Romans and Arabs - to name a few - have left their mark on the island in the form of innumerable ruins. Indeed, some of them are not so ruined - take the fabulously well-preserved Temple of Concordia in Agrigento, for instance.
Accommodation wise, there are a host of hotels to choose from - but there are also many unique independent properties to consider. Staying in a palazzo or castle, for example, is not out of the question on a moderate budget.
Cheap hotel for October half term in Sicily
At time of writing, you can book four nights with flights at the four-star Case di Latomie for £236pp based on a family of four (24-28 October). It's located in the island's centre and includes breakfast, pool, a bar, Jacuzzi, free Wifi and a playground.
Credit: ksenija1803z - stock.adobe.com
Salou, Spain
Warm temperatures, stunning beaches and fewer crowds make Spain a rewarding choice for an October half term break.
Take Salou, for example, less than 70 miles from Barcelona, offering charming beaches and coves, often blessed with fine sand.
Things to do in Salou in October
Aside from tanning, you can enjoy all manner of watersports in the pleasant heat - averaging 22C in October.
For families, one of the biggest draws is the vast theme parks of PortAventura Park and PortAventura World. There are even more roller coasters in Ferrari Land, which has the tallest ride in Europe, at 112m.
Salou doesn’t have a huge number of historic attractions, but it’s perfect for a lazy, low-cost beach getaway.
Cheap hotel for October half term in Salou
With such a well-developed tourism industry, the Salou area has a wealth of affordable hotels to choose from.
At time of writing, a stay at the Villamarina Club Hotel in Salou costs £217pp (October 24-28) based on two adults and two children.
This all-inclusive family hotel boasts two swimming pools, one with a childrens' section, kids entertainment, a playground, plus a bar and Jacuzzi for the grown-ups.
Cruising on the Canal du Midi, Southern France
If one of your party is adept at boating, consider a cruise on the Canal du Midi in the South of France.
The region enjoys pleasantly warm temperatures in October, making it a good choice for a half-term sojourn on the water.
Stop off at the sandy beach at Portiragnes, enjoy a little wine tasting in one of the stunning vineyards, or take in the majesty of Carcassonne and Béziers.
Cheap October half term holiday in South of France
While hiring a boat might sound expensive, it costs less than £700 for seven nights - making it cheaper than many cut-price family beach holidays.
Plus, you'll have complete freedom to stop off and explore as the mood takes you!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Its temperatures may not be hugely different to the UK, but Amsterdam is a wonderland for families who love urban adventures.
Things to do in Amsterdam in October
This entertaining city has a wealth of classic art galleries - such as the Van Gogh Museum - but also offers more cutting-edge attractions such as Straat, a 8,000-sq-metre graffiti and street art museum housed in an old shipyard building.
And the famous Anne Frank Museum is quieter in October, making it the ideal time to explore this sobering attraction.
Cycling and lounging in cafes are a must, plus there's more off-beat pursuits such as plastic fishing trips - where you get to clean up the waterways - or even a pizza cruise.
Cheap October stay in Amsterdam
If you're on a budget, consider Your Cozy Waggon at the Cows' Paradise, offering a double room with two bunk beds for £428 in total at time of writing (24-28 October).
Rooms even include a kitchenette so you can save with homemade meals, and as the name suggests, there are plenty of cows around.
Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Just four hours away from the UK by air, yet worlds away in terms of temperature, Tenerife's Costa Adeje could be the perfect destination for a dose of October sunshine during half term.
Why visit Costa Adeje?
Long sandy beaches, boutique hotels, superb seafood and lots of watersports - just some of the reasons to enjoy a family break on Costa Adeje, one of Tenerife's premier resort areas.
Lounge on the Playa del Duque, one of the finest beaches on the island, or explore the Javier Perez Ramos sculpture attraction at Del Duque Viewpoint.
For a rewarding walk, head from Costa Adeje to the little-known gem of La Caleta - a fishing village perfect for a relaxing day out.
And the kids will love Siam Park, arguably the most impressive water park in Europe. With rides, pools and first-rate restaurants - all based around a Thai theme - it enjoys a whopping 4.5/5 rating on TripAdvisor.
Cheap October half term holidays to Costa Adeje
Prices rise in half term but you can still bag some great deals.
The all-inclusive Hotel Villa De Adeje Beach, for instance, offers apartments for around £615pp (24-28 October) and includes spacious rooms and two pools.
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