The Costa Dorada in mainland Spain is the perfect destination for families looking for some half term sunshine without breaking the bank, offering temperatures up to 22C during October
Fancy a bit of sun before winter truly sets in? October half term might just be your perfect chance to bask in sunshine before the temperatures really start to drop.
There’s no need to jet off across the world, however, to enjoy glorious sunshine at this time of the year as most areas in southern Europe bathes in delightful warmth even in late autumn. Mainland Spain is sometimes overlooked as a holiday destination, often overshadowed by its islands like the Balearics and Canaries.
There is a particular region that still revels in temperatures up to 22C during October, making it ideal for a half term holiday. The area is the Costa Dorada, a charming strip of Mediterranean coastline just below Barcelona.
Home to the bustling resort town of Salou, the ancient city of Tarragona and the foodie destination of Cambrils, Costa Dorada is more than a simple sun trap. It’s frequently visited by holidaymakers and was recently named one of the best short-haul holiday destinations for October by consumer champion Which? alongside Vienna and Athens, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The publication wrote: “As well as being blessed with 125 miles of beaches, Costa Dorada is home to the Roman town of Tarragona, which has an old town and a seaside amphitheatre. Barcelona and the Montserrat mountains are also an easy day trip if you hire a car.
“Salou has Blue Flag beaches and Spain’s biggest theme park, Port Aventura. Another popular resort is Sitges – an attractive town with smart shops and chic restaurants. You can enjoy six hours of sunshine a day in October, while the sea is still warm enough for swimming.”
The beauty of Costa Dorada is that it’s not a wallet-buster to reach. Ahead of half term, Skyscanner listed flights from Manchester Airport to Reus on October 19 starting at £45 one way, with return fares on Saturday, October 26 from £92 (though additional charges for luggage and seat selection may apply).
Meanwhile, Tui had been offering return flights from October 19 to Friday, October 25 starting at £144 per person, which includes 10kg hand luggage and an underseat bag, based on a family of four. Jet2 advertised return flights from Saturday, October 19 to Saturday, October 26 for a total of £882.30 for a family of four with two kids aged 6 and 8, averaging out to £220.58 per person, including 10kg hand luggage.
At the heart of the Costa Dorada lies Salou, a vibrant town brimming with stunning beaches, eateries and breathtaking sea views – particularly at sunset. The town’s size makes it perfect for families, but if you’re craving some city life, Barcelona is just a 90-minute train ride away.
However, a must-visit for families is Port Aventura World, Spain’s largest theme park. It boasts six distinct adventure worlds, which transport you across the globe from China to the American west. The theme park is also home to Ferrari Land which is unique in Europe.
