European holiday suggestions

[ShatnersWig]

Never been away outside of UK/Ireland on my own and hate flying - only had two holidays by plane in Europe and I'm 44 - but desperately in need of a break so am actually considering going somewhere solo and by plane. May chicken out, but...

Looking for ideas of places to consider. I like places with things to do and see and not lie on a beach all day but I do like to be near water. Not fussed about places being hugely lively at night as long as there's nice places to eat and preferably somewhere scenic. My only two previous holidays were Brussels and Lake Garda (including day trips to Verona and Venice), both of which I enjoyed but the latter was incredible.

Last week of September, either 5 days or a full week, and I don't want to spend a fortune (it'll be expensive enough with any single supplements etc) nor all inclusive as I like to eat in different places each night.

Off the top of my head (but I do this for a living) I think you would like Menorca (particularly around Cuitadella which is a lovely port with great tapas) or parts of Croatia. Maybe not Split or Dubrovnik but places near them such as Trogir or Lopud that are more relaxing but close enough for day trips. Croatia will be cheaper than Spain but the food is great (Italian in style). Sicily might be another option.

Malta?

Good value, decent enough restaurants, especially if you like Italian food, everyone speaks English, if you aren't confident in languages.

Lots of boat trips, sea swimming, snorkelling opportunities, lots to see in Valetta, can get the ferry to Gozo or day boat trip to Comino.

Menorca would also be nice but I looked at their for September and flights were very expensive.

You've already done my favourite Venice, how about Barcelona? Short flight lots of arts/culture/bar life/shopping etc there's a beach, everyone speaks English

@MNOverinvestor I'm a fussy sod when it comes to food, which always makes me wary of certain places. Being near water generally guarantees fish which I love but Italian restaurants always have things I like. In an ideal world I would look at another Italian lake but not sure there's enough to actually DO, especially with no one to chat to either. And while Verona airport to Sirmione was a piece of cake, getting from Milan to somewhere like Bellagio is a pain and I don't want to do long transfers on top of flights and hanging around airports if it's just 5 days (which is probably more likely to be honest)

everyone speaks English, if you aren't confident in languages

That's a plus. Having been more or less nowhere, aside from a few useful words of Italian and a tiny smattering of French, I'm not going to have time to learn much else!

Definitely Barcelona. Or you could consider Lisbon, lots of lovely things to see there, and a reasonably short flight.

Barcelona
Rome
Athens
Sorrento
Palma
Mahon
Santorini

Would recommend Barcelona also Rome x

Amsterdam too x

I don't tend to think of Rome and water as going together but I suppose it's not too far from the coast if there's good public transport.

Everyone in Croatia will speak English (it was the official second language even in Communist times. If you like water per se rather than sea water, perhaps Slovenia? www.inghams.co.uk/lakes-mountains-holidays/resorts/slovenia

I went to Rome & then Amalfi coast for a week in Spring so I would imagine Autumn may be similar

Slovenia is beautiful & easy to get about

Dubrovnik. Old town is amazing, fantastic scenery and great food.

Fly to Naples, then get the train to Sorrento. Lots to see - Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri. Beautiful area.

Madeira? The cuisine and scenery are amazing, you are never far from the sea, no time difference so the travelling for a short break is easy.
A car is useful but most of the major hotels in Funchal (which is about 10/15 from the airport) will offer day excursions around the island.
The Royal Savoy is really nice.
No beaches, but seafront hotels all have pools and pontoons for sea bathing.

Amsterdam, Paris or Bruges if you chicken out of flying? Otherwise Barcelona, Malta, Dubrovnik or Rome.

Another vote for Slovenia .....
Fly to split and get the Seaplane across to Hvar and stay in Stari Grad
food is amazing, water is amazing, people are INCREDIBLY friendly and speak English

Mallorca - east coast Alcudia area
Excellent food, good birding and natural history

but the TOP of the top is
Crete - fly to Chania and enjoy amazing food, wonderful scenery, great natural history, amazing history, lovely people

))))) Malta (((((
They shoot all of the birds

We spent a week in Nice earlier in the year. It's any easy location to explore from. Canne and Monaco are quick train journeys away.

If you're not keen on flying, don't do it. There are plenty of places you can get to via Eurostar - if you're not strong at languages I'd suggest Amsterdam as the Dutch famously speak fabulous English.

If you're up for a longer train journey Berlin is very interesting and people speak good English there and it's not expensive. Hamburg is also really nice.

And if you do fly, Dubrovnik is a lovely city and everyone really does speak English.

Berlin.

Lots of lovely lakes and lidos, tons to do, huge range of great and fairly inexpensive restaurants etc. Often sunny and warm (low-mid 20s) end Sept.

@chuckiecheese I would love to do the Amalfi Coast but a bit pricey!

Ooh, silly thought on the Non Flying holidays .....

Ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao
pop across to San Sebastian
ferry back from Santander
excellent whale watching from the boat

or get the ferry to Caen and go to Bayeux
or get the ferry to Dunkirk