Help me choose a holiday please!

[SnowyMcSnowball]

We haven't been abroad in 5 years, so I don't want to mess it up and pick somewhere we hate!

In the past, we absolutely loved Kefalonia and Rhodes old town, but DH fancies a change.

We love a nice relaxed vibe with a nice authentic feel. Think Cobbled streets, tavernas, boutiques, winding streets type of vibe. We dislike anywhere overly touristic/neon signs/"The Red Lion" brit abroad pubs!

I've been looking at Skiathos, Crete, Portugal.

Has anyone got any recommendations please along the lines of what we are looking for above?

Corfu? The old town is beautiful but also can get to beautiful places in the mountains in no time.

I hadn't thought about Corfu. Thankyou, I'll take a look. Love an authentic old town.

Tavira on the eastern Algarve seems like it would fit the bill, or Port de Soller / Soller in Majorca.

Puerto Pollensa in Majorca? I haven’t been but it’s always recommended on these threads and we are considering it for 2024.

Rovinj in Croatia. We went in 2015 and it was very unspoilt.

South of France

Malta? It’s really beautiful and full of little villages with cobbles etc. And the food is amazing!!

If you're thinking Portugal - Lisbon

Yes, I've been to Port de Soller and really liked it! Thanks, I'll take a look at Tavira.

Ooh, just had a look and seems lovely! Described as romantic and secluded. I like a bit of a vibe in the evening, but more relaxed - not nightclubs! So this could be a good location. Thanks 👍

I’ve been to Tavira. Really enjoyed it. More authentic than some other parts of the Algarve.

Ooh lovely thanks. I'll have a look at Tavira!

Puerto Pollensa is lovely and chilled in the evening, no big groups of drunken tourists to be seen (well not when we were there anyway) and lots of lovely restaurants.

Cavtat, Croatia

Personally I would avoid Greece since you’ve already been there a couple of times. It’s a beautiful country but the world is a big place!

You’ve mentioned what you like and dislike in terms of vibe/scenery but you’ve not said what you actually enjoy doing on holiday - do you want to relax by a the pool or sit on the beach, go hiking in the mountains, visit museums/galleries, try the local cuisine, etc.? You’ve also not included what kind of accommodation you prefer (e.g. self catering cottage vs. all inclusive hotel) or how you would want to book (e.g. a package deal through a company like Tui vs. organise everything yourself).

Below are a couple of ideas based on your love of cobbled streets and boutiques:

The south of France is gorgeous. You could stay in a traditional gîte in a beautiful little town or village. Kayak on a river, take a tour of prehistoric caves, or go wine and cheese tasting. There are lots of regional airports (Bordeaux, Bergerac, Toulouse, Brive, Poitiers, Limoges, Montpellier, etc).

Italy is another fabulous choice. You could rent a Tuscan farmhouse surrounded by olive groves. Learn how to make your own pasta in an Italian cookery class, or take day trips to Pisa/Florence/Siena/Volterra/Lucca. You’d probably have to fly into Pisa or Florence.

Italy for sure. Tuscany or Puglia!

Parga on the northern Greek mainland coast is an amazing little gem!