Last minute holiday next month with 2 young children

[copenhagen85]

Hi

Currently planning a last minute holiday for next month (mid-Sept) and looking for some inspiration. Children are recently turned one and nearly three. Looking for warm weather, so southern Europe destinations. We have spent quite a bit of time in Spain, Portugal and Italy so keen to go somewhere different, but also not against going to those places again.

I have been looking at Greece but not sure where to start, as there are so many islands, as well as the mainland. We've already had a beach holiday this summer, so ideally looking for somewhere with pretty/interesting towns we can explore (will hire a car), but a day or two at the beach would be fine. Our children are really happy toddling around and exploring new places. Not looking at resorts but rather Airbnb/SC, which is what we normally do.

Looking at going for 7 nights.

Thanks in advance :)

Bump

Crete. Chania or Rethymnon, both have beautiful old towns and pretty harbours. They are less than 2 hours apart, so with a car you can explore both regions. Plenty of beaches around too. Have a Search online, you won't be disappointed 😀

Thank you @CeeJay81 I looked at Crete last night actually, but the flights were so expensive from our regional airport. Will look again as maybe we could travel a little further to fly.

@copenhagen85 aww shame. I'm assuming you checked both Chania and Heraklion?

You may have already been there, but Menorca was lovely and great for children/toddlers. We went there when DC1 & 2 were the ages yours are. Nice small beaches & lovely scenery. Loved the city of Cuitadella.

I love Croatia, it's lacking sandy beaches but the towns and the sites and the food are fabulous. Particularly the Istria region, Rovinj is fabulous. It's easy to drive in Croatia as well, so you can explore quite extensively from one base. Ours were a bit older, probably 3 and 6, when we went. We went October half-term and we flew into Split and out of Pula, and looped up from Trogir through Plitvice Lakes to Istria. I didn't drive into Split.

Yes any of the little resorts around cuitadella are lovely ( lovely safe bays for swimming) and cuitadella itself is lovely

@CeeJay81 yes, sadly both are super expensive.
@cheapskatemum @Kitkat1523 I have found flights to Menoroca, altho the flight times are not great. Where would be a good place to scope out accommodation?

@TeamGeriatric we have not been to Croatia. I have found flights to Pula and Dubrovnik from our local airport. The flight to Dubrovnik is the most expensive but the flight times are really great, which is a very appealing with little ones. Have you been to that part? If we flew to Pula, any recommendations on where to stay? Will hire a car and happy to stay in 2 different places during our 7 nights there.

We stayed at Cala'n Bosch. I've had a Quick Look on Trip Advisor as I can't remember the name of the accommodation we used. Carema Beach looks to be good value and close to the beach and harbour. Some of the other hotels are described as "lively", which I guess you wouldn't want with a one & a 3 year old.

Greece is all pretty similar from my experience! I think you could go anywhere you like the look of and would enjoy.

Rhodes might work for you too, staying around Rhodes town

Rhodes is actual paradise and our favourite holiday destination. It's also incredibly beautiful and has soo much to see. Don't miss Lindos and the Medieval city centre as well as the gorgeous sandy beaches with absolutely clear water.

We're currently in mainland Greece and it's very different to the islands. I prefer the islands.