Where around the Mediterranean to spend 5-6 days?

I spent a few days in Santa Margherita last Oct. and I absolutely loved it. It definitely fits all the criteria , but I am sure it is much more crowded in the summer. I also have a favorite little beach town in France and that is St. Maxime. It is between St. Tropez and Nice on the Med. and is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a nice size town... another favorite is the beach town in the Carmague... the area of the wild white horses and the flamingos. Saintes Maries de la Mer is the town where I have spent some time. Scenery here is interesting, but the area is flat, so not as beautiful as many. Bellaggio is beautiful and would fit the bill, but another area that you might consider is Bodensee or the Lake of Constance. Beautiful area and the lake is surrounded by mountains... Austria, Germany and Switzerland. I have been there a number of times and it never fails to take my breath away. There are so many wonderful places to chose... Good luck! If interested in Lake of Constance PM me and I will try and look up the hotel we stayed in. It was very lovely and I think it had a pool.

Of the places you've mentioned, I would choose Santa Margherita. In the CT area, I would prefer Monterosso. It is easily accessible to many other towns on the region, has good food and a range of lodging options. Not many pools, but I know of one nice hotel with a pool in the newer part of town.

I haven't been there but look at Dubrovnik more. I had 2 friends do seperate cruises the past 2 years and they all loved the spot there. I had another friend this year go from Turkey to Muich with stops in between and he had nothing but good stuff about Dubrovnik, the area and their 2 day stay. I can ask him for more stuff they did during their stay.

Thanks so much, everyone! I really appreciate the replies.

Terry kathryn, may ask how you spent your days in Santa Margherita? Did you take day trips anywhere nearby? I think maybe we've eliminated the Canary Islands and I'm having second thoughts about Croatia. It sounds like it will be quite crowded in July.

I loved Taormina. I've been there three times, and there are a lot of hotels there that fit your description perfectly. Lots of restaurants, and the Ancient Greek Theatre is within walking distance from almost all of the hotels. Just make sure you choose a hotel in the
town! The views of the Mediterranean Sea are incredible from Taormina. You can take a number of private tours, including the ruins of Syracuse and a fabulous day trip to Mt. Etna and Gambino Vini through this very good
business: legendofsicily.com They also offer apartments, but that doesn't seem what you're looking for. We absolutely loved our trip to Gambino Vini. They also have a website. This vineyard is owned by a very lovely family who work very hard on their
wines. They're warm people and offer spectacular hors d' oeuvres with the wine tasting and stop by and visit with all of their
guests. Although they do not yet get a lot of American guests, they all speak English perfetly, because their daughter-in-law is American and every year they make her a Big Thanksgiving Dinner! Seriously Nice People!

I 'stumbled' upon this via a lengthy internet search about five years ago and have a hard time not going every year! I've taken three different groups of friends, and they've all fallen in love with Taormina and our tour guides.

I'm always available via Private Message if you'd like more info. I don't want to get too verbose here!

Have you considered Santorini? It would be hard to find anywhere with a more beautiful view. Lots of lovely hotels with pools.

Hy Ladydee,

If I were you, I'd go with Dubrovnik. It seems like the best option to suit all of your requirements - you've got the cozy old feel, great food, and if you're a history buff, you can always try a city walking tour. I'm not entirely sure, but I believe your dates might overlap with the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which involves all sorts of theater, music & dance performances :-)
It's also a great place to settle and take day-trips from. There's a bunch of smaller islands around that will make for fun outings.
Hope this helps! Travel safe!

I only spent 2 days there (but could have stayed longer) From there we went to CT for a daytrip and then on to Florence, so it was one of a number of places on that trip. The town just had a nice ambience and there were a variety of restaurants and shopping locations. I like to stay in CT but think the teens might have a better experience in Santa Margherita as there is more to do. It is really a lovely town.

Dubrovnik!!!! Okay, its not the Med, its the Adriatic; but the intent is the same.

Hello Ladydee. My vote goes to the island Sicily. It has great views from high places, and a variety of old and ancient places to visit. In July, every resort town at the Mediterranean Sea coast of southern France and the west coast of Italy will be very crowded with people.