Relaxing holiday options in Europe late Sep or Oct. Weather 20-25C. Best options?

[feralcat19]

After a particularly grim few months work and family wise, DH and I are looking to go away sometime late September or October (avoiding school holidays) but are completely overwhelmed by options. I can't even work out which tour operator is best to use.

I'm thinking Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Corfu, ideally a hotel, not fussed over AI. Must haves are outdoor pool(s), somewhere shady to sit outside and a comfy bed, somewhere to watch the world go by with a little meander now and then. Good options for food. And a reliable temperature of early to mid 20s C.

Not interested in entertainment, just want somewhere where we can chill and relax but not flying more than c. 3 hours to get there.

Help me narrow down locations or actual hotels please as I feel I'm going round in circles.

I’m a big fan of Tenerife. Lots of reasonable hotel options, lots of great restaurants, eating out very cheap and easy, guaranteed sunshine and not too hot.

https://hotelvisavis.com/en/ beach and town 5 mins walk from the bottom of the lift. view from the bar is amazing. We went end of September. Lots of places to eat in town. Easy by train from Genoa or Pisa, or even Nice.

You could try Hotel Botanico in Tenerife. Just add flights with Ryanair or EasyJet or you may be able to get a package with Jet2. The botanic garden is across the road and there are loads of restaurants nearby. The hotel itself has lovely gardens and an amazing breakfast and spa.

Estepona in Spain would be an option for you.

Any particular hotels that stand out for you? Always appreciate personal experience

We're just back from Tenerife with Jet2. Have a look at their Indulgent Escapes, if budget allows.

Don't usually do package holidays, but needed something last minute and it was the cheapest option.

We liked Tenerife more than expected.

We stayed at the Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque, bed and breakfast option. It was a nice hotel, lovely breakfast, attractive pools, plenty of loungers. I would stay somewhere else next time for the sake of comparison, but it's in a good location. On a great stretch of beach, walkable to restaurants in both directions. There are a lot of hotels along this stretch so might be a good starting point.

I wanted to stay at the Gran Melia Palacio de Isora (I think that's the name) as looks stunning, but was sold out and I think the location might be a compromise on that one.

the Canary Islands are longer than a 3 hour flight

I love Corfu and in particular Kalami Bay. Last year DH and I spent a week at San Antonio resort in Kalami and l loved it. It has a beautiful pool area at the top overlooking the bay and another smaller one at beach level. The beach has sun loungers but you have to pay for those - we love the beach ( it's pebbles) so think it's worth it. We hired a car because we like to explore but if you want complete relaxation you will find all you need in Kalami and if the taxi boats are running you can visit neighbouring bays ( Agni is stunning) The resort is set on a hill but there are golf buggies that take you up and down if you want.

Very much depends on budget, last year we needed a budget option and enjoyed Apartments Casablanca at Puerto de la Cruz. Year before we were a bit more flush and loved Hotel Baobab in Costa Adeje, we have 2 teens and need a hotel with 2 rooms and at least 3 beds.

Greek Islands. Perfect temperature and authentic. Lots of lovely smaller hotels too which don't have the constant activities/entertainment but great food and nice pools. Look at TUI.

We went to Pernera in Cyprus last October. A walk away from Protaras for a livlowr night but quiet enough to relax. Definitely warm enough to Be in the pool and swim in the sea. Turtle boat trip. Friendly locals. Beautiful beaches. Great food. AI was very reasonable and food was not too bad at all. We stayed at Papouis Protaras hotel

Club La Santa

Unrivalled range of sporting activities, plenty of deckchairs by pools and a really lovely wellness centre, the La Santa experience really has something for everyone. I'd go again like a short.