Early October holiday ideas with sea, culture and a £3k budget

[extravirginoil]

We don’t usually go on holiday during the UK summer months as we like travel around this country. Due to work reasons, we haven’t had chance for a proper restful break this summer.

We’re looking to take around 7-10 days off in early October. We would like a mix of sea/pool and some cultural sights. We don’t have a massive budget, i e ideally less than £3k for two. No package hols.

Where should we go? We love a 5* pampering at a hotel in somewhere like Koh Samui or Bali, or a small villa rental in the Caribbean. But I’m not sure the budget will stretch really, so looking closer to home.

Rjovini in Croatia - Grand Park Hotel

or we've used an airbinb in Barbados a couple of times

Malta

Cadiz and Jerez

Another vote for Malta. Lots of culture, things to see. Not a lot of sandy beaches though.

Barcelona or Valencia areas might suit.

Sicily. We spent less than that, staying in a villa with a pool, and spring/autumn is a great time to go. Lots of cultural stuff (classical sites, medieval towns), plus Etna, plus beaches, plus walking and countryside. Gorgeous food. Taormina is lovely and not as busy outside high season. Syracuse is beautiful. Haven't been to Palermo and the west side of the island, but I've heard they're also lovely.

Or Tuscany? Or Seville/Granada? Should still be pretty hot down there.

Why not a package holiday?