There’s a good chance of autumn sun in Andalucia, where Spain at Heart has holidays available over half-term, including a week from October 19 at Villa Espana on the Costa de la Luz, much favoured by Sevillianos. The villa, which sleeps up to six, has a private pool and is just a few minutes’ walk from Roche, where Atlantic surf breaks on sandy beaches.
If you want history, the orange-tree-lined streets of Seville are only a couple of hours away across a landscape strewn with olive trees and punctuated with white towns and black fighting bulls. Or explore the fishing villages nearby. Whichever you choose, take something warm to wear in the evening but leave room in your luggage to bring back some of the local brightly coloured, handmade pottery, and maybe some sherry from Jerez. The cost of pound;385 per person (based on four sharing) includes return flights from Gatwick to Malaga with British Airways and a group B hire car (such as a Nissan Micra). Spain at Heart has other holidays departing on October 19 and 26. Tel: 01873 814222; www.spainatheart.co.uk. Or see www.andalucia.com for information on the region.