Spain/Italy lesser known places to stay/visit

[Dolly80]

We're planning a 3/4 night break in mid September, without the children (which is a pretty exciting prospect) I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations of lesser known places to stay/visit? Ideally accessible by air/public transport and not so pricey it will break the bank (although we're willing to pay more if somewhere is completely amazing)

I am glad the thread will be moved. I've been to Spain and Italy a lot and there is still so much to see. I would be happy to never go anywhere else to be honest.

Asturias :)

If you want seaside, how about Sardinia?

The Italy suggestions really are very good, we are just back from a road trip that ended with a week just north of Luca, and the area was lovely and not overly touristy, except for the town itself.

I still, properly adore lake como though. Have stayed for a couple of nights, have stayed for a week, is so lovely. You have the lake for swimming/sailing (northern parts best for sailing) and beautiful b&bs for £70 a night (although you can spend more or less if you want).

Ah so many, but how about Bilbao in Northern Spain. It's on me and DH's list for a city break.
I's also say Verona and gerona. Fab places for a short break.

San Sebastián, relaxed, vibrant, exciting with town, sea and mountains - a mix I really enjoy.

Such a great thread, can we keep this?
I was going to suggest Sicily, absolutely beautiful!

Should just say that if anyone fancies exploring the Ayamonte/Costa de la Luz area in Spain I suggested earlier best option for flights is actually Faro in Portugal and then a 45 minute drive over the border. Seville is usually more expensive and not as many flight available

Thank you for the continued recommendations.

I'm trying my hardest to get MNHQ to move the thread to travel but have heard nothing back, despite several. 'Reports' of my own posts. I've also posted on someone else's thread in Site Stuff but to no avail as yet...any tips gratefully received

MNHQ please let us keep the thread...I've got to work my way through all the destinations suggested, which may take me some time

Are you any the wiser about where you want to go Dolly, or has this thread just made it more difficult to decide

Petitpois it did make it a tad harder but we've booked to go to Bologna in September, really looking forward to it.

We've plans to explore Northern Spain next year and then long term plans to explore the many other great suggestions over the years to come!

Siena in Italy Just as good as Florence but smaller and fewer tourists.
Grananda in Spain

It's in travel advice :)

Bologna is amazing! We did nothing but walk around and eat. There's a food walking tour that's really worth doing - tour

If you can catch it, Rick Stein did a programme on Bologna a few weeks ago. It will whet the appetite...

Hurray! They've moved it. Thanks MN - this has got too many good suggestions to go pfft.

Bologna sounds wonderful OP. I've never been but would love to go. Don't forget to report back

I'd highly recommend valencia which is inexplicably less well known by Brits it seems. Best of both seaside and city break :)

I liked the city of Valencia but thought the beach was a bit shit to be honest.

Nice one OP! Now make sure you give us an update when you get back

Great thread - just to add, Genoa was lovely. Had cheap flights and no expectations but it was lovely and easy to get a train to Pisa or Lucca or Milan or Nice

We have done two holidays to northern Spain via Brittany ferries and Asturias has been the highlight. Sea, mountains, history ( in Oviedo) and somehow for me a nicer atmosphere than Galicia ( but nothing wrong with Galicia). The beaches are beautiful, clean and usually uncrowded even in august. Playa de poo near llanes probably the best for smaller kids as it shelves over a long distance but at low tide grown ups and teens can body surf. We re planning on going back.

Marking my spot. Thanks for this post ☺