We need a break from Spain...

[DevaleraSpawnOfSatan]

We have been fortunate enough to be able to afford a lot of holidays in one particular region of Andalusia, more on than off, since DS was a child.

We are, I think due a change, DS (21) is currently all loved up, we suggested him and gf and Greece, they suggested Crete.🙄

Looks too busy to me, but DH got his remote holiday last year in Spain, hope he enjoyed it, it is never happening again, so his I don't like big islands nonsense pronouncements , are not going to work for me this year. or come to think of it any year going forward, ..............YOU ARE RETIRED, YOU ARE NOT WORKING CITY HOURS ANY MORE WE ALL HAVE AN OPINION. JOG ON.

So we need somewhere with a bit of life for the YP's , without being party central, I also need somewhere to people watch ,and halfway up a mountain in the campo (Spain) his choice last year, is not the answer.

We hated Mykonos, when I was pregnant with DS, felt like a robbing hole with nothing to recommend it.

All recommendations, gratefully received.

Sadly, I am due to be in receipt of a sizeable, to me, inheritance before Christmas so we can possibly be a bit fluid on the budget.

We are normally two, but DH snores like a pig, so we always book three rooms (so sleeping six) one for me, one for him, one for the luggage, Realistically, DS or anyone who cares to join us get the third room. This year the room, saw my darling sis, (much needed after our bereavement) followed by my DS.

Anyhoo, I am rambling......

Suggestions please, all welcome, even if I don't comment immediately.

Canada. Totally different, from Spain. You could try Vancouver, Banff and Lake Louise, or Newfoundland has some amazing places to go, see people etc. Vancouver would be good for the younger people.

You could look elsewhere in Spain, if you've only been to Andalucia and are worried that Greece will be a step too far.

Barcelona area, Balearics, Basque country, Alicante area. All offer a range of city, beach, culture, off the beaten track 'real Spain' and remote countryside without having to trek about too much.

If DS & GR fancy Crete, have a look at Chania. Should tick all your boxes. There is also access to some rugged remoteness if your DH still feels the need.
Alternatively, Elounda at the other side is more of an everyday place (Chania is quite fancy).

www.greeka.com/crete/chania/things-to-do/

Lots of nice places on Airbnb.
This is the kind of place we always go for, right in the middle of things.
abnb.me/Kv9hMaO5Ysb

We went to Crete this year and it was fabulous. Not crowded at all. If you can go July rather than August and spend at least some time on the south coast (we loved Makry Gailos.

Alghero in Sardinia.

Greece is much nicer than most of the resorts in Spain which sounds like what you're looking for

Kalkan in Turkey is lovely. Book direct with villa owners or through local agencies or Tripadvisor. Kas is smaller and quieter and much less Brits. Gocek also lovely and near Dalaman.

It is also very inexpensive!!

Crete was so surprising for me - there are places near beach and mountains with incredible scenery: wild herbs, fresh air and fresh produce. Stay further away from the coast in a mountain villa and you will love it.

Do you want to stay in Europe? Activity holidays or chilling on a beach holidays?

Why the face for Crete?

It's a fantastic island with every type of holiday. We prefer low key resorts and last time we went we stayed in Sissi, which is only 4 miles from Malia but as unlike Malia as possible.

Our last abroad holiday was in Tigaki in Kos. We have also stayed in Arillas in Corfu.

I love Greece.

I was going to recommend Kas, in Turkey. Lots of villas with 4 or more bedrooms, private pool etc

Are you sure your 21yo son and his GF want to holiday with you?

Crete is fabulous, went two years ago. Stayed in Rethymno which is a gorgeous beach town with a Venetian harbour. The town is stashed with great restaurants. Would definitely recommend

Maybe get your head out of your arse over Crete and actually research it? 🤣

I’d say southern Sicily. Near Cefalu and the surrounding areas. Full of hills and rocky areas along with nice beaches.

@Testina why the rudeness?

Erm Cefalu is in Northern Sicily. We had a fabulous holiday there a few years ago. It has a lovely beach and good hotels, and we loved wandering around the old town exploring and finding lovely places to eat. And the cannoli are to die for.

@JingsMahBucket I'm kind of understanding why Testina said what they did. I was taken aback by the 🙄that the OP put on her post. I have been to Crete twice, and loved it. Judging a large island by one or two resorts that give it a dodgy reputation is rather narrow minded. I liked Lanzarote for example because there is a lot to see and do that isn't centered around Costa Teguise (which I didn't like)

Totally different suggestion.
How about Summer in the Alps?
Lots of spacious accommodation at fairly reasonable prices compared to winter , open space if wanted but poolside activities and lots to do if preferred.
I'm just back from Samoens, it was so picturesque. We were in a hotel and I loved sitting by the pool in the afternoon with the mountains in the background.

Or the Italian lakes? They are breathtakingly beautiful.

Crete is absolutely lovely. If you fly into Chania there's some lovely places along the North coast. Chania itself is also really nice.

Enthusiastic vote for Lake Garda here

Another for Italian Lakes. We stayed in hotel in Riva-kids could walk to bars, very picturesque with the mountains and civilised Italy at its finest.

Dalyan in Turkey! We've gone back every year for 15 years, everyone and anyone you meet out there are either on their first or 10th time there. You'll absolutely fall in love with the place, its the perfect size for families/couples,
I cannot recommend it enough. Mine and many others favourite place in the world xx