Come October, September’s blaze of autumnal colours has withered away, our skies have greyed, and the cheer of Christmas seems a long way off, so we instinctively start scrolling for a “vitamin sea” solution. October can be an ideal month to escape because families can make use of the end-of-month half-term break, while child-free travellers can benefit from lower off-peak prices. Cultural festivals continue to add vibrancy in many places, and it’s also a prime time for wildlife encounters, with birds to whales on the migratory move. We’ve put together the top travel destinations for a relaxing beach holiday in October to help you recharge.
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1. Exmouth, Western Australia
An aerial view of the coast at Exmouth, Western Australia
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Twenty years ago, Exmouth — at the northern tip of Western Australia — was an off-radar outpost town. But word spread of the whale sharks that visit Ningaloo Reef offshore and brought in eco-minded investment. Reached via regular direct flights from Perth, you can laze on long sweeps of white-sand beach in a tan-enhancing 32C; kayak, paddleboard, and snorkel over first-rate reefs, and swim with the famous spotted leviathans.
Make it happen
Glamp at the remote Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, a handful of eco-conscious safari tents with stunning ocean views.
• Best things to do in Australia
2. Ibiza, Spain
Cala Gracio beach in Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza
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October is the islanders’ favourite month. The full-on frenzy of summer partygoers has returned home, yet the bars and restaurants of Ibiza remain open for the final nightclub closing parties, and cultural offerings, such as art exhibitions and traditional music performances, provide plenty of evening entertainment. Beaches are quiet, accommodation is cheaper and the slightly cooler temperatures make hiking and cycling more manageable.
Make it happen
The five-star, all-inclusive TRS Ibiza Hotel is a good base — it’s just for adults and only minutes from Cala Gracio beach.
Read our full review of TRS Ibiza Hotel
3. Fethiye, Turkey
Kelebekler Vadisi beach near Fethiye
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Easily accessible thanks to direct flights from the UK to nearby Dalaman airport, Fethiye is one of the main hubs of the Turkish Riviera and a foolproof option for families. Use it as a base to explore the region’s pine-forest-clad mountains on bike rides, lounge on the broad sandy sweep of the stunning Oludeniz beach and blue lagoon, and discover Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) aboard a traditional gulet boat trip. You can also hike parts of the Lycian Way, which is studded with ancient rock tombs.
Make it happen
Belcekiz Beach Club is a well-established, affordable family five-star directly by Oludeniz beach.
• Best things to do in Fethiye
4. Malta
Golden beach in Malta
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Malta, an ancient historical trading hub between Italy and Libya, offers time-warp architecture and a mix of sandy and pebble beaches, from the popular Mellieha Bay to the lesser-known natural swimming spot of St Peter’s Pool near Marsaxlokk, and Fomm ir-Rih Bay, reached only by hiking. October daytime temperatures are in the mid-20Cs, so it’s the ideal time to explore archaeological sites, when the stones aren’t pumping out heat. And don’t forget Malta’s sister islands of Gozo and Comino.
Make it happen
The four-star Gomerino Hotel in Valletta has a rooftop pool deck with views of the Grand Harbour.
• Best beaches in Malta and Gozo
5. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Prison Island in Zanzibar
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This tropical Tanzanian island serves a spicy dose of sunshine. October can mark the start of the short rains, but this brings down the humidity and the sea remains clear, with good visibility for snorkelling and diving. What’s more, it’s still (just) within the humpback whale migration season. Seaweed farming is practised on the east coast, so if it’s peace and quiet you’re after, the hotels on the west coast may be best.
Make it happen
The boutique, family-run Kijani Beach Villas is a good choice, with yoga and spectacular sunrises.
• Best safari camps and lodges in Tanzania
6. Goa, India
The last stop on the 1970s hippy trail, Goa remains a dependable choice for laid-back beach vibes, and an October arrival means you should miss the end of monsoon season. Steer clear of crowded Calangute, Baga and Anjuna beaches, and try the tranquil Velsao Beach or the untouched Hollant Beach instead. Adventurous travellers should trek to the pristine and undeveloped Kakolem (Tiger) Beach or Butterfly Beach.
Make it happen
For barefoot luxury, stay at the serene LaRiSa Ashwem, where you’ll find a pool and wellness treatments. It’s also a 15-minute stroll to the beach.
• Best festivals in India
7. Cape Town, South Africa
Noordhoek beach near Cape Town
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Spilling around the foothills of Table Mountain, South Africa’s impossibly pretty Mother City is a hip holiday choice combining culture and chill time. It’s springtime in Cape Town, so riots of wildflowers carpet the surrounding nature reserves and national parks, southern right whales are returning from Antarctica to mate, and wineries are always open for tastings in the 20C sunshine. Choose from the four central Clifton beaches, or drive 40 minutes south to the unspoilt vast sandy sweep of Noordhoek beach.
Make it happen
The four-star Lagoon Beach hotel and spa in Milnerton has ocean and Table Mountain views.
• Best things to do in Cape Town
8. Algarve, Portugal
The Benagil sea cave in the Algarve
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Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve has been an established family holiday destination for decades thanks to its 3,000 annual hours of sunshine, affordable world-class hotels and more than 100 Atlantic-facing beaches. By October, the summer throngs have dissipated so you have more space to spread out. Take the kids to explore the Benagil sea cave, go whale and dolphin-watching, or splash through myriad water parks.
Make it happen
Stay at the hip W Algarve, a five-star not far from Evaristo beach.
• Best beaches in the Algarve
9. Jamaica
Seven Mile beach in Negril
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It doesn’t get more laid-back than Bob Marley’s birthplace. This Caribbean idyll, characterised by verdant mountains fringed by golden beaches, is where Ursula Andress emerged from the ocean in James Bond’s Dr No and is home to Seven Mile beach — one of the Caribbean’s best stretches of sand. (Though the locals prefer Winnifred beach in Portland or the unspoiled Treasure beach). Be assured that any off-season rain showers in Jamaica are short-lived, leaving plenty of opportunity for sunbathing. Bear in mind that October is still within hurricane season in the Caribbean (so do take out that travel insurance), but if you’re looking to keep costs down, it’s also a more affordable time to visit.
Make it happen
The Round Hill Hotel & Villas has a golden beach and 360-degree bay views — plus boutique rooms designed by Ralph Lauren.
• Best things to do in Jamaica
10. Crete, Greece
Balos beach in Crete
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With an epic 650-mile coastline of powdery sand, Greece’s largest island serves up flavoursome seafood and more than 100 safe-to-swim beaches. October arrivals in Crete can enjoy 20C sunshine during the day, and this can be boosted by staying on the sheltered southern coast, which is less windy than the north. Visiting outside peak season allows you to explore the pink-sand Elafonissi beach without the crowds and join the local feast day of St Demetrius.
Make it happen
Luxurious, minimalist Minos Beach Art Hotel is a faultless place to stay.
• Best things to do in Crete
11. Sayulita, Mexico
Sayulita in Mexico
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The buzz around Tulum is dying down — and its replacement is Mexico’s bohemian surf town of Sayulita on the Riviera Nayarit. With buildings bright as an artist’s paintbox, this walkable hippy hangout suits those in search of whale-watching, snorkelling, horseback rides along the beach, surfing and snacking on exceptional street food. October marks the sweet spot between the end of the wetter summer months and the more crowded months of November to April. In line with the anti-traditional luxury ethos of the town is Local Tribe de Mexico, a beachfront boutique series of repurposed shipping containers complete with jungle spa.
localtribedemexico.com
• Best hotels in Mexico
• Best seaside, coastal and beach hotels in the UK
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