Please help me to book a summer holiday

[SpaceMonitor]

It’s been a very long time since we had a holiday abroad beyond a few weekend city breaks. We usually spend a week in the UK (Norfolk, Cornwall, Dorset, the Lakes etc).

I have quite a long list of requirements and would really appreciate some help narrowing down my options…

1. Not self catered - I want a real holiday, not a holiday spent cooking and cleaning in a different time zone
2. A sandy beach with warm shallow sea suitable for children under 6 years
3. Preferably not long haul flights - but could possibly be persuaded for a really amazing trip
4. Not insanely hot - last summer was ridiculously hot in much of Europe (40+ degrees) and we need to go away in august and the thought of a week in those temps fills me with dread
5. Amazing local food
6. Local culture (I don’t want to spend every day on a beach or by a pool)

Very flexible budget.

Thanks in advance!

Hmm, that feels like a somewhat fairly contradictory list of requirements 😊 so you might have to compromise on something but I would suggest you look at Valencia.

Just 2hr30 flight time with beautiful shallow warm beaches and the city offers great local food and culture, plus very child friendly.

Average temps are generally 30-32 but if Europe has another heat wave you could hit a lot higher but this is a risk / compromise you will have to make unless you go long haul.

@SpaceMonitor
All of Europe could be very hot in August. Northern Europe might be cooler, eg Denmark.

Or look at the Caribbean. It might be heading to hurricane season but if you can go earlier, it’s better. Plenty of choice in summer and so many safe beaches! We like the BVIs. Grenada might be worth looking at and Tobago. Smaller islands can be more fun. You could also try East Africa.

What about Northern Spain. Galicia, the Basque Country or Asturias? Easy flight or even a ferry overnight to Santander.

The weather won't be fierce like Southern Europe and certainly less crowded. Although still very popular with domestic tourist.

The scenery is stunning. Green and luscious. Mountains and spectacular beaches that feel almost Caribbean. Although it's the Atlantic so not as warm as the Med.

Culture wise you'll be spoilt. Depending on where you chose, there's magnificent cities. Medieval glory at Santiago and Burgos. Thriving art and culture in Bilbao. Food in San Sebastian

Restaurants and local cuisine is world famous. Loads of choices from Michelin stars, tapas , seafood and markets.