Editor's picks: Sunny holidays for October

By Katy Holland, Oct 5, 2011
Filed under:
World travel

Holiday in October Image: Getty

Alas, Britain's 'mini-heatwave' is well and truly over - so you now have the perfect excuse to fly away and catch some rays before winter sets in. We've picked ten warm and sunny spots for doing just that...

Where to go in October

Crete
 Average daily hours of sunlight: 6 Average temperature: Minimum: 19C, Maximum: 25C Try this: Escape to a sleepy village in western Crete. Villa Kontis, in the tiny village of Maza, is a short drive away from the sandy beaches of Georgioupolis and the riverside sanctuary of Vrisses. Villa Kontis sleeps eight and costs £697 per person, including flights. Visit <a href="http://www.gicthevillacollection.com" target="_blank">gicthevillacollection.com</a>
Dubai
 Average daily hours of sunlight: 10  Average temperature: 27C Dubai is unbearably hot during the summer  months, but October sees the mercury drop to a relatively cool 30C - perfect for those looking for a sunny shopping break.  Try this: Five nights at the four-star Hilton Ras Al Khaimah from £550 per person, bed and breakfast, with <a href="http://www.letsgo2.com" target="_blank">Letsgo2</a>.
Luxor
 Average daily hours of sunlight: 10 Average temperature: Minimum: 18C, Maximum: 35C Try this: A luxury cruise on the Nile with <a href="http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/africa/egypt/egypt-nile/luxor/hotels/5t-nile-cruise.html" target="_blank">Thomson Holidays</a>. Check out their 5T cruise, where October prices start at £814 per person. Visit the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut. And that’s just day one….
Marrakech
 Average daily hours of sunlight: 8 Average temperature: Minimum: 15C, Maximum 29C Try this: The recently opened <a href="http://sirayane.com" target="_blank">Sirayane </a>hotel and Spa. Tucked away outside Marrakech, this cool, contemporary hotel is a world away from the madding crowds of the city and just a short drivefrom the Atlas mountains.  From 150 Euros per night.
Mauritius
 Average daily hours of sunlight: 9 Average temperature: Minimum: 14C, Maximum: 28C Try this: A luxury break at the Oberoi Hotel, an exquisite retreat which boasts its own secluded beach, spa and great cuisine. Choose from a pavillion or luxury villa with <a href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/en/holiday/indian-ocean/mauritius/accommodation/pages/the-oberoi.aspx" target="_blank">Kuoni.</a> October prices start at £1980 per person including flights.
Nepal
 Average daily hours of sunlight: 10 Average temperature: Minimum: 14C, Maximum: 28C Try this: Adventurers will love this one. Take a guided 12-night tour across the Himalayas through China to Nepal, staying in local villages. Visit Kathmandu, and explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of the area, including the Rum Doodle, the famous haunt of the Everest summiteers. Next departure is on October 22 from £1995.  Visit <a href="http://www.vjv.com." target="_blank">Voyages Jules Verne</a> for more.
Seville
 Average daily hours of sunlight: 7 hours Average temperature: Minimum: 12C, Maximum: 22C For Spanish sunshine and culture, sidetrack the Costa del Sol and make haste to south and Seville in all its Moorish glory. Stunning architecture, great food and wine and a city rich in history is what you get.  Try this: <a href="http://www.kirkerholidays.com/v2-destination.aspx?qs=productid_e_221992" target="_blank">Kirker Holidays </a>offers a good selection of packages. Stay at the Corral Del Rey, a 17th century townhouse converted into a small boutique hotel in the old Barrio Alfafa quarter. From £639 per person for free nights including flights.
Sicily
 Average daily hours of sunlight: 7 Average temperature: Minimum 18C, Maximum: 23C Try this: Stay on a lavish Sicilian estate in the valley of Burgio, western Sicily. Villa Maricciuam is surrounded by three acres of land and close to the lovely sandy beaches of Sciacca. Rocco Forte’s Golf resort is a short drive away. From 2,400 Euros for the villa (up to eight guests) per week. Visit <a href="http://www.solosicily.com" target="_blank">solosicily.com</a> for more details.
Lycian coast
 Average daily hours of sunlight: 8 Average temperature: Minimum: 15C, Maximum: 26C October is the perfect time for a walking holiday in Turkey, as temperatures are far more clement than in the summer. Try this: Take a trip to the Lycian Way for unspoilt scenic walks, visit the sites of Phasels and Olympus en route, enjoy fresh grilled fish and raki, and see the flames of the Chimera.  Prices start at £675 per night week, staying at different hotels as you go, most meals and luggage transfers. Flights extra. Visit <a href="http://www.onfootholidays.co.uk" target="_blank">On Foot Holidays</a> for more.
Hawaii
 Average daily hours of sunlight: 8  Average temperature: 26C Try this: For a slice of luxury, stay at the <a href="http://www.mydestination.com/hawaii/accommodation/115628/hana-maui-and-honua-spa" target="_blank">Hotel Hana Maui and Honua Spa</a>,  a secluded oceanfront hotel designed for romantics in search of total peace and quiet (there aren't even any tellies in the rooms!). When you’re not sun soaking or pampering yourself at the spa, optional activities include horse riding along the beach, snorkelling and yoga. From £205 per night.