Where should we go? European holiday with 18 mo in September.

[cleoowen]

Posting on here as not much of a response on general travel forum. So hoping will get more of a response here.

Thinking of going for a weeks holiday with dh and ds who is 18mo. Seen 5 star places others have recommended but unfortunately out of our prove range. Thinking £1500 max.

Not sure where to go after a few not great European holidays. As ds is 18 mo thinking a villa might be best? We're thinking of a villa with a shared pool or private pool. Or our own terrace so can chill out whilst ds naps. Would this be a better option than a hotel? As can have ds in own room and let him do his own thing and have it quiet whilst he sleeps.
We would like somewhere close to sandy beaches and walking distance to restaurants/shops. As well as somewhere we can hire a car and explore.

Any recommendations which have worked for others?

We stayed here in Sardinia in June when dd was 15 months. We had an apartment, but you can also use the hotel services ie book up for meals. We did breakfast every day and then alternated between the on site restaurants and eating in town - 5 minute walk away. The kitchenette meant it was easy to knock up something simple for dd if we needed to as well. Very child friendly - they have a mini-disco in the evening/lots of high chairs in the restaurants etc. There are some truly stunning beaches in the area - we hired a car for a week - which are great for littlies as they are warm and gently shelving.

The apartments would appear to be a bargain in September - 560 euros per week for a 3 room! The food was fabulous.

Thanks Porto, it does seem affordable and looks lovely. Wish they had more photos of specific villas though as don't really know what you're getting otherwise.

Don't know much about Sardinia but noticed its been recommended a few times. Will need to research. What are the beaches like? If we hire a car is there much to do?

We had a great week, all inc at the insotel Punta prima in menorca with first choice last October with our then 1 year old. Spacious rooms/apartments even though AI, lovely food, all drinks included were brands not cheap gin etc, v close to beach, spa on-site, v toddler friendly, short transfer from airport, kid's play area and v well stocked mini-markets in local town 5 mins walk from hotel etc. Would recommend completely.

Oh and loads of highchairs and car hire is cheap locally and menorca is v small so easy to drive around.

Am looking for a spring hol myself atm so going to check out that Sardinia link above!

Oh and insotel Punta prima apartments on the ground floor have either a terrace /patio with your own sun loungers, right in front of the patio doors OR if you have a first floor one like we did you get a spacious balcony.

The whole complex is low rise, 2 storey and the grounds are gorgeous.

What about the algarve - lots of self-catering apartments with shared pool, beaches, and the weather is great in september, not too hot www.casa-amarela.com