Half-term is also a good time to explore the quieter side of popular destinations such as southern Spain. The weather in Andalucia can still be warm, and it’s easier to appreciate sights such as Granada’s Alhambra out of the glare of the August sun.
Or you can explore the gateway city of Malaga, often ignored in the dash for the beach. The birthplace of Picasso is now a museum, Casa Museo Pablo Ruiz Picasso, at Plaza de la Merced 15, containing 3,500 works by the master of modern art and his contemporaries.
Andalucia specialist Spain at Heart is offering TES readers a free guidebook with each holiday booking from its choice of accommodation in the south of Spain, which includes traditional country houses, intimate hotels, city apartments and villas on the coast. Holidays available during October half-term include a week at La Finca Del Ni$o near Benajarafe, 30 minutes east of Malaga, close to beaches, restaurants and supermarkets.
Prices start from pound;440 per person based on four sharing, and include return charter flights from Gatwick to Malaga departing on October 25, car hire and accommodation. Prices from Manchester start at pound;390 per person.
Details: 01373 814222; www.spainatheart.co.uk. More information: www.tourspain.es; www.andalucia.orgTravel pages are edited by Renata Rubnikowicz