October - relaxing in the sun type of trip. Madeira ?

[WiseMoose]

Me and DH (late 50s) want to get away mid October time and plan to basically lounge in the sun reading, maybe a swim. And not a lot else really.

We generally would visit one of the Canaries in winter time - but October opens up a few more options although I am conscious that some resorts will be starting to close down by then. Also the weather may not be guaranteed.

One idea we had was Madeira - has anyone been? Did you enjoy it, what did you do? Anything I should know before researching it further.

Budget - I'd like to keep it low. Flights from Northern or Midlands airports so not AS much choice as London. Like to catch the bus for any touring around as opposed to driivng.

The only thing to be aware of with Madeira is that their airport is tricky to land at so inclement weather can cause problems especially wind at a lower threshold than other airports. Definitely consider booking a package to give extra protection

Would you consider Morocco? Agadir is great for a relax-in-the-sun holiday.

Madiera is LOVELY
full of north Europeans in October relaxing

we stayed in Funchal
but if I went again I'd have a rental car and stay in Porto Moniz.

The airport is fine, the runway was extended years ago

Madeira is lovely @WiseMoose and I would love to go back. We went a few years ago and splashed out a bit on a hotel in the old town, so I'm not sure about more budget options although I'm sure you'll find something nice. I'd stay in Funchal if you can, just because it will be easier to get around on public transport from there. There aren't any beaches really (fabulous coastline though!) on the main island, but if you really want beaches there's an island just off the coast for that sort of thing, Porto Santo, and a ferry.

Food was good, it's an easy and relaxing place to be on holiday. Lovely botanical gardens. Friendly vibe and nice people. The North of the island is stunning, but it's all beautiful. I recommend the avocados and the teeny bananas.

We’re just back from Madeira 2 days ago and loved it. We did quite a lot of hiking and drove ourselves so the exact opposite of what you’re looking for but I think you’d get your holiday there too.
if you want more settled weather the south side of the island is better.
We stayed a few days in Machico which was very chilled, only 10 minutes from the airport and about 30 minutes from Funchal. Lovely sandy beach and nice restaurants

Madeira is lovely, but not beachy, and you'd need to check whether the hotel/apartment pool would be heated at that time of year. There are some rocky lidos for swimming, but not sure if they are open in October. Sea might be a bit choppy!

But lots of cafés, lovely strolls, gardens and levada walks, delicious pasteis de nata and little salt fish croquettes.

Turkey is lovely at that time of year.

Madeira is lovely (very lush and tropical) but not beachy. That suits me fine as I find lying on a beach irritating, but like to see the sea! There are lots of hotels with excellent sea views in Madeira as it's so cliff-y. Agree that you would need a heated pool in the hotel really.

Thanks all! that was a quick response :)

Yes, swimming is not a must - we would prob have a dip in the hotel pool (if it's heated) but really we just want to potter around and totally relax. We have had other holidays this year already, but with various other people so need a quiet, boring trip now.

We ended up delayed coming home from Madeira but were with Jet2 and very glad of it because they put us up in a hotel for the delay instead of us having to scramble and sort it out ourselves like we would have with some other carriers.

Good to know.
I am looking at Jet2 packages as it's a new destination to me. (usually get my flights and accomodation separately)

What about Malta?

I'm not a fan - although I know it will be warm there

I had a look at Malta - I have not visited there before.

I did wonder if the weather could be more unstable there into mid October?

Looks lovely though

No - it's not for me.

Thank you for the reply though

We hadn't actually even booked a package, just flights, and they still sorted everything out...truly mammoth queue at the airport but very well organised ultimately.

If you get a package, there might be coach trips available as well. I would love to go back. My problem is that DH always wants to go somewhere new rather than back anywhere ... It was a lovely, relaxing, stress free holiday.

Malta was similarly comfortable, but given the choice (which I won't be!) I'd choose Madeira to revisit.

We have a time share in Madeira. I’m not able to do long haul (really anything above 5 hours) so it’s nice for a bit of winter sun. It’s lovely and laid back. We go every February sometimes switch it up.

Stay in Funchal. Lots to do and places to visit when I’m able to. Sometimes only able to potter a bit.

We have on occasion been delayed due to weather.

I believe Malta’s weather is around 22-25 degrees in October, depends how warm you want though I guess.

I'm going to Madeira in October.

Staying in pestana carlton Madeira which has got indoor pools aswell, this could be an option for you if you want to swim.
There's a few big hotels with indoor pools.

I'm planning on using buses or taxis to go on some walks ( not the biggies that you have to book) or joining bookable group walks.

Looking forward to the botanical garden and monte palace garden and generally just bumming around stuffing my face with pastel de nata, prego steak sandwiches and bolo de caco.

The pastel de nata is going to be on my death meal (gluten free) however our hotel ( savoy palace) so not far from you @happysunr1se does a good gluten free alternative. I just like walking down to the old town and the lido and just chilling.

Love Madeira. One of the few places I'd go back to (to do the levada walks!). Food is great. Never had a bad meal and there's some lovely restaurants.
The lidos are great.
We went a similar time of year, and the weather was quite nice. I really loved it.
If you're wanting relaxing, (I see someone mentioned Malta), I'd choose Madeira. More relaxed pace.
There's too much history in Malta and we didn't stay still!

Maybe Sardinia? When I was in Alghero in May, a waiter told me that their tourist season is extending into October now.

That's a really nice looking hotel.

I'm hoping to get there on a smaller budget this trip :) I've seen some nice places though which are more affordable for us.

Rhodes would be fab! And the old town is lovely. Easy to get buses. We stayed at the Avri Beach which was super. Crete is also good for late sun (we went in October) and also has a lovely Venetian like old town.