October half term inspiration

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Hoping to get away (abroad) with DH & DC14 &11 this October half term (last week in October). We’re all pretty easy going and enjoy most holidays from relaxed Mediterranean villas with pools to city breaks to Eurocamp style camping villages. We’re not so keen on package style AI type hotels unless they are really special with suite style accomodation and a la carte options as not a fan of buffet dinners. I like the idea of some sunshine when the UK is cold & blustery but doesn’t have to be hot, just warm, sunny and dry for sightseeing and alfresco drinks and possibly dining. We like picturesque views, good food (all quite adventurous and no dietary restrictions), and a bit of culture/places to visit.
We find that rental apartments or villas suit us best as kids opposite sex so we can’t do standard rooms with 2 double beds. We really need 2-3 rooms with 3 beds. Also quite like staying in or very near a resort/village/town/city so we can walk out for meals and drinks without needing to hire a car but don’t mind being in rural villas.
Budget is relatively tight considering the half term “tax” - ideally ~£3-3.5k or less for all travel and accommodation.
I’ve been going round in circles looking at flights and accommodation for the Amalfi coast, Andalucia, Madeira and Rhodes but nothing really grabbing me.
What have your best October half term holidays been with kids of a similar age? Open to all suggestions, not just those that fit the criteria above.
Thanks.

Our DC were exactly those ages when we first went to Marrakech for October half term. We stayed at a small hotel out in the Palmerie area so had gardens and a pool but could easily get into the centre by taxi. I can't remember the name of the hotel though - it was 10 years ago.

Thanks @LacStCharles. I had briefly considered Marrakech but had discounted it as DH & I have been before on a tour of Morocco (pre-DC) and like to visit new places. However, having had a quick look at accommodation there are some gorgeous riads at good prices and we could always tie in a trip out to the Atlas Mountains to make it a bit more adventurous…

Have a look at Lantana resort in Sardinia. It’s the south, in Pula (not too far from the airport) and we found it warm enough in October. We stayed in a two bedroom that slept six, so you should have no problem. The resort is walking distance from the town centre and Nora Archaeological Park. It’s a short taxi ride from a waterpark.

Thanks @Forgottenmyphone. Great to have a specific recommendation. We love Italy and had a fantastic holiday in Sicily but have never been to Sardinia. Did you eat in the hotel or did you head into town?

We're going to Malta. It gets a lot of hate on here but we've been before and loved it. Loads to see and do. Easy to get round.

We had a lovely week in Villefranche Sur Mer in an appartment one year. Paddled in sea on 1st Nov. It's so switched on with buses and trains to Nice, Monaco, Menton, Antibes etc there was loads to do. And we had gorgeous views out to the Med. The appt complex had a pool but we didn't use it.

Thanks @DappledThings, we’ve never been to Malta before although have considered Valetta as an alternative city break.
We love the south of France @MissAmbrosia. If I could guarantee the weather would be good enough I’d love to hire a gite in Menton, Grasse or Eze and wander the pretty streets and markets before an aperitif in a shady square…

We ate in the apartment a couple of nights (food from the local market) and also ate at the resort a few times, but went to a seafood restaurant in the town on our last evening.

Have you considered Madiera?

Or Peurto de la Cruz on Tenerife. There’s lots to visit including Teide and it’s much more traditional than the south.

@itsgettingweird Yes, I have thought of Madeira and possibly Northern Tenerife. Do you have any recommendations?

I e never been to Madeira - my ds went to compete there for swimming and I’ve seen photos. My college also went there and loved it. She loves walking and exploring and said it’s ideal for that.

No specific recommendations for hotels in Tenerife north but I lived in Tenerife (south west) for a number of years and the north is beautiful. I’ve been up Teide, Loro Parque is worth a visit and I’d also recommend a boat trip.

Puerto Mogan, Gran Canaria. Madeira and Northern Tenerife could well be cloudy/wet.

What about hopping around Malaga, Seville and Granada? Very easy by train. Or swap in Estepona/Marbella if you’d like beach time.

How active do you want to be - you can try out loads of different sports and activities here (or just lie by the pool / hand in the spa)

https://www.clublasanta.com/

Weather will be good. There is so much to do and see on the island which is easy to drive around. Volcanoes, Vineyards, remote unspoiled beaches, art & architecture, amazing restaurants, incredible landscapes and viewpoints - just avoid the 3 main resorts on the island. CLS do excursions - but you could do these yourself https://www.clublasanta.com/excursions

Costa Adeje in Tenerife will be lovely in October, we stayed at the GF Isabel which was lovely, also did mount Tieude at night, whale watching boat trip, Siam park and Loro park, Playa Olid and Fanabe are nice hotels there too. My 10 &13 yo both want to go back next year. Loads of nice places to eat there too