OMG, it will be our 25 years anniversay in 2017! We are hoping to get away together without DC for 5 or 6 days in May half-term. Budget is probably less than £1000 all in and we don't want to spend ages getting there, so shorthaul. Self-catering or at least some scope for preparing your own food in the room. Not too hot, so probably not Andalucia or similar. We don't want to hire a car, so somewhere with shops and cafes within walking distance. A balcony with a lovely view is absolutely essential (attractive townscape counts as a view, not just mountains or sea, although those are also lovely). Seaside would be good and walks.
On the short list so far:
Cinque Terra (the view and balcony looks amazing but the apartment is a bit boring and shiny for my taste - I'd prefer something quirkier and less stylish! www.homeaway.co.uk/p1559593#summary)
Siena (although I've been before)
Florence
Rome (although DC would never forgive us because they want to go there)
Other bits of Italy that I haven't thought of yet
Cassis
Coulioure (?sp - the one near the French/Spanish border)
Barcelona
Other northern Spanish places not yet identified.
Anyone know any lovely apartments in attractive towns or cities with balconies or terraces with really beautiful views?