I'm helping my 26 year old daughter and her boyfriend plan a 3 week trip to Great Britain next year followed by a week of sun and fun someplace farther South. I know there are inexpensive flights from London to many places in France, Spain and Italy but I'm looking for suggestions for favorite places to just relax in the sun for 5-7 days. They plan to just stay put for that time with possible day trips (or not). They are a very active, social couple. Can you suggest someplace warm and fun? Thanks, Jenny
Posted by
7881 posts
I have visited nearly all of Europe and you have a lot of choices. I donut know what month your will be going south?
Greece is my favorite warm weather place with beaches in Europe. The Greek islands are great, but your airfare may be more getting to Greece.
The South of France is beautiful, but in my opinion, the beaches are not that special. Still, there is lots to see in Provence. Some of the old towns away from the Med are just amazing, like St. Paul de Venice. Nice and Monace, as well as other such places will tend to be expensive.
The Amalfi Coast near Naples (as is Capri and Sorrento) are beautiful, but again, the beaches themselves are just ok.
Spain has much to offer, but I just love Portugal. Also, Portugal is cheaper. Many people like Majorca for its beaches.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
If budget is a concern, avoid Italy and the south of France. A week will give more accommodation options rather than 5 days.
When will this be?
I too would recommend Portugal - great value and good beaches and restaurants. Lagos on the Algarve is a possibility.
The one thing I don't like about Spain is the eating hours - lunch at 3pm and dinner at 11pm! Plus many of the resorts are more built up.
Greece can be very hot in July and August, so the Ionian islands such as Corfu or Lefkas where there is a breeze would suit.
Posted by
OP
Orcas Island, WA
116 posts
Thank you for your suggestions! Portugal was my first thought, too. I think they plan to travel in August/September for the best weather in GB. If they insist on France (against my advice), what would your suggestions be for a home base? Jenny
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Do they like lonely beaches all to themselves? I loved the Costa de la Luz in Southern Spain (essentially the south tip at Tarifa to the Portuguese border). There are miles and miles of nearly deserted soft sand beaches with barely enough services to provide lodging and food.
If the goal is more of the party beach scene, they'll want to go someplace like Greece or Ibiza.