Please sign in to post.

Area Recommendation for Going Slow :)

I'm looking for recommendations for a region to base in that caters to some unique needs. I have long COVID, and this will be my first international trip in nearly 5 years. My partner and I have both been to Florence and Rome in the past, so we're looking to go somewhere new, and I recognize I'm asking for a unicorn here so bear with me.

I'm ready to walk a good amount, but cannot go punishingly long. We'd like to be in a food-centric region (interested in farms, making-of, etc), however we're both gluten free -- something that seems easy in Italy generally but perhaps is more difficult the more rural you go? I'd also like to be near the sea and go swimming at least for part of the trip. This is especially imperative if it will be super hot as I can't handle heat that well. Ideally, we could rent an Airbnb and get around easily on foot, and of course, crowds to a minimum would be excellent. Charming towns, beautiful architecture, and stellar seafood would be great additions.

We're looking at June for a last minute trip if we can swing it; otherwise, July which I know will likely be scorching... Any advice appreciated!

Posted by
590 posts

Take a look at the Azores. There's a lot of information from Carl, a part time local, in the Portugal section on this Forum. We went to Ponta Delgada for a week last November and were absolutely charmed. You're on an island so the fish is totally fresh and there's a wide variety. You can tour their local pineapple plantations and vineyards. The fresh cheese is excellent too. We loved the architecture, the people, the hot springs, and the lush greenery. We bought a Travelzoo package for Azores Getaways, which included a rental car, hotel, and flights from the east coast. I hope you find a good place, wherever you go, and enjoy getting back out in the world. Let us know how it goes, if you are willing.