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.

Im going with my 12 yo DD and DH so needed a particular kind of room and thought the indoor swimming pool would entertain DD. Also didn't want a casino hotel.

I really like the cosmopolitan feel of hotels above shops or restaurants right in the centre :)

My mum n dad also had a timeshare there and they say there's lots of restaurants that do price fixed so they got an apartment inside a pestana hotel and just ate out for lunch/dinner, brekkie from the Pingo Doce grocery stores or pastellarias

I recommend the Hotel Porto Santo Maria. Right in the heart of the old town, looking out to sea. It was a bit spendy, although you might get a deal.

I love Madeira, it’s an island vibe without being beachy - the coast is rocky and wild, and if anything it reminded me of a warmer (and more Portuguese 😁) version of the west coast of scotland or ireland. It’s a dramatic landscape, always something to see. Great food too and a friendly atmosphere.

also - and hear me out here - but Tenerife if it’s a Canary you’ve not visited yet. I was sceptical before arriving but it’s genuinely one of the best places I’ve ever visited. Once you get away from the main tourist beaches it’s an extraordinary volcanic landscape with incredible scenery, beautifully maintained roads that make touring a pleasure, amazing food, and a fascinating indigenous pre-hispanic cultural history (there are some really great museums).

Tenerife is best if you go to a real town such as Puerto de la Cruz
lots of history
and real local businesses going on

I don’t know your budget but the Porto Bay hotels group are lovely. We stayed at the Cliff Bay Hotel for a week last October and it was fabulous. I had already been the year before with a friend of mine.

Lovely and warm weather each day. We didn’t hire a car and walked into Funchal or took taxis (cheap). We also went on several minibus trips which picked us up and dropped us off at the hotel. We’ll definitely go back as it was perfect. Eating out and drinks are very reasonably priced compared to the U.K.

We’re not going this year as we’re going to Sorrento year in September/ early October. We probably will book again for next year. I would book a package for Madeira in case of inclement weather affecting your flight. It hasn’t put me off booking through!

@KnitFastDieWarm and @Talkinpeace

I have been to Tenerife many many times and love it - in particular Puerto de la Cruz.

I ( and DH) just fancied a change -as we keep revisiting the same places 😎

We go to Rhodes in Greece every October for 2 weeks & it's so relaxing. It's still hot, not boiling, about 27 - 29*, the sea is warm enough to swim in & there's not a lot of kids. It's quieter than height of season but busy enough to enjoy a good night out with plenty of people around.

Just try to avoid school half term dates for a more peaceful trip