Help me plan a 60th birthday looong weekend. For me!

[bellinisurge]

I'll be 60 in a couple of Januarys from now. I want a few days away/long weekend in a beautiful city in Southern Europe. It needs to be relatively straightforward to get from airport to location. By the sea for preference but not essential. Nice mid price hotel.
Thinking Seville or somewhere in Portugal or in Sicily. But anywhere that the hive mind can suggest would be welcome.
DH and I love medieval history.

Your suggestions, please.

Thanks in advance

Generally two years is a bit far away to plan? Or was that a typo?

Jeezo, anything could happen in two years! Forget all about planning it until summer 2025.

I have to save up. I'm just looking for ideas. But you can go another way when responding if that makes you feel good.

Well aware we could all be wiped out in a nuclear holocaust or that some people have plenty of disposable income.

Of course two years isn't too far to plan! She won't. be able to pick restaurants etc necessarily yet but cities, yes!

Thank you @Friedfriedplantain

Palma in Mallorca has a beautiful old centre with narrow passageways and city walls to explore. In January it will be quiet and the weather is often lovely. Lots of nice hotels, restaurants etc. You wouldn't need a car.

Florence is also a possibility. Lots of history and more historical locations to explore than Palma. It will be largely empty of tourists in January. Weather changeable but lots of inside locations and museums to explore. Food and wine glorious and surrounding countryside sublime.

Also Seville and Lisbon. But I haven't been to those so know nothing.

Thanks @DNAexpert

I absolutely loved Lisbon so I think that's a great shout. Would love to go back.

I stayed in a very bland hotel years ago so can't help there.

I do like a city on the coast for a short break - quick taxi from the airport, plenty to see/do and the sea as well.

Agree with previous poster about Palma Majorca. We stayed in the Melia Grand Vittoria overlooking the port - I enjoyed watching the cruise ships from the balcony . I think we were about 20 mins or so walk out of main town, got taxis back. Little train to Soller is a lovely day trip.

We have just come back from Valencia - another nice city to wander around. Better to stay in the city centre than the beach area but worth getting the bus down for a walk along the beach.

Also did a post Christmas short trip to Alicante as a 'city break' - I can only recall wandering around a market and sitting eating in a square with the Christmas lights so not sure how much there is to do there . Malaga is similar as a city on the coast - will be visiting in February .

Lisbon is on my list too - and I'm also thinking of Valletta.

@bellinisurge it's worth checking out the flights from your local airport. For example you can't fly year round to Valencia from Birmingham and it makes it a lot easier if you don't have to travel in the UK first .

Same here OP! January 2027 I will be 60 and want to do similar!!

I went to Rome for my 40th. Not the cheapest but had everything I ever wanted!
Waking up around the corner from the Colosseum, visit to the Vatican museum Forum with a private guide,...
I think starting to look at prices and activities is a good shout. So you can plan every day to your exact liking.

Porto might be budget friendly- I was a bit underwhelmed by it. It's got a few lovely sights and a beautiful beach though!

PS: I think EasyJet city breaks for flight & hotels is a good starting point!

@ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea , we definitely have this in mind. Manchester is our nearest

Good tip @RendeersDancingTowardsChristmas

Lisbon. I've been in January. Lots of nice food and drink options, as much or as little sightseeing as you fancy, and a day trip to Sintra is worth doing. Weather is pretty mild too.

Oh, and I found it pretty purse friendly. And there was a LOT of eating and drinking.

Also Jet2 do packaged City breaks .

Porto
Lisbon
Seville
Malaga

I haven’t tried Malta, that’s on my list.

Bit left field but have you considered Funchal in Madeira? Incredible city by the sea with a lovely old town. Loads to see and do. Great climate too

Another recommendation for either Seville, Lisbon or Malaga or Palma.all easy transfer from airport, lovely old town parts/history/culture/food and shops. Seville no sea to see. I've been to all as a group and would happily go back myself. Barcelona good too but it feels bigger/busier. Nice another option.have only been for a day but would love to go back.can stay overlooking the main beach with easy access to the town and sights or train ride along coast to west or east.

My starting point would be what is cheapest option with good flight times. Enjoy planning!

Thanks everyone. @Restlessinthenorth - I'm intrigued.

I traveled loads in my 20s and 30s but ill health and motherhood kept me closer to home