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Original poster

European beach holiday - not overly commercial??

20 replies

Cindy1802 · 15/04/2023 15:45

Any ideas for a beach holiday, in a not overly commercialised area? I know all holiday destinations are pretty commercialised but looking for a bit of culture and not an absolutely heaving beach. Two adults and a toddler, so not going to need bars and nightlife - just a bit of culture, nice scenery, authentic food and not too commercialised.

Looking at going at end of Sept so want somewhere that's still warm-hot by then.

I know I don't ask for much 😬 but any ideas welcome please!

OP posts:
Cleoforever · 15/04/2023 15:49

What’s your budget?

Original poster
Cindy1802 · 15/04/2023 16:03

Havent worked out a full budget yet, flexible if we found the right place. Pre kids we never really holidayed in europe and did some travelling type holidays every few years instead, so thats why we want something a bit more cultured/different.

Would be happy to spend about £180/night in an apartment or airbnb. With the toddler I think self contained accommodation would work better, we would prob eat in a few nights and obvs won't be out drinking.

OP posts:
SnarkyBag · 15/04/2023 16:05

Eastern Algarve. Tavira, Cabanas, Olhao not overly British tourist area’s definitely authentic, cultural vibes.

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Holidays
SkiingIsHeaven · 15/04/2023 16:06

Croatia

Original poster
Cindy1802 · 15/04/2023 16:13

@SkiingIsHeaven any particular towns/areas I need to look at? We've done split a few years ago and loved it but that's obvs a bit more of a city break...

OP posts:
GettingStuffed · 15/04/2023 16:24

In Greece Makrigialos on Crete , and Kalymnos near Kos are two I've been to. Islands like Ithaka are also off the beaten track.

NBLarsen · 15/04/2023 16:28

Amalfi coast, Italy. Lovely stretch of coastline and easy access to some beautiful cities for culture day trips.

Aphrathestorm · 15/04/2023 18:03

French Riviera
Or the west coast of France
Sicily
Croatia
The Greek mainland.
Mykonos

SkiingIsHeaven · 15/04/2023 19:37

Cindy1802 · 15/04/2023 16:13

@SkiingIsHeaven any particular towns/areas I need to look at? We've done split a few years ago and loved it but that's obvs a bit more of a city break...

We stayed just outside Dubrovnik in Mini but also visited Cavtat which seemed nice.

Floralnomad · 15/04/2023 19:40

Kalathos , Rhodes although I’m not sure about the heat at the end of September

LookItsMeAgain · 15/04/2023 19:55

Blanes (pronounced Blah-nez) is near Barcelona in Spain. Loads of hotels. Might be right up your street.

LookItsMeAgain · 15/04/2023 19:56

LookItsMeAgain · 15/04/2023 19:55

Blanes (pronounced Blah-nez) is near Barcelona in Spain. Loads of hotels. Might be right up your street.

I should say that while there are loads of hotels, it's a small place so not overly commercialised or crowded.

RubyMurry22 · 15/04/2023 19:57

Seconding Tavira in Portugal.

BabbleBee · 15/04/2023 19:58

Venice area - Lido Di Jesolo and also the other side but slightly further south, can’t think of the name! Nice Sandy, flat beaches for sand castles and Venice nearby for a bit of culture.

Barcelona - Some nice beaches, some rocky.

Croatia - I’d like to go here as others have mentioned but there’s a lack of seaside!

I’d also look at the German and Swiss lakes.

Sugarfish · 15/04/2023 20:07

Another poster just mentioned visiting it but I went to cavtat a few years back. It was a bit busy but seemed to attract an older crowd. I was late 20s at the time and most of the toursits were probably 50-60, a lot of the night life was nice restaurants and quietish bars. I found it very peaceful and relaxing. The harbour area is very beautiful but where we stayed didn’t have much of a beach. Lots of boat day trips but not much more excursion wise. It is very close to Dubrovnik though which would offer more on the culture side of things.

Knickerthief1 · 15/04/2023 21:25

We're currently in Croatia - down the coast from Dubrovnik. Would really recommend it. Absolutely stunning place and beautiful coastlines.

Original poster
Cindy1802 · 15/04/2023 21:35

Thanks all, really helpful - got some reading and research to do now!

OP posts:
dimpleton · 15/04/2023 21:41

Maybe try Chania in Crete, or Tavira in the Algarve. It's easy access from Faro airport and more of a working town than typical holiday place but has an old town and a water taxi to the beach.

Amperoblue · 15/04/2023 21:58

I agree with @Aphrathestorm about French Rivera. Fly to Nice which is 2 hours and cheap. Train to Antibes or Villefranche sur Mer. Get an Airbnb, Very pretty, not much to do but wander the stone town.Tons of places to eat and drink plus beaches but nothing flashy. Mostly it’s fantastically pretty and life affirming.

radishandbrie · 15/04/2023 22:07

Menorca is lovely lots of lovely places and relaxed beaches especially if you hire a car and a couple of nice towns as well.

Costa de la luz is lovely in Spain

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