Please please please help me plan our little holiday PLEASE

[complexo]

Hi, we are a family of three who doesn't like travelling but likes the idea of travelling iykwim. Our dd is 5 and we decided going on holiday on the middle or end of August. Somewhere hot with a nice beach, not too expensive, not too far away but still an interesting, nice, safe, fun place.
Our last trip to Euro Disney was a disaster so this time we must get it right pleeease.
I am thinking Greece, or Morocco, or should I try the Arab countries?
I am not sure why but Italy and Spain or even Portugal don't pop up on my mind when I think about the holiday but I am going to keep my mind open.
Please give me your tips, we have a bit of travelphobia...

I would also say i wouldnt go to Morrocco itll be HOT in August I hiked there a few years ago in July and it was boiling. It is a beautiful place and the Medina in Marrakash is amazing but I wouldnt go with a five year old if you leave that trip a few years your son might enjoy the atmosphere a bit more.

Italy was last in my list but
www.amfibietreks.co.uk is looking really good
We love to eat and dh loves water sports
dd loves water

Actually not staying in tents and having to bring my own pillow! No,
I was fun when I was 20 years younger thanks

You would prefer to avoid self catering, all inclusive and camping. I think that points towards a hotel type holiday- your next decision is do you want hotel plus breakfast, half board of full board.

Sorry I mean 'or full board"?

Hotel plus breakfast
I want to keep my choices open regarding food

So, you will need somewhere with places to eat within walking distance, and maybe a few others a shirt taxi ride away.

What type of food does your family enjoy? Do you envisage yourselves eating at a beach type place at lunchtime? How about in the evening?

Gah, short!!

Well I love any kind of food and I eat a lot so big portions are a must!
If on a beach holiday I will have seafood mostly and eating at the beach is the deal.
Evening could be a family run type of restaurant or pub.
Nothing fancy unfortunetely as my daughter will get bored and spoil any poshness we try to fake

We've stayed at Socrates Apartments in Sidari, Corfu a couple of times. I know some people have a downer on Sidari as part of it can be quite loud but the apartments are at the very quiet end of the resort. There is a restaurant in the apartment complex and loads within easy walking distance. The apartments are lovely, modern and clean with a pool and children's pool and the beach is a short walk away. The sea is very shallow so you can walk out for ages before the water even comes up to your waist so great for small children.

So it is:
hot weather but not too hot
family friendly
hotel + breakfast
swimming pool and beach
views
I love to go for long walkings and explore
do some local shopping specially for unusual stuff

ah and dh is a chef so we will try food, maybe a cookery course of local food?

I think I would choose Majorca or Menorca for a nice safe, family friendly trip.

Does anyone have good tips about portugal?
And how should I start comparing and booking? should I use an agency, do flights and accomodation separetely?
I am so scared of getting things wrong!