Booking an October Holiday
October is a great time for a holiday and also coincides with school holidays in many countries. Throughout Europe, summer is coming to an end and the nights are drawing in – meanwhile on the other side of the globe, spring is just arriving... Whether you are looking forward to cooler temperatures or hoping for some late summer sun, Halalbooking has a fantastic range of destinations, which we think are just perfect for a halal-friendly holiday in October.
Choose from cities with fascinating Islamic culture to explore, halal-friendly beach resorts where you can soak up the sun on a ladies-only beach, and private villas, which are ideal for families, where you can swim in your very own completely private pool.
Top 12 halal-friendly destinations to visit in October
- Alanya, Türkiye
- Andalusia, Spain
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kyrenia, North Cyprus
- Scotland, UK
- Dubai, UAE
- Agadir, Morocco
- Mauritius, East Africa
- Istanbul, Türkiye
- Cornwall, UK
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Malaysia, Southeast Asia
1.ALANYA, TÜRKIYE
The Turkish beach resort of Alanya is the world capital of halal-friendly beach hotels. You can take your pick of resort hotels offering family-friendly fun or romantic relaxation, depending on your travelling companions. Make the most of the renowned Turkish hospitality with an all-inclusive option. Prices are lower in October, but the season is far from over as you can enjoy sunbathing and swimming on family, women-only or men-only beaches, with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day, average high temperatures of 25°C and matching sea temperatures.
Don’t forget to explore the Antalya region’s beautiful mountain scenery with its spectacular waterfalls, and enjoy the views from Alanya castle, surveying both bays.
Discover more about Alanya in our dedicated blog article “Top 10 reasons to holiday in Alanya”.
Adenya Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐📍 Alanya
A luxurious and very halal-friendly 5-star resort set on a peninsula with 3 outstanding private sandy beaches: ladies-only, men-only and families. Its top-rated ladies-only amenities include a splendid spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and the first-class beach with its impressive iconic sails.
2. ANDALUSIA, SPAIN
If you’re interested in exploring Spain’s rich Islamic heritage then you would be well advised to skip the summer heat and aim instead for a relaxed visit in October. It is one of the best times to travel around and explore Spain’s historic sites. Over 700 years of Moorish rule have left behind stunning monuments displaying beautiful Islamic architecture. Visit the imposing Alhambra, the 13th century fortress which sits high in the hills above Granada, which was once home to Spain’s Islamic rulers. Don’t miss the Great Mosque of Cordoba, known locally as the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, which is one of the best known monuments dating from Spain’s Al-Andalus period.
Discover more about Andalusia in our dedicated blog article “Road trips with Halalbooking: Discover the Umayyad Heritage of Andalusia”.
Alanda Hotel Marbella ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Marbella
Alcohol-free and halal food-certified - the ideal base to explore Andalusia’s Islamic heritage. It offers a warm welcome and is conveniently situated close to the beach and the mosque.
3. SARAJEVO, BOSNIA
October is the ideal time for a city break and the perfect excuse for discovering a hidden gem in the heart of Europe. Bosnia is emerging from its war-torn past as a vibrant country. October is warm enough to enjoy the sights of Sarajevo with its Ottoman mosques and bustling bazaar, as well as to explore the surrounding countryside with its rolling green hills and attractive villages. Delicious halal food is on offer wherever you visit.
Discover more about Bosnia in our dedicated blog article “Bosnia and Herzegovina - hidden gem of the Balkans”.
Pino Nature Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Sarajevo
A breath-taking setting, amidst pristine mountain scenery yet within easy reach of Old Sarajevo. An idyllic alcohol-free and halal-certified retreat with a spa, its indoor pool is open to women-only at set times, it serves only halal food and is ideal for families.
4. KYRENIA, NORTH CYPRUS
October is the perfect time to visit Kyrenia in North Cyprus. The blazing heat of July and August has passed but it’s still plenty warm enough to swim in the sea and soak up the sun. Visit the island’s historic sites – Crusader castles, Persian palaces and Greco-Roman cities – and take a trip to the remote Karpaz peninsula where you will find miles of golden sand without a sun bed in sight. One of the joys of visiting the north of the island is that the Turkish Cypriot cuisine is virtually all halal. Make sure you taste the delicious șeftali kebabs and the grilled hellim or halloumi cheese.
Stay in a halal-friendly villa with a fully-secluded private pool, so that you and your family can swim and sunbathe in complete privacy.
Villa Alison ⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Kyrenia
A charming 3 bedroom villa with fully-secluded pool, in attractive gardens with sea and mountain views. It is in a quiet hillside village, within a short drive of Bellapais and the centre of Kyrenia.
5. SCOTLAND, UK
You may be surprised to know that the Scottish Highlands are home to a hotel, the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, which serves some of the best halal food in the UK. One of Halalbooking’s guests described it as: “one of the most unique hotel experiences we've had as Muslim travellers in the UK”. Others described the delicious halal food, including 31-day aged Scottish sirloin steak and pan-fried halal duck. October is a lovely time to admire the autumnal colours in the surrounding Perthshire Highlands. Enjoy walking or cycling around the beautiful Loch Rannoch, enjoying the breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.
Discover more about Scotland in our dedicated blog article “Visit Scotland – Historic Cities & Highlands”.
Dunalastair Hotel Suites ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Kinloch Rannoch
Located on the edge of Loch Rannoch and the 'Schiehallion' mountain, ideal for relaxing stays or exploring the best of the Scottish Highlands. Offering award winning 5 star service and serving some halal food.
6. DUBAI, UAE
The summer months are the time when everyone in Dubai stays indoors, it’s simply not possible to survive without air conditioning. In October, however, you can almost feel the city coming back to life. People start to emerge into the open air, it’s possible to swim once again and to enjoy dining al fresco. October is the month, when it even becomes possible to venture into the desert once more. All of this makes October the most civilised, and, therefore the best possible month to visit Dubai.
Discover more about Dubai in our dedicated blog article “Dubai - the Emirate where anything is possible”.
Studio M Arabian Plaza Hotel & Hotel Apartments ⭐⭐⭐
📍 Deira
A contemporary design hotel and apartments, conveniently located for the airport and metro. Set in the Arabian Plaza shopping complex, it offers good value and facilities include an outdoor pool.
7. AGADIR, MOROCCO
Agadir is another of those destinations which is best enjoyed away from the heat of summer. It’s still perfectly possible to enjoy a beach holiday in October with an average high temperature of 25°C. Its long sandy beach is overlooked by stunning mountains and it is home to a range of halal-friendly accommodation, much of which is perfect for families seeking late summer sun.
Discover more about Morocco in our dedicated blog article “The imperial and historic cities of Morocco: Fez, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat”.
Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Taghazout
This luxury hotel has attractive outdoor pools, shaded by palms, where modest swimwear is allowed. The nearby beach is reached by a shuttle service and the fully-secluded sauna and hammam are available for private hire.
8. MAURITIUS, EAST AFRICA
As European destinations are winding down, October is the month when Mauritius is emerging from the winter and enjoying spring. It’s the best time of year to visit when the weather is warming up and it is not yet rainy nor too humid. Stay in a romantic suite or villa with your own fully-secluded private pool – perfect for couples and honeymooners.
Discover more about Mauritius in our dedicated blog article “Mauritius - The sparkling jewel in the Indian Ocean”.
Marguery Villas - Conciergery & Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 La Preneuse, Black River
Luxury villas of all sizes, with their own private pools, nestled between the sea and the mountains. Enjoy the privacy of a villa combined with the services and amenities of a hotel.
9. ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE
October is the ideal time to visit Istanbul. The temperature is not too hot - perfect for sightseeing. Visit Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for many centuries, and see the impressive collection of sacred relics belonging to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Pray at some of the world’s greatest mosques, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque and Eyüp Sultan Mosque. Istanbul is not only famous for its rich history, but also for its incredibly diverse and delicious halal food, which you don’t want to miss. You will be delighted by the variety of food available!
Discover more about Istanbul in our dedicated blog article “Enjoy a unique city break in Istanbul – where Asia and Europe meet”.
Ottoman’s Life Hotel Deluxe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Istanbul
A luxury alcohol-free hotel, well located for sightseeing, with mixed and ladies-only spa and pool. It’s a short walk to the tram stop from which the sights of Old Istanbul are within easy reach.
10. CORNWALL, UK
For those who want to get away, but would prefer to stay a little closer to home, Cornwall is a great choice. Its golden sandy beaches and rugged coastline are a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. Choose from beautiful resorts such as Newquay, Falmouth, Penzance or St. Ives.
Discover more about Cornwall in our dedicated blog article “Halal-friendly holidays in Cornwall”.
Great Western Hotel ⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Newquay
A friendly hotel with stunning views of the sandy beach below, it offers halal food on advance request. It’s ideal for a beach holiday, with many Cornish attractions within an easy drive.
11. LISBON, PORTUGAL
Lisbon is a wonderful city break destination. It is compact and easy to explore on foot with beautiful architecture, a wealth of history and delicious food. Visit the beach at nearby Estoril - there should still be plenty of sunshine to welcome October visitors.
Discover more about Portugal in our dedicated blog article “Portugal - a country full of wonders!”.
Mercure Lisboa Almada ⭐⭐⭐⭐📍Lisbon
An alcohol-free hotel offering all halal food, it is situated on the relaxed south bank of the river. Lisbon is just across the bridge and in easy reach by ferry so it’s a great base for sightseeing.
12. MALAYSIA, SOUTHEAST ASIA
October is a good time to visit Malaysia. The average temperature in Kuala Lumpur is around 27°C, whereas the resorts of the west coast are a little hotter at around 29°C. Although some places, such as Langkawi, will experience relatively heavy rainfall, the south-east monsoon season is coming to an end. It’s a great place for a beach holiday in an extremely halal-friendly destination.
Ambong Pool Villas ⭐⭐⭐⭐📍Langkawi
Enjoy friendly service in these luxury villas with fully-secluded private pools nestled in the tranquil rainforest. With breath-taking sea views and only the sounds of melodious wildlife, it is ideal for a romantic escape.
