Where shall we go on holiday in Europe?

[GladysGeorgina]

Over the years our family holidays have mostly been in the UK but we’d like to have an overseas trip next summer before DS heads off to uni. DH, DS(19) and I mostly like exploring, visiting towns etc whilst DD(18) likes a pool and beach option too. Where can we go in Europe that fits the bill? We stayed just outside Valencia a few years ago which worked well. Apartment by the beach/pool and a regular bus into Valencia for exploring days. Any ideas gratefully received.

We went to Sicily this year. Lots to see in Taormina and Ortigia plus there are beach resorts.

Barcelona has loads to see and a beach area.

We never made it to Brittany but it was a major hit with lots of friends.

Driving or flying?

And how much time?

Croatia would fit the bill

My daughter and I went greek island hopping one year, flew to Athens and went to Paros, Naxos and Santorini, was a great fortnight

If you liked Valencia, many other Spanish cities offer a similar beach/city combo, eg Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante, Palma (Mallorca).

Croatia would work well, we stayed on Lopud which is a beautiful island off of Dubrovnik. It's about a 40 min ferry ride from the mainland (runs regularly). Lopud has a beautiful sandy beach (rare in Croatia) and you can visit Dubrovnik for exploring. Montenegro is fun too, we stayed at Kotor, you don't have beach as such but you can swim in the bay which is beautiful and Kotor is a beautiful place to explore.
Another similar type holiday, we went to Portugal, stayed in little seaside town called Cascais and then could get train into explore Lisbon and other interesting towns etc.

Thanks for your suggestions so far. We would definitely fly and don’t really want to hire a car. Much prefer to use local trains and buses (I particularly love a train) Week to ten days away.

Italy all day long!

I came here to say Malaga as well. We went in the summer and I was very pleasantly surprised. The city is amazing and then you can hop on the train down to the coast for endless beach resorts. We spent a whole day wandering along the coast from Torremolinos stopping in beach clubs for cocktails along the way.
We got a very good deal with EasyJet holidays which included our flights and hotel right in the city centre and the hotel had a lovely rooftop terrace and bar for sunbathing.

I agree with Malaga, really loved it. I can also recommend Palma Majorca.

If you do decide Palma Majorca - you must get the little train to Soller/Port de Soller. Such a lovely place. From Malaga you can get a train along the coast or to Seville.

Lisbon is a great city, and has a beach. Same for Barcelona. My hidden gem is Bilbao. Great city to visit with the Guggenheim the star, and not too far to nearby beaches.

Some great ideas. Many thanks. I’m not overly confident planning overseas trips and want to get it right for us all.