Oct trip with kids beyond usual package hol for 40th

[ByPeppyGreenOP]

Not sure whether what I’m looking for exists but here goes…
Big birthday in October and would like to head somewhere a bit special. We will only have a week to play with so that rules out long haul. Will have a 9 year old and a 6 year old to accommodate too. We mostly do package holidays but all of us also like nice views/culture/countryside/adventure too - obviously not expecting all of that in one trip but does an interesting short haul destination that’s guaranteed warm in October but doesn’t sit within the traditional “package holiday” category exist? Any recommendations?

I have never been but Croatia looks lovely.

What about Lindos Rhodes? Lovely beach, over run in peak season but probably much quieter in October plus St Paul's bay, both overlooked by the gorgeous acropolis. It's one of the few very touristy places I could go back too over and over.

Paphos was very hot when we went in late October, there are lots of historical sights but beach is not great. You can get the bus along to Coral bay which is a pretty beach - hideously over run by Brits abroad in any school holiday though unfortunately.

Taormina in Sicily is beautiful, lots of lovely restaurants, stunning but overrun in August beach at Isola Bella, there is also a beautiful ancient theatre and you can do a day trip to Etna. Amalfi coast is an alternative Italian option, plenty of beautiful views and lovely places to visit - the ferries may be unpredictable by late October though.

Canaries is the other obvious option for generally guaranteed good weather in October, too many options to go into there.

I would say though anywhere in Europe could have a cloudy or rainy day potentially by the end of October.

I had a look at Sicily yesterday - this looks a good option, but like you say, weather could be unpredictable. That said, I’d be happy with “pleasant” over scorching sun. Rhodes is a v good shout also - will have a look at that today. Thanks!

I went to Avignon in late September and it was close enough to 30 degrees. Lots of culture and interesting places to visit - St Remy, Arles, Orange, Aix.....

You might get the odd cooler day in October but doubt you'll freeze!

Are you talking October half-term week or earlier? The weather is very variable late October. We've had some trips with really nice weather, the year we went to the cinque terre and the year we went to Paris, but also been in jumpers other years like Florence last year and Croatia several years ago. You could pick somewhere like Lisbon where there is lots to do and it should be warm if not beach weather. There are beaches at Cascais.

We’ve had some nice weather in southern French alps in October. But it’s not guaranteed. It’s also shoulder season so not great if you’re after attractions. Fine if you want a quiet trip with a few nice walks!

Marrakech seems the obvious to tick all your boxes. We took our DC when quite small (6 and 3?) and they want to go back. The medina is fascinating, plus there are day/overnight trip opportunities to Atlas or desert.

I would suggest staying in the countryside outside the medina for a more peaceful experience- we stayed at Fawakay and liked it.

Oh and there are also some very stylish and fancy hotels / riads if you want to splurge! Branson’s place in the Atlas for example. Check out i escape website for some ideas.

Sicily is amazing and I’ve heard that October is a great time to go. We went in May/June. Ortigia and Cefalu were highlights for us.
I’m hoping to go back soon and see the western side of the island.

I would look at a lovely hotel in Sharm el Sheikh (perfectly safe) and do a trip to Cairo or Luxor.

Oman is another option?

I personally don’t think the weather is reliable enough in Greece in October half term. Turkey should be ok but it would be an all inc resort type.

We are going to St Lucia for Oct half term, we get 2 weeks and are going for 10 days but it’s for a 40th birthday.

if you can put aside your request for warm then Iceland is out of this world for a special trip.