Hi planning trip to Paris( of course,, my fave city in the world) but will have three weeks,, so my friend and I would like to work in one or two more spots. Both of us think a bit of a beach break would be nice,, and are torn between Spain or Portugaul,,this would be in late June or July ..We would likely look at taking a inter Europeon cheapo airline, not very interested in train trips longer then 4-5 hours, and have used cheapo airlines before..
Problem is I know nothing about either places,, have heard the Algarve coast is nice,, but guessing summer months will be expensive and crowded. Should we just skip it and go to Greece,,I was there years ago and love the islands..
Posted by
Auburn, Washington, USA
515 posts
Have you seen Rick Steves video about Tarifa. I have never been to Spain but have seen all of Rick Steves videos numerous times. Tarifa is in Southern Spain, very beautiful and has a nice beach. Or you could see the French Riviera.
Posted by
OP
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Thanks ,, will look into the Tarifa never heard of it,, but will definately look it up now!,Most likely will not do French Riveria,, have done both Nice and Cannes,, and was looking for something a bit different.. ( although there are some smaller spots that do look interesting,, always thought Cassis sounds good)
Posted by
Auburn, Washington, USA
515 posts
Also Tarifa is a great place to take a 45 minute ferry ride to Tangier, Morrocco
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Hi Pat - Have you been to Barcelona? It may not be what you had it mind but there is definitely a nice beach there. And since you brought up Cassis, I loved Cassis but haven't used the beach there.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I haven't been but am researching for an upcoming trip. Tarifa looks windy. Great for windsurfing but I'm not sure I want to lay on the beach there (maybe it's like Turkey where the wind is predictable and only part of the day). Barcelona is closer to the French Riviera. Barcelona's beaches might be too crowded. North of there is Catalonia's Costa Brava. It has more rocks and cliffs but I've seen pictures of nice looking beaches too - and less touristy than Costa del Sol in southern Spain. There are also north facing beaches in the Basque region. I won't have time to tour this area so haven't researched it. I'm not sure about Portugal. They face the Atlantic so I'd expect more surf but haven't heard anything about the beaches.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
We went to Valencia this summer and loved it. Great beaches, wonderful views, and decent night life. Get close to the beach with hotel because the buses stop running at 10:00 PM.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
Pat, whatever you do, do NOT plan on vacationing in Terifa. It is a great spot to stay for a visit to Gibralter...and that is about it. We were there in early June this year.. Most of So Spain will be packed...and hot. Tavira in the Algarve will also be packed later in June/July. (we did it is Dec and loved it!) I would vote for the south of France, or try some islands in Greece that you did not see previously. If you really want a fun and different experience check out Corsica. I have friends tell me that they love it that time of year. http://www.holidaysincorsica.co.uk/Beaches.htm Pick up a Lonely Planet guidebook and do some reading.
Posted by
Victoria, BC, Canada
101 posts
Steve ~ The South of France will be 'equally as packed' in fact more so than some of the towns such as Tavira in Portugal..
I would avoid Albufeira in Portugal and the Costa del Sol like the plague !! Apart from being 'packed' there really isn't a lot of charm to be had.. They are tourist towns with little to no character unless you like the Brit lager lout resorts.. ( I can say that 'cos I'm a Brit) lol