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Recommendations for Mediterranean or beyond

Posted by on

Greetings!
I am currently travelling with my family (wife and kids ages 10, 8, and 5) in France by car. We have until early December before returning to North America. We are interested in experiencing some great (i.e. beautiful, uncrowded, affordable) places of the Mediterranean (or possibly the Adriatic, Ionic, or Aegean) coast or islands. From where we are (Toulouse, France), Spanish or Italian coasts seem easiest, but we would consider going as far as Eastern Italy or maybe Greece, if worthwhile and practical (with our car). If we could find the right place (and a nice place to rent), we would stay there for 2-3 weeks. If not, just keep moving through.

We are interested in smaller coastal towns and being able to swim during October and November (we are hardy souls that can handle colder water and air temps); snorkeling from shore would be great also.

If you have any suggestions or ideas for ways to get good information, we would really appreciate hearing them.

Many thanks and happy trails!

Posted by
2779 posts

Definitely Santander, San Sebastian (in Spain) - actually the entire Northern coast of Spain is one hidden gem.

Posted by
9110 posts

There's not much in the way of good snorkeling on the north coast of Spain. Plus, I grew up in the area and we had blue lips in the summer -- it's going to take at least a 2/1 suit that late in the year. Other than that, Andreas is right - - except that you're starting to get into drizzle season.

How about Tunisia? There's cheap direct flights from Toulouse, it's affordable as hell, has good beaches, etc. The only crowds will be a bunch of British tourists, but they're mildly tolerable. Any of the little coastal towns from Bizerte around to Monastir (maybe the best of the lot) would work fine.
Ditch the car, rent another one there, get a new one when you get back. If you're renting, you need to change cars every twenty-five to forty days, anyway, since that's as long as the credit card insurance will run continuously.

Posted by
1022 posts

The French coast from Collioure (picturesque) to the Camargue has good sandy beaches. Snorkeling in the Calanques between Marseilles and Cassis (also picturesque).

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