40th birthday trip in May

[thislittlebird]

My 40th is coming up and I'm looking for ideas and inspiration for somewhere to go for a few days (3-5). It would be just me and my husband, and I'd quite like to go somewhere for my actual birthday, but it's late May, the week before school holidays from what I can gather, and that probably limits us in terms of where is warm at that time. Ongoing IVF limits our budget, so as much as I'd like to go to the Seychelles or Thailand, Europe is what we can afford.

I'm not feeling inspired by much but my priorities are a few days in the sun (20C + preferably), near to a nice beach and a town with decent food. Somewhere relaxing, not too busy, and pretty would be great. Cultural sights are an added bonus. Maybe somewhere on the Amalfi Coast, or a nice sport somewhere in the Algarve but keen to avoid Albufeira as I'm not sure that would be my cup of tea.

We went to Cyprus last year, found a really lovely little villa and it was great just chilling out there by our pool, but I didn't love the main Paphos area beyond our villa. I wouldn't rule out a return to Cyprus, but the area we went to before was not great for beaches and nice food close by. Have been to Menorca a couple of times before, haven't entirely ruled that out.

Hi When I celebrated my 40th Birthday in May, Dh and I went to Carcassone in Sourh France. Lovely warm weather, beautiful canal and of course the historic walled city. Perfect for a romantic birthday break .

Madeira might be nice, although the beaches are somewhat limited (but most hotels have great pools). I'd recommend staying somewhere in Funchal (the Royal Savoy is my personal choice) so you can wander into town and sample the excellent restaurants, the food is great.
Scenery is wonderful but you probably need to hire a car to make the most of it.
The famous botanical gardens will be beautiful at that time, go up in the cable car and come down on the wicker sofa.

@stuckasachildagain interesting, thanks, I’ll have a Google. I hadn’t thought about France, but did think about Corsica, just don’t know a lot about it but looks like it could be good weather at that time.

@trulyunruly01 funnily enough, I had looked into Madeira. Thanks for the tips. I was wondering if it might be somewhere me and dh could go at some stage, even if not in May, but I saw an old thread on here that seemed very divided over whether they liked it or not. What time of year did you go? It really looks lovely but not sure he’ll be up for driving on the right, I’m definitely not because I’m not a fan of driving. I’d guess they do some tours though, which might be an option.

Lindos in Rhodes or Estepona in Andalcia.

We did almalfi coast at the end of April and the season was just beginning to start. Lovely weather and lots to explore. A day trip to capri is worth it.

I'd also recommend Lisbon if you were looking a city break - most of it can be explored on foot, bus hop on hop off and Uber.

@Fivemoreminutes1 thanks, Will looks up Estepona. I accidentally ended up in Lindos a few years ago for a night or two and it was very nice.

@redpinkyellow can I ask where you went on the amalfi coast? I had considered Lisbon, it looks like a good balance there.

Sicily ticks your boxes. Taormina is lovely, by Etna and you reach the beach by cable car. There's nearby resorts if bigger hotels are your thing too

We stayed in sorrento - it was a package deal with tui I got really cheap last minute deal in 2018.

Loads of boat tours from sorrento around the coast and over to capri. There's also a train station that I believe goes to Naples and also Pompeii and there's trips to Mount Vesuvius as well

Greek islands. I second Rhodes. Also Corfu is beautiful.

I brought DP to Italy in May for a big birthday. We stayed on the coast outside Sorrento, so not as pricy as the Amalfi coast but the same amazing views and a more chilled vibe. It was fabulous! Would avoid staying in Sorrento itself. Quite unpleasantly touristy and much nicer seen from the water! Had some amazing meals and just enjoyed the area.

We had a lovely long weekend in Porto for a friend’s 40th in May. Nice weather, lovely restaurants, nice things to see and photograph. Cheap flights too!

where did you end up booking OP?

@BeeBB Portugal! I fancied a chilled, beachy trip so booked what looks like a really nice B&B in Lagos, on the Algarve. Considered Lisbon but just fancied a relaxing beach trip rather than more of a city break after a shitty IVF-filled year. Hopefully it'll turn out to be a nice town, we have booked a Michelin star restaurant for my birthday dinner and a dolphin watching trip.

That sounds a lovely and well deserved treat @thislittlebird you deserve a nice treat enjoy. I haven’t visited Lagos but I have visited the west coast of Portugal and love the beaches over there. Take care x

Cinque Terre is beautiful.

Alicante. Gorgeous city and great beach lots to do.

The OP has already booked a stay in Lagos.

I'm Champing at the bit for a long weekend in Lisbon.

I would recommend Valencia. It has weather, beauty, culture, sea and the best paella I had in my life. We went when we got engaged I think the museum area has evolved since then to be even more spectacular architecturally.

Oh I see youve booked - maybe next time! Enjoy Lagos.

@BeeBB did you stay in Lisbon or elsewhere? I’ve not been before, hopefully we’ll go again. And hopefully Lagos is nice!

@LittleMonks11 yeah booked a while ago now but good to know for future reference, we might have gone to Spain but were trying to find somewhere we hadn’t been. Hopefully will get to Lisbon and Seville at some stage!

Must check dates of OPs!

@thislittlebird no we stayed in Alvor ages ago.