26C

There’s a perfect destination for Brits looking to escape the dreary weather this October – whether you’re looking for family fun in a vibrant resort, or peace and quiet in a truly unique landscape

With the temperatures dropping in the UK, many of us are looking for a last-minute break to soak up some final sunshine. And there is a destination just a short flight away that promises warm weather, beautiful beaches, delicious food and a host of fun activities – perfect for half term!

Lanzarote forms part of the Canary Islands; a Spanish island group located off the coast of Africa. It’s a popular tourist destination, and with good reason. Located just a four-hour flight away, its all-inclusive resorts are particularly popular with holidaymakers on a budget, and there are also more high-end options if you feel like treating yourself.

Whether you are looking for lively tourist resorts or inland villages with peace and quiet there’s something for everyone, with large hotels of the coastal towns coexisting with rural houses, villas and boutique hotels.

READ MORE: Travel insiders reveal how to get to the Canary Islands without taking a flightREAD MORE: Brit returning from Spanish hotspot says tourists told ‘big lie’ about destination

October is also the perfect time to visit Lanzarote if you’re after sunshine, with an average of 7 hours daily, and a comfortable peak temperature averaging 26.8C, and 19C at its coolest during the night.

Rain during this month is at most moderate with an average of 11mm, and in comparison to the summer months, the wind speed also drops during October to around 11.1mph.

Then there’s the landscape. Lanzarote has it all; mountains, lunar-style craters, black sand beaches, red terrain, white sands, beautiful azure seas, and even a live volcano – Mount Timanfaya – complete with centuries-old lava fields.

One of Lanzarote’s biggest draws are its beaches, including Playa Blanca, Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen. And there’s plenty on offer for waterbabies, too, with surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing and scuba diving available.

READ MORE: Beautiful Canary Islands destination took my breath away – it’s only 4 hours from the UK

Many of the island’s beaches are perfect for the smaller family members, as they are protected from waves and currents, as are the natural pools that have formed in the shelter of lava flows after eruptions.

There are also beaches for those who like waves and long walks by the sea, or alternatively lively beaches and marinas with all leisure services, restaurants and shops.

If seafood is your thing, then you’re in luck. Fresh produce, from squid and tuna, to prawns and octopus, you can tuck into some delicious dishes. Or, of course, you can opt for some typical Spanish specialities, like paella.

READ MORE: Where is hot in October? Best European destinations for autumn breaks with £13 flights

Lanzarote is also home to almost 20 commercial vineyards and many more private growers.

White has been the main wine from the native Malvasia, Moscatel and Diego grape varieties. In addition Lanzarote has some lovely reds from the Listan Negro and increasingly Syrah varieties. Book in for a tasting session or a vineyard tour to see what’s on offer.

The Greek island of Symi is filled with pretty houses, epic beaches, and crystal-clear waters, but it has not seen the same visitor numbers as the likes of Crete, Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu

Greece is home to dozens of beautiful islands that attract millions of tourists annually. Among the most frequented are Santorini, Crete, Naxos, Mykonos and Corfu. However, while some enjoy immense popularity, there are others that despite their own charm, haven’t seen the same vast numbers of visitors.

Symi, located off the west coast of Greece and east of Tilos, is one of the most picturesque in the region. Part of the Dodecanese island group, it’s best known for its charming houses, stunning beaches and close proximity to the popular and significantly larger Greek island of Rhodes located to its south east.

READ MORE: Mum-of-two loses more than 11 stone doing ‘wall pilates’ at home

According to Visit Greece, the main town shares its name with the island it resides on. Interestingly, the town of Symi is reportedly divided into two parts, Gialos and Chorio.

Gialos is the section of the town nearest to the harbour and Chorio, meaning village, sprawls across the closest hillside, reports the Express.

Despite its small size, there’s a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors to engage with. These include visiting the local clock tower known as the Roloi, the statue of fisher boy Michalaki, the town hall, and the Naval Museum. Moreover, thousands of visitors make the journey to the Agios Ioannis, which serves as the main church of the town.

Access to Symi is only possible by boats and ferries after landing in mainland Greece. Travel website Greeka stated that it’s possible to reach the island via Athens and its Piraeus port.

Symi, like many other Greek islands, can get scorching hot during the summer months, with temperatures averaging around 26C in June and 28C in July and August.

These sweltering temperatures make it ideal weather for lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun’s rays and cooling off in the sea. As a result, spots like Saint George Bay and Nanou Beach have garnered rave reviews on TripAdvisor.

On Saint George Bay, Stavros L raved: “A must if you visit Symi. Amazing blue water and the surrounding cliffs create a unique atmosphere, quite crowded during July/August but worth it.”

Fellow user Hills A was equally impressed with Nanou Beach, saying: “Arrived at Nanou beach via our hired boat from Symi Coral Rent a Boat in Pedi Beach…our favourite bay in Symi.

“Crystal clear water, turquoise blue, perfect for snorkelling! The taverna there has delicious and fresh cuisine, plus friendly goats! Definitely going back soon!”