Help me find a holiday before I go mad!

[WonderfulSmith]

Please help. I want to go on my own in May, has to be May half term, flying from Stansted.

Somewhere in Europe as I don’t want to go too far. I want to lounge about a pool but with a small town not too far away to walk to for coffee or a drink.

I’ve been looking at so many places that I’m starting to go crackers.

Any suggestions welcome.

South of France would be lovely then, maybe around Antibes?

Do you want to go into the pool? It’s probably too cold to be in the pool in most of Europe

The weather will be lovely and pool worthy in Balearics, Malta, Tenerife etc. I’d avoid Cyprus at the moment. Would you go to Marrakesh alone?

I’m looking at the Balearics and Tenerife. I went to Rhodes last April and went in the pool when even the Germans didn’t fancy it! I agree with avoiding Cyprus. Malta is a thought too.

What’s your budget?

What sort of accommodation do you like, general holiday vibe?

I’ve stayed here on my own: Aparthotel Duva Spa at Puerto Pollensa, Majorca

Nice walk into town, felt very safe, good supermarket nearby. If the budget allows, the Mar Senses is fabulous, but to be honest the whole resort will suit your needs. Public transport is excellent and easy to use in case you need to have an explore.

Cascais in Portugal? Easy if you fly to Lisbon

What about Croatia? Split is lovely

How about Playa Blanca in Lanzarote?
These are a selection of nice hotels where you can walk to the Marina or Playa Blanca town.
https://www.hotelvolcanlanzarote.com/en/index.html?utm_source=gads&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=EN-EN-GADS-SN-Compra-HVL-gadsfija-NA-NA&partner=7933&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18391039587&gbraid=0AAAAAoybfDGiiUU2JjBSnZ373l4hnVzir

https://www.calalanzarotesuiteshotel.com/en/

https://www.barcelo.com/en-gb/barcelo-playa-blanca/

https://www.marinarubicon.com/en/

Lanzarote. Peurto del carmen has lots going on around and some nice hotels

Thanks for the ideas so far.

Budget is about £1k. Vibe - quiet.
This is where I stayed in Rhodes and loved it. casacook.com/our-hotels/casa-cook-rhodes

Playa Blanca, Lanzarote near the Rubicon Marina or within the old town.

What about Madeira?
https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/bookaccommodation?productCode=974541&airports%5B%5D=STN&when=26-05-2026&flexibility=true&flexibleDays=3&duration=7&durationCode=7115&units%5B%5D=PRT%3ACOUNTRY%7C000335%3ADESTINATION&searchType=search&noOfAdults=1&noOfChildren=0&childrenAge=&bb=BB&rmtp=TW01&rmpc=1%7C1%7C0%7C0%7C0&room=&rmbb=BB&isVilla=false&noOfSeniors=0&brandType=T&packageId=974541PTMD003817797536000001779753600000FR38917803584000001780358400000FR388TW011196468594%2F3%2F510%2F7&tra_i=E1d220c3e2594f259e8333b8f1fe10dfb&tra_o=Eb093b50689d2bd132b152574bdd45bb8&price=pp&pkg=1196468594%2F3%2F510%2F7&accommodationtype=HOTEL&destinations=PRT&bestfor=P00057&index=2

Bit over budget
https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/bookaccommodation?productCode=003005&airports%5B%5D=STN&when=26-05-2026&flexibility=true&flexibleDays=3&duration=7&durationCode=7115&units%5B%5D=PRT%3ACOUNTRY%7C000335%3ADESTINATION&searchType=search&noOfAdults=1&noOfChildren=0&childrenAge=&bb=BB&rmtp=94a6234f-f8d7-4ea8-b41b-6e57040d5cb8&rmpc=1%7C1%7C0%7C0%7C0&room=&rmbb=BB&isVilla=false&noOfSeniors=0&brandType=T&packageId=003005A033877917797536000001779840000000FR57817803584000001780358400000FR57994a6234f-f8d7-4ea8-b41b-6e57040d5cb87990675134%2F3%2F510%2F7&tra_i=E51e57a0c6f6671c065c8757e1734218a&tra_o=Ec2fa617be057cf202c156f17c3cff5e6&price=pp&pkg=7990675134%2F3%2F510%2F7&bestfor=P00057&index=4

Costa Teguise in Lanzarote is perfect and
lots of solo’s and meet up if you wanted too.

Oh just remember a widowed friend of mine often stays here solo
https://www.carvoeiroplaza.com/

Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Portugal, Spain, loads of places, how come you can't find a holiday?

Bit of a harsh comment, there so much choice it can be overwhelming. The OP has just asked for a bit of input from others.

I can. There is just a lot of choice and some input or ideas is nice to have. You don’t have to join in.

I once went to Sam Gimignano in Italy and it was absolute heaven. Beautiful town with a few hotels that have rooftop pools, classic Italy and heavenly water (Tuscany)

Skopelos. Fly into Skiathos, 10 mins to ferry, 1 hour to Skopelos. Quiet, walkable, beautiful.

Sant Miguel in Ibiza. It's away from the party end of the island and you can walk over to Benniras beach if you want a change of scenery.

I also liked Costa Teguise and weather will probably be better. I've also stayed in Playa de los Pocillos in Lanzarote. You can walk into Playa del Carmen if you want something a bit livelier.

You're going to struggle with half term in May. Have you considered the Balearic islands, Minorca is the cheapest but just fabulous for a break. I would go to a local travel agency for help. They're brilliant and take the stress out of everything.

As a teacher it’s the school holidays or not at all. I don’t go away in the summer as it’s too expensive and busy and Easter is too early this year.