Escape the brisk UK autumn and bask in some pre-winter sun this October half-term.

Southern Europe remains a haven of warmth during this period, with regions like mainland Spain often unjustly overshadowed by its island counterparts such as the Balearics and Canaries.

Yet there’s a Spanish gem that offers beach bliss with temperatures soaring to 22C in October perfect for a half-term getaway.

Nestled south of Barcelona, the Costa Dorada is a coastal paradise featuring the vibrant resort town of Salou, the historic city of Tarragona, and the gastronomic haven of Cambrils.

Its rising popularity has not gone unnoticed, with Which? recently crowning it one of the top short-haul destinations for an October retreat, alongside Vienna and Athens, Manchester Evening News reports. 

The experts praised the region, highlighting: “As well as being blessed with 125 miles of beaches, Costa Dorada is home to the Roman town of Tarragona, which has an old town and a seaside amphitheatre. Barcelona and the Montserrat mountains are also an easy day trip if you hire a car.”

The guide continued to extol the virtues of the area, noting: “Salou has Blue Flag beaches and Spain’s biggest theme park, Port Aventura. Another popular resort is Sitges an attractive town with smart shops and chic restaurants.

“You can enjoy six hours of sunshine a day in October, while the sea is still warm enough for swimming.”

The allure of Costa Dorada lies in its affordability. Skyscanner lists flights from Manchester Airport to Reus on October 19 starting at £45 one way, with return fares on the 26th from £92 (additional charges may apply for baggage and seat selection).

Tui offers return flights from October 19 to Friday October 25 starting at £144 per person, which includes a 10kg hand luggage and an underseat bag, based on a family of four.

Jet2 provides return flights from Saturday October 19th to Saturday October 26 for a total of £882.30 for a family of four with two children aged 6 and 8, equating to £220.58 per person, inclusive of 10kg hand luggage.

Salou, the vibrant heart of Costa Dorada, boasts stunning beaches, a plethora of restaurants, and breathtaking sea views – particularly at sunset. The town’s size makes it perfect for families, but if you’re craving some city life, Barcelona is just a 90-minute train ride away.

A must-visit for families is Port Aventura World, Spain’s largest theme park. It houses six distinct adventure worlds, transporting visitors from China to the American west.

The park also features Ferrari Land, a unique attraction in Europe.