Spanish autumn is amazing. The combination of bright sunshine and sea air gives autumn leaves a shade so vivid that something like this can only be seen in the colourful paintings of famous artists. Pure sea surface and exquisite beaches multiply this beauty, making you forget about the hustle and bustle. One way or another, in autumn, everything freezes, and time seems to stop.
Thundering rain knocks down white olives in an old grove. Fragrant oil is pressed from the last fruits in the villages. Olives and mushrooms are the main delicacies of the season.
Kidpassage in this article will pay attention to a beach holiday in October. Is it worth going there with the children? Is it too cold to swim in October?
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Holidays on the Costa Brava in October: pros and cons
The Costa Brava in October has deserted beaches and mountain trails, already in anticipation of the ski season. Unpredictable and somewhat capricious autumn weather reduces the destination's attractiveness for many travellers. Such large cities as Barcelona and Madrid “pull off” excursion flows, and the Port Aventura amusement park attracts families with children.
The advantages of relaxing on the coast are of great importance for those who love solitude, silence and hiking:
- off-season low prices for air travel and accommodation;
- no stuffiness;
- the best time for sightseeing and outdoor activities;
- beach holidays are still possible;
- calm, cosy atmosphere.
Cons of rest limit primarily beach opportunities:
- many entertainment centres are closed;
- museums cut opening hours;
- the weather gets worse;
- the sea is rather cool;
- beach season closing in the middle of the month.
Reviews of holidays on Spain's stunning Costa Brava in October are contradictory regarding weather conditions. But as for the quality of rest, in this regard, tourists give high praise.
Costa Brava Weather in October
Worsening weather conditions characterise the weather on the coast in October. The Mediterranean autumn brings the long-awaited rains which have a refreshing effect on nature but, alas, reduce the pleasant days for tourists. November already receives so much rain that it becomes one of the year's wettest months.
From year to year, October begins in different ways: with slightly cloudy dry days or continuous cloudiness and daytime or nighttime rain.
For the most part, the weather in early October is very pleasant without being hot. Temperatures on the Costa Brava in mid-October are relatively stable, but you can no longer expect the warmth to return after a cold spell. The warm southerly wind blows less and less frequently. The air generally does not get warmer than +22 °C.
In late October, the weather in Costa Brava is noticeably cooler. Chilly days often turn into chilly nights. The wind drops completely, then blows gently from the north.
Air and Water temperature
The temperature on Costa Brava in October is, on average, 3-4 degrees lower than in September. The mild climate keeps the indicators from sudden changes and the arrival of chilling air. Compared to the countries of Northern Europe, the autumn here is clear, quiet and surprisingly bright.
Air temperature on Costa Brava in october
During the day, the average air temperature is set at a pleasant +21.9 °C, and at night it cools down to +16.5 °C. The extreme limits that weather forecasters recorded over an extended observation period are +27 ° C and +5 ° C for day and night, respectively.
Sea Water Temperature in Costa Brava in October
If in September you can swim, then in October, the sea is unlikely to please with a comfortable temperature. The Balearic Sea in October has an average water temperature of +19.4 °C. The first decade of the month is warmer and, if the weather is good, swimming may be possible.
Amount of precipitation
The rainy season in October on the coast means that 49.8 mm of precipitation will result in 3 to 9 rainy days. However, this does not spoil the local peaceful atmosphere.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Sunny days are getting shorter: out of 10.4–11.7 daytime hours, the sun shines clearly for an average of 8 hours. Clouds do not cover or partially cover the sky for 21 days. Overcast is typical for 8.8 days.
Outdoor activities
Photo: gnomo-park.com
In early October, almost all the water parks of the Costa Brava are already closed, but on weekends and holidays in the pine forest on the road from Lloret de Mar to Blanes, the Gnomo Park is still open. You can practice playing mini-golf, bowling, billiards, and much more on the extensive grounds.
In the Pyrenees, descents are still carried out at different speeds along mountain rivers. Rafting is available for children from 6 years old only during the summer months; at other times, the minimum age of participation is 12 years old. Instructors send those who wish to scuba dive from the shores of the beaches.
Snorkelling in the Medes Islands area is swimming in a natural aquarium, which has become over ten years of protected status.
In a privileged area in a part of the national park on Empuriabrava beach, windsurfing lessons are available for children aged 6-14. The sailing club provides all the necessary equipment to ensure learning occurs in the best conditions.
The end of October only sees the increasing popularity of various land-based activities. For example, fans of Nordic walking gather anywhere along the coast for an hour and a half of practice in this activity. Children from the age of 8 also take part.
You can enjoy pony and horse riding in Palamos. A horseback ride in Begur offers beautiful views of the Medes Islands, Montgri Castle, Begur Castle, all the villages in the area and, of course, the sea.
Tour Holidays in Costa Brava
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In terms of the density of cultural objects per square kilometre, Catalonia has no equal. The path of any traveller necessarily runs past an architectural monument, a museum, or through the territory of a national park.
The ancient castles of San Juan, San Ferran, Montgri, Holy Trinity, Bufalaranha, Vila Velha, Roses, the Moors tower, the chapels of St. Barbara and St. Cristina, the ruins of Emporion and the villa Els Ametlers, the palaces of the Viscounts De Cabrera and Mirador, a Gothic fountain San Juan, the Creu d'en Cobertella dolmen, the monasteries of Sant Pere de Rodes, Saint Anna, the modernist cemetery and the churches have fascinating histories. Against their background and from the observation platforms, excellent panoramic photos are obtained.
The towns of Girona, Besalu, Pals, Peralada, Cadaqués and others are also worth a visit. These are interesting and impressive open-air museums.
Classical museums are very numerous and original. Three of them are devoted to toys, and two more — to magic and illusions. The interiors of museums associated with the name Salvador Dali will successfully replace any classical exhibits.
Animals that are difficult to see in their usual habitat or that are not found in the province of Girona, the scientists placed in the reserves of Aiguamois, Mollo, Alberian Tortoise Reproduction Center, Tropical Garden and Butterfly Center, and Bird Park.
The sea and maritime activities, which still play a crucial role in the life of the locals, are also devoted to dozens of museums and exhibitions.
Beach Holidays
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In October, it is preferable to choose cities that are closest to the south. For example, the family resort of Blanes is one of the most beautiful towns on the coast. Although the thermometer in this region is only one or two degrees higher, this is significant for the autumn season.
Here is the longest beach on the Wild Coast — S'Abanel. You can appreciate it while walking along the long promenade. Behind him, behind the rock of Sa Palomera, there is another popular place — Playa de Blanes. The equipped beach of Sant Francesc is golden sands and calm waters. It is so pleasant that it has been given the name "Cala Bona", which means "sweet cove".
2 km from it you can take a walk in the botanical garden "Marimurtra". The 81 steps of Epicurus are the pride of designers.
Europe's most important collection of rare plants is open to the public all year round.
Closer to winter, scarlet, cacti, and euphorbia reach the peak of their magnificence.
You can easily reach the resort of Lloret de Mar with a little drive. The small, smooth pebbles on the main beach keep vacationers clean. This property and the beautiful promenade overlooking the cliffs and the castle give the place exceptional value. Deep waters and uncomfortable descents require caution when swimming with children. Fenals Beach is preferable for this purpose.
For beautiful views, you should also go to Roses. Almadrava Beach, with its fine golden sand and cosy atmosphere, is the most beautiful on the coast. Its bay reliably protects vacationers from the winds. The reserve "Cape Creus" adjoins the beach.
La Perola Beach is considered one of the best places, where soft sand, calm sea and grooming justify the title and the Blue Flag award.
In mid-October, the beach season ends until next year: rescue services and the rest of the service go on an extended vacation.
Holidays, events and festivals
Holidays on the Costa Brava in October are not too numerous but sincere and meaningful.
On October 12, the country celebrates its National Day, when Spain discovered America. The main events take place in Madrid. On an official holiday, many museums open for free admission.
The horse fair known as the Tria de Mulats is held in Espinavell every year on 13 October, the day of Sant Eduard. This is a horse fair that begins with the natural and hands-on herding of horses down to the plains of Espinavell where the fair takes place.
During the first and second week of October, at La Carbonera in Forallac, a fire is built in a coal heap maintained continuously for many days. Groups of people settle around the fire and spend the night this way. This is a tribute to the hard work that the inhabitants have done in mining the coal.
The last week of the month sees the start of the Saint Narcis fair in Girona. The colourful annual fiesta with fireworks, carnival and processions of wooden figures has been stirring the city for 30 years.These celebrations honour Sant Narcís, patron of the city, represented surrounded by flies.
In honor of the flies that saved Girona, the manufacturers even released original "fly gifts".
In terms of scope, the festival is one of the three main events of the city. And, of course, in anticipation of Halloween, various establishments decorate their interiors with pumpkins, skeletons, etc.
Cost of vacation
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Package Tours
The cost of tours shows a trend towards a reduction in price of up to 20% compared to September. Another 15% price drop in November if the choice fell on an extended vacation. It is difficult to find a suitable tour for short holidays.
Accommodation
The reduction in accommodation prices since September is practically not noticeable: the savings are only a few per cent. In the last days of the month, holidays get cheaper: hotels place offers in a low price range.
Flight Cost
The average price per ticket in September and October is virtually the same. Compared to August, the drop is tangible at 25%, falling short of the 15% annual average. In November, the number of flights decreased, and prices rise again.
Food and Transport
At a local restaurant, fish dishes cost approximately €15-€20, gazpacho €10, and salads €7-€10. A set lunch in beach towns costs around €15. A single trip by public transport varies from €1,2 to €4,5.
A taxi will cost you a minimum of €10 for a short journey. Up to €2.5 is the amount per kilometre charged by cheque. Entrance to castles and museums is usually charged at €8 to €12.
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Tips for travelling with kids
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This period for a holiday with children should be evaluated based on preferences: what is more important — to extend the summer in a hot country or follow an exciting route through a land rich in sights? If culture is a value, then a Spanish holiday is the best way to do it. During the short autumn holidays, schoolchildren have the opportunity to enrich their knowledge and broaden their horizons.
Leisure clothing includes bathing suits as well as jackets and coats. Minor children under six will likely be bored: there are not many entertainments in October for them. Teenagers can participate in children's sports weeks at hotels and excursions to the local museums and parks.
October is the best time for active families who can easily change their plans depending on the weather. The resort becomes very affordable; prices are far from high season levels. Swapping beach holidays for sightseeing and vice versa is just one of the things that can help make autumn holidays varied and exciting. Feel free to choose the Costa Brava in October; good travel planning will bring you a lot of pleasure.
