Villas and hotels in Turkey for October half term 

With daytime highs up to 25°C – and the sea is only a degree or two cooler – Turkey is one of the best bets around for a sunshine holiday in October. Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and in particular the chic resort of Kalkan are famous for their high quality villas, and taking your holiday in October is a wonderful way to enjoy some real luxury accommodation for a lot less than you would have to pay in July or August. The days are cooler than summer too, making this a perfect time to explore some of the incredible archaeological sites, from the vast ruins on Patara beach to the sunken remains at Kekova – a fun trip even if the kids think they have no interest in history! And if you prefer a hotel holiday, check out the legendary Kalkan Regency, which has rooms and suites sleeping up to four so you can keep all the family happily together.

October break on the Algarve 

The Algarve is a perfect all-rounder for families, and one of the most reliable destinations for a half term holiday in October. The range of villas is second to none, whether you’re looking for a simple base for the family or something more luxurious with a heated pool. As the Algarve is a year round destination for sports like golf and tennis (the pros come here to train, so you never know who you might spot) you’ll find a good range of facilities like restaurants and shops open even in October. This region is really well served with family-friendly activities, with everything from go-karting and padel to petting zoos, so there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained whatever the weather – check out our full guide to the Things to do in the Algarve with Kids.  

Half-term holidays in Mallorca in October 

Mallorca has been a family favourite for decades, and for good reason. It’s just a short flight away and the villas tend to be very family-friendly, with big gardens offering lots of play space to enjoy daytime temperatures that hover around the low 20s. This island is small enough to feel very manageable, but when you’re looking for a change of pace, you’re never more than an hour’s drive from the capital Palma for great shops, tapas bars and an atmospheric old town to wander around. And if you don’t want to go that far, pick a villa near Pollensa or Alcúdia in the north of the island for easy access to fantastic beaches, weekly markets and restaurants for all tastes and budgets.

October half term in Greece 

The Peloponnese on the Greek mainland was the filming location for several scenes from The Odyssey movie, and it’s one of the most richly historic in all of Greece, with castles and theatres and ruined villages to fire up young imaginations and give them plenty to talk about when they go back to school. You can also expect warm October weather and wonderful sandy beaches for swimming and sandcastles. Low-key, friendly resorts such as Stoupa, Kardamyli and Agios Nikolaos are especially laid-back and welcoming at this time of the year, ideal when you just need some time to relax and catch the last days of summer before the clocks go back.  

Corfu is also a top spot for October half term, with direct flights (no ferries to contend with) and sunny days warm enough for watersports and some leisurely sunbathing, especially if you have a nice, sheltered spot beside a villa pool. If you like the idea of the Ionian islands, you could also consider Kefalonia, where there's a good chance of spotting loggerhead turtles in the harbour – you don't even need to go out in a boat. Crete is the most southerly of the Greek islands, promising around eight hours of sunshine daily, beautiful Venetian towns and incredible ancient sites as well as countless wonderful beaches… in fact, there’s far too much to see in a week, so no chance of getting bored here! 

Best October half term destination at a glace 

Final tip for October half term holidays: flights can be pricey and harder to track down on popular dates, so to save money and hours of research, we recommend booking a package with flight and car hire included. And don’t forget, booking a package with Simpson Travel means you are fully financially protected by our ABTA membership and ATOL and ABTOT bonds, giving total peace of mind for you to go and enjoy your special family time. 

VIEW ALL OUR CURRENT OCTOBER HALF TERM AVAILABILITY