On Spain's "Gold Coast" it is not a golden autumn. October is painted in green and blue hues, the skirts of beauties circling in the rhythm of flamenco flicker with bright spots, and the sky now and then lights up with colourful flashes of fireworks. And if in other European countries at this time the autumn rainy season begins, summer is still going on in Spain.
If you are still deciding whether to come to Costa Dorada in mid-autumn and if is Costa Dorada warm in October, the answer is Yes! And Kidpassage, in its article, will tell you more about the pros and cons of travelling at this time. Despite the slight vagaries of the weather, October is a great time to visit this Spanish resort.
Photo: pixabay.com
Holidays in Costa Dorada in October: pros and cons
Tourists leave only positive reviews about holidays in Costa Dorada in October on the Internet. However, impressions from visiting the resort can not be different because it is tough to highlight any disadvantages of holidays in this period. But the advantages, on the contrary, are quite a lot; let's name only the main benefits:
- Weather. In mid-autumn, it is still warm and sunny. Compared to September, the temperature drops by an average of only 5 degrees. It is especially warm in the first half of the month.
- Sea. The water is already invigorating but still suitable for swimming. However, the first decade of October is more suitable for family holidays, as the sea temperature becomes lower towards the end of the month.
- Seasonal fruit and vegetables. Local fertile land pleases visitors with a rich harvest. Courgettes and broccoli, citrus and figs are healthy products for every taste.
- Low crowds. The high tourist season is over, students and schoolchildren have already returned home, so the "Golden Coast" has become much more spacious.
- Reduced prices. Together with temperature marks lower prices for holidays. Tourists have a chance to relax not only comfortably but also budget.
- The opportunity to visit water parks and entertainment centres (particularly the legendary "PortAventura" in Salou) which stop working in November.
However, holidays in Costa Dorada in October have some disadvantages. The weather sometimes brings surprises in the form of clouds and rain. And it happens abruptly — half an hour ago, the sun was shining in the sky, and now it is cloudy and grey. However, it should be noted that it does not happen very often.
Another disadvantage is the temperature of the sea water. In the middle of autumn, the beach season comes to the end. At the beginning of October, the water is still warm, but at the end of the month, it is not very comfortable to swim.
Weather in Costa Dorada in October
Despite the relatively high temperatures, it is clear that summer is behind us. The weather in Costa Dorada in October and November is less stable than it used to be. Sometimes there are drizzles and more cloudy days.
The weather in early October creates the best conditions for holidays because, in this period, the thermometer reaches the highest points of the month. The rays of the October sun give tourists a beautiful bronze tan but remember to use a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor).
The temperature in Costa Dorada in mid-October gradually decreases, but generally, it favours long walks in the fresh air. This time is perfect for sightseeing holidays, as the daylight hours are 10.5-11.8 hours long, and rain is rare.
The weather in Costa Dorada at the end of October is inconsistent and unpredictable. For those who have purchased a tour for the last decade of the month, taking an umbrella with you is recommended.
October is ideal for those who can't stand the intense heat and are comfortable with the refreshing sea water. Although the thermometer drops by several points, in mid-autumn, tourists still have access to beach holidays, while excursions become more comfortable compared to the summer period.
Air and water temperature
The Golden Coast's Mediterranean climate has made it an ideal holiday destination. It's warm here in winter; what can we say about the off-season, and even more so the summer period?
Source: https://kidpassage.com/en/publications/costa-dorada-in-october
Air temperature in Costa Dorada in October
The average daily temperature in Costa Dorada in October is +23.6 °C. At night, the thermometer drops to +17.7 °C. It is fresh here in the evenings, so be sure to put warm clothes in your luggage.
Sea water temperature in Costa Daurada in October
Towards the end of the month, far fewer swimmers are in the sea. But the sea is comfortable in the first decade of October. It's a particularly good time of year to swim, with water temperatures around +20°С.
Precipitation
In mid-autumn, the Spanish lands are sometimes watered by rain, but it is short-lived and not abundant. Nasty weather only stays here for a short time. For the whole month, only three rainy days are expected, which brings 32.3 mm of precipitation.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
The number of sunny days in October is 69% (22 days). Cloudy days are 22% of the time in the resorts of this coast, and the share of overcast days is 9%.
Beach holidays
Photo: pixabay.com
Although the Balearic Sea has already cooled down a bit, and swimming in it is invigorating, many vacationers are still on the local beaches. Even those who do not like to swim in the sea come here to soak up the sun on a sun lounger. Every resort town has comfortable beaches; many even awarded the Blue Flag for excellent conditions and good environment.
Cunit, Tarragona
The beach area is 2 kilometres long and comprises seven mini beaches separated by breakwaters. It is shallow, so Cunit is suitable for holidays with children. The beach has a well-developed infrastructure; sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, and changing rooms are available for rent. Young people loved this place for its numerous entertainments, such as catamaran rides, water sports, etc.
Playa Larga, Salou
The most famous city of the Costa Dorada — Salou — has many good beaches, including Playa Larga. The territory is located in the resort's centre and surrounded by a pine forest. The sandy beach is well suited for family holidays:
- It is well equipped.
- There are various entertainments (catamarans, water skiing, etc.).
- The water in the sea is clean and transparent.
- Additional pros are a beautiful landscape and clean air with the smell of pine trees.
Playa de Vilafortuny, Cambrils
This is another excellent place for a family vacation. A clean coastline, a gentle entrance to the water, a playground — what else do kids need? The infrastructure of Playa de Vilafortuny is well developed; for the convenience of visitors, showers, changing rooms and toilets are installed here, as well as rentals of umbrellas and sunbeds.
In every resort of the Costa Dorada, you will find landscaped beaches and areas for "wild" holidays. In October, the coast is not crowded but not deserted. Visitors enjoy swimming in the sea and sunbathing, admiring the beauty of the sea, basking in the sun and breathing clean, fresh air.
Tours, excursions and things to do in October
When else to see the local sights than during the warm off-season? Summer is too hot for walking, it often rains in winter, but spring and autumn are the ideal time for excursions. The Gold Coast has parks, museums, entertainment centres, historical monuments and much more.
"PortAventura"
Photo: portaventuraworld.com
The PortAventura amusement park in Salou is one of the largest in Europe. Coming to Costa Dorada without visiting this place would be a big omission. October is the final month of the park's daily operation, and from November, it is open only on weekends. Visitors enjoy unique shows and get an adrenaline boost on the high-speed rides and slides.
Gaudí Centre Reus
One of the most famous attractions of the Costa Dorada is the Gaudi Centre in Reus. You can visit it at the end of October on one of the cloudy days. The centre is a multimedia museum where everything is state-of-the-art. The museum also has a mirrored cinema where visitors are shown a film about the legendary architect.
Amphitheatre of Tarragona
The amphitheatre of Tarragona is of great historical importance. Gladiatorial fights were held in the arena, and later — public executions, shows, and theatrical performances were held on holidays. The amphitheatre can accommodate about 15 thousand spectators; it is almost on the seashore, with an impressive view from the balcony. Now there is a museum exposition.
Tourists with children also have something to see in Costa Dorada. The most popular places for family holidays can be named:
- Karting in Salou
- Jungle Trek rope park (Tarragona)
- Aquapolis water park (La Pineda), which is only open at the beginning of the month;
- Nature reserve in the Ebro Delta
Holidays, events, festivals
Spain is a country of continuous fiesta. It seems that the local population is ready to have fun all day long. Holidays in Costa Dorada in October only complete the picture of a perfect holiday.
On October 1, the International Festival of Barcelona begins, which lasts a whole month. The annual music event kicks off numerous jazz festivals in Spain until December.
On October 12, the country celebrates two holidays: Hispanidad, the National Day of Spain, and the Day of the Holy Virgin Pilar. Religious Spaniards of the older generation honour and respect the Day of the Holy Virgin of Pilar, as it is one of the main holidays of the country's Catholic community.
Hispanidad is considered the day of national culture and civilization, celebrated in every state corner. October 12 is an official holiday, so many government agencies and shops are closed.
Oktoberfest takes place in Barcelona from 12 to 23 October. The beer festival is based on German traditions. A lot of beer, a variety of beer snacks, live music, rides and other entertainment are the main components of the festival.
Cost of vacation
Photo: portaventuraworld.com
One of the advantages of visiting the Gold Coast in the second month of autumn is the opportunity to save money. Mid-autumn is far from the high tourist season, so the prices in the Costa Daurada in October delight visitors.
Package Tours
In October, tour operators usually reduce prices for their services by 10-15% compared to the September cost. On the contrary, there is a slight increase in prices in November.
Airfares
With each successive autumn month, airfares are decreasing. In mid-autumn, travellers pay 10% less than a month earlier.
Accommodation
October is a favourable month in terms of accommodation in local hotels. In September, prices are 10-15% higher than in October. The average room rate drops by another 5-10% in November. Thus, tourists pay an average of 84 euros per night in the first month of autumn, in the second — 75-80 euros, and in the third — 76 euros.
Food and Transport
Photo: pixabay.com
The pleasure of the national Spanish cuisine will be another addition to the treasury of pleasant memories. A full meal at a local cafe costs 12–15 euros. Better to order the menu del dia (business lunch), which includes the first course, second course, drink and dessert. A similar business lunch cafe offers from 12:00 to 16:00. Lunch in a restaurant will cost a little more; the same lunch costs approximately 15–25 euros. The price depends on the class of the restaurant, and its location also plays an important role.
Buses are running along the Costa Dorada, and getting from one resort to another is easy. A ticket for a city bus costs 1.2 euros, an intercity bus 2.5 euros (the final cost depends on the distance), and a tourist train 3-4 euros. You can also use taxi services on the "Gold Coast" (boarding fare is 3.5 euros, and each kilometre is 1.5 euros).
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What clothes to pack for Сosta Dorada in October?
Like it or not, autumn also comes to Spain despite the Mediterranean climate. Summer clothes alone are no longer enough here, since in the evenings it is cool and fresh in the coastal resorts. Take a bigger suitcase, because you will have to carry not only T-shirts and shorts for daytime walks, a swimsuit and a hat for the beach but also sweaters, jeans and windbreakers for the evening. Don't forget about shoes. It should be of two types: sandals, in which you will walk along the sandy coast, and sneakers or moccasins, which you will wear on an excursion or a walk around the city.
Tips for travelling with children
The beginning of the month is more suitable for family holidays, as the Balearic Sea is still warm. In addition, in the first decade of October, the thermometer shows the highest temperatures typical for this period.
In general, the middle of autumn is not the wrong time to come to Costa Dorada with children: rain is rare, the weather is conducive to spending time on the beaches and sightseeing, the streets are not crowded, and "PortAventura" still receives visitors.
You can also visit nearby Barcelona, one of Spain's most famous cities. You can read more about visiting it in Kidpassage's article "Barcelona in October".
A variety of holidays and many positive emotions from visiting Costa Dorada is guaranteed to tourists because Spain is beautiful at any time of the year. It is impossible not to fall in love with the infectious fun of locals, wonderful nature and architecture.
