9 Stunning Destinations for Budget Holidays in October

If you’re wanting to get away for the autumn half-term holiday, you have something of a dilemma. Do you prefer the mild temperatures of southern Europe and the Mediterranean, or the season’s soft sunlight in France? With this guide to nine budget holidays in October, you’ll find something that suits you and yours, no matter which camp you’re in.

Whether travelling at half term or earlier in the month, visiting Europe in October offers many unique benefits: 

1. Temperatures in southern Europe are still mild.
2. Out of season, you can visit cultural sites without the summer crowds.
3. Hotel rates are more affordable than in summer.
4. Autumn sunsets – by the sea or inland – are breathtaking.
5. The trees are ablaze with red, copper and gold, transforming landscapes into a photographer’s paradise.
6. It’s easier to visit a quality restaurant without booking weeks in advance. 

On budget holidays in October, enjoy mild weather and golden light on France’s sun-drenched plateaus, coastlines and mountainous regions. Whether you’re planning a family break or a romantic getaway, France in autumn is decked out in her finest colours.

Breathe in the fresh sea on the terrace of an affordable hotel in Morbihan, book a sea trip or turn your attention inland in budget holidays in October. Visiting Brittany in autumn is the perfect way to unwind on coastal hikes, bike rides along the Vélodyssée cycleway or cruises across the Gulf of Morbihan. Temperatures stick around a pleasant 15°C during the day – and if the weather does turn, mysterious Brocéliande Forest and the prehistoric standing stones at Carnac take on a whole new dimension when shrouded in mist. Day trips like that also give you good reason to tuck into Brittany’s delicious buckwheat galettes and golden crêpes!

Visiting Provence on budget holidays in October has a special charm. It’s a wonderful time to follow the region’s cycle paths and hiking trails through tranquil scenery, to discover Marseille’s calanque coves (the Med is still warm enough for swimming), the landmark Sainte-Victoire massif or Alpilles Natural Regional Park, all in your own good time. 

Regional produce is honoured at unforgettable village festivals like that in Ollioules, where the olive tree takes centre stage, while chestnuts are sold at markets in the Luberon, Var and Alpes-Maritimes, and the end of the grape harvest sees events take place across Provence. 

What better place than the Côte-d’Or to enjoy the golden-hour light beloved of photographers? Burgundy is the kingdom of slow travel, and October often brings an Indian summer with a riot of vibrant colours in sun-drenched landscapes. Lace up your walking boots to tackle the most beautiful hikes in the Morvan, take a hot-air balloon ride over the hills or embark on a boat trip along the Loire – no two moments are the same. 

And don’t forget the Côte Chalonnaise and its acres of exceptional vineyards. Thanks to the numerous ibis hotels in Burgundy, organising an affordable road trip through this magnificent region could not be easier.

The forests wear their autumnal colours, and sunshine chases away clouds clinging to the Auvergne massif to reveal clear autumn air. Take the cable car to the peak of Puy de Sancy, and you’ll be rewarded with Auvergne spread out below – you may even see a chamois perched on the mountainside. Romanesque castles and churches crowd centuries-old villages like Murol, Orcival and Saint-Nectaire – now quiet after the summer rush – and mountain restaurants have swapped salads for comforting regional fare such as truffade potato pancakes and potée pork stew.
 

The spectacular Chaudefour Valley offers easy walking for families with young kids, and you can teach them all about volcanoes at Vulcania, the interactive theme park dedicated to the unique geology of the region. Save money on your budget-friendly travels by staying in affordable Auvergne hotels.

When October arrives, gloomy weather is the norm in some parts of France – but it’s not like that in Europe! Many destinations defy the clouds and fading daylight, so why not travel to the following budget-friendly destinations and extend your summer with cheap getaways in October? It’s easy, thanks to good train links and low-cost airlines!

October is one of the best months for visiting Andalusia on cheap holidays. The temperatures hover around 20°C, ideal for discovering Seville on foot. Explore the Royal Alcázar palace at leisure, linger on a flower-filled patio in Santa Cruz or browse for handmade ceramics in the Triana district – all without the crowds! And then at sunset, spoil yourself with a cruise down the River Guadalquivir. 

Dodging the summer hordes also means less queuing time, so you can add more places – perhaps the Palace of the Countess of Lebrija or the Royal Shipyards (a Game of Thrones location) – to your sightseeing schedule. And as the weather is still mild, you can use the rooftop pool at ibis Styles Sevilla City Santa Justa, close to the charming Casco Antiguo (Old Town). 

Rome in October is a revelation, as summer lingers on but the crowds are gone; in fact, it’s so quiet you’ll hear your footsteps echoing on the cobbles. There’s no queue for a gelato at famed ice-cream parlour Frigidarium, and you can soak up the autumn sunshine on Piazza Navona bar terraces.
 

The Eternal City has a myriad of wonderful sights: the Colosseum, Pantheon, Borghese Gardens, Vatican City, the Forum ... so you can immerse yourselves in history whether you’re on a romantic break or away with the kids. For budget holidays in October, snap up affordable rooms at ibis hotels in Rome.

With up to seven hours of sunshine per day but without the soaring heat of summer, everybody agrees: Athens is one of the best affordable places to visit in October. Dive down narrow alleys in colourful neighbourhoods like Plaka or Koukaki, and then treat yourself to panoramic views of the Parthenon from rooftop bars around Monastiraki Square – at sunset, the Acropolis is simply breathtaking. 

The Athens Riviera is less than 30 minutes away by tram; there you can take a last dip in the sea before winter arrives. North of the city, hike or cycle mountain trails around Mount Parnitha in warm weather, and make the most of autumn in Greece to visit the vineyards of Attica. 

Back in the city, the rustic koutoukia (tavernas) retain the taste of summer with aubergine, grilled feta with honey and shared mezze on their menus. And after all your adventures, recharge your batteries in the trendy ibis Styles Athens Route, a wallet-friendly 4-star hotel in central Athens.

For the best places to travel in October on a budget, Barcelona and her wallet-friendly hotels never disappoint. Served by low-cost airlines, the city is also easily accessed by road and train from the south of France. In October, temperatures in Barcelona still exceed 20°C, so dig out shorts and floral dresses to stroll through the city and soak up its vibrant atmosphere. 
 

Plan your visit for the start of the month, when the Festa del Roser sees Las Ramblas decked out in flowers and filled with music. At the end of October, the open-air museum Poble Espanyol is transformed into a family-friendly Halloween village. Prefer to laze on a beach? The water is still warm enough for a swim.

Need a change of scenery but on a tight budget? With 350 days of sunshine a year, Morocco is one of the most affordable places to travel in October. It takes less than four hours to reach Marrakech from London airports, and once there, the weather is summery by day and pleasantly cool in the evening. You can explore the medina at your own pace, undisturbed by summer crowds and without the excessive heat of summer.

Autumn soon turns to winter. Before you know it, the leaves fall, frost covers the landscape and snow settles on the peaks. When you’re looking to escape the cold or for a Christmas city break, find out about budget winter holidays.