I'm wrecking my brain trying to work out where to go! I have two weeks off at the end of August and not a whole lot of money (about £1k-1.5k) and I really need a nice beach holiday for me and my son...I went to Italy and Spain last year (similar small towns on the coast) and both had their own nice sides. I love going to Italy (food and atmosphere) but all the places I went to had pebbled/ dark sand beaches. Its also seem crazily expensive at this time of year. Spain was ok, cheap and great beach but really touristy and "no frills" - not much there apart from the beach and tourist shops and restaurants.
I really love places that are kind of authentic, prefer places locals go to, don't like tourist destinations and big resorts - always liked staying in smallish towns etc. I know these places are readily available if you search online, but not on my budget! I cant pay 2k just for accommodation. I also don't drive which puts spanner in the works big time.
So am I being a total naïve idiot here, and should have started booking something months ago? Is there anywhere I could go? Nice beach, not expensive, not too touristy (definitely not a tourist resort) and a bit of history? Or am I being totally unrealistic? Any recommendations would be welcomed.