Where do I want to go on holiday?

I've enjoyed Amsterdam, Iceland, Venice, Egypt pyramids

My friend recommends Barcelona, but I've not been yet

Watching with interest as my ideal holiday is a mix of lounging around and getting some culture without having to venture too far. Quite a lot of coastal Spanish towns have a castle, most have museums and formal gardens. I'm tempted by Cordoba but it doesn't have a beach and I do like a beach.

Nerja is nice. Very pretty, historic old town, caves and that. Maybe an hour on the bus from malaga.

I saw people on here talking about a region of Italy that sounded like a good mix as well but, uselessly, can't remember what it was.

Marrakesh amazing markets & majorelle garden. Also camel rides into the dessert. You could do a 2 centre holiday in Morocco.

It's cheaper to go before or after any bank holiday, but this would depend on what holiday days you can go

Lake Garda, you can have day trips to Verona and Venice from there

Cascais is an old fishing town with a historic centre just outside of Lisbon and it is a perfect mixture of culture and beach. Along the waterfront is the fishing harbour, the marina, artisan shops and seafood restaurants. The food is great in Cascais because it is full of independent family-owned and run restaurants and cafes.
There is lots to see and do in all directions and it's only 30-40 minutes on the train to Lisbon city centre. The train route follows the coastline and has some great views. Another 'must' is a trip to the Sintra.

Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece - most resorts have cities within reach, or look at a cruise, a new place to visit each day

We have just done a road trip from Zagreb to Dubrovnik and loved it. Where in Croatia did you stay, might give us a better idea of where else you might like.

Weather should be very pleasant in southern Spain or Portugal at that time. I love Seville and Cordoba but Malaga or Valencia has the culture to go with sea you're looking for.