Refined but not expensive holiday destinations?

[gremi]

Not snobby just prefer a more refined/upmarket vibe or as dd would call it “old money” (eye roll)

For example, we’ve enjoyed small alpine villages or grand hotels in Eastern Europe. Holidays in remote Greek islands without airports or haciendas in south america.

Any other suggestions? Maybe the Caribbean?

Scunthorpe is nice this time of year.

I wasn't super impressed with La Rochelle, San Sebastian or Biarritz tbh.

We really enjoyed being there as well. It’s easy to get the boat bus around the lake to other little places. Also to get the train connection into Switzerland on the Glacier Express
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Trieste and Slovenia.

Which parts of Slovenia?

There are some upmarket towns on the Costa Brava. It's also lovely and relaxed though.

Lake Maggiore, but stay on the Italian sides of the lake to keep costs down, and explore the Swiss side by car or boat.

In the USA you can find pretty decent affordable accommodation in Cape Cod, Rhode Island and Martha's Vineyard.

Marrakesh - beautiful riads in the centre are cheap and stunning. Lots to do and lovely roof top bars and restaurants.

slovenia

Logar valley
Piran and coast
lake Bled

Stresa in Lake Maggiore is lovely. The Borromean Islands are a great day trip.

Try Ohrid lake :) Been there last year, plan on going this year as well.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/resort-100-flights-manchester-airport-29299759

Hiring a yacht in the BVIs. No one but you and your hosts. Lots of deserted beaches and beautiful islands.

Taormina is a bad idea OP. It’s a “fake” town. Heaving with tourists of the type you prefer not to heave alongside!

Sicily is baking hot in summer.

Venice before it sinks

Caribbean- Turks and Caicos is exceptional but £££

if France, then Honfleur.

Italian riviera is gorgeous but heaving in summer, daily cruise ships.

What did you find exceptional in Turks and Caicos @insomniaclife?
I thought the beach was lovely but there wasn’t a lot to see/do. I was there 15 years ago so perhaps it has changed somewhat.

If not Scarborough then Split/Hvar?

Sintra in Portugal, Deia in Maillorca

Must admit, Taormina is not somewhere I’d considered so had a little look on Google Earth. Landed right next to a sign advertising a British style pub with cheap Guinness and sky sports 🤣 no thank you

Another vote for Ile de Ré. Stunning beaches, lovely shops, great bike paths.

I’ve been to the “old” Taormina where the amphitheatre is and it’s very pleasant up there! Haven’t been to the beach area. Sicily is better as a touring destination. It’s absolutely fantastic and there are some beautiful places to stay.

Nevis, though it is 10 years since I've been there. Stay in one of the old smaller hotels - not the 4 seasons. There's not a huge amount to do, but it's very safe, there's a volcano a guide can take you up, some great beaches, some little towns, great food.

Via Teatro Greco is actually where I landed 🤣 full of kebab shops, a hostel and signs for the British bar.

Not ruling it out as lots of places are like that but wouldn’t call it refined

Taormina epitomises this, Italy more generally is definitely classy. Portugal is also really nice. I would also say you can find beautiful small hotels in cities even resorts eg i stayed in a lovely place in Antibes, not expensive either

I didn’t see any of that last year. In fact it was wonderfully quiet in April and we enjoyed our visit.Not a pub where we walked. Cafes and small trattoria in side streets and quite expensive shops. We had lunch in a beautiful wine store. In April it was a wonderful island to visit. We liked everything we saw but Taormina was a day visit, we didn’t stay there.

I’d avoid Sicily from end of May though! Too hot!

Hydra is lovely - we’ve been 6 times-fly to Athens - fast ferry for 1 hr 30 - very upmarket, beautiful harbour but a very wide choice of eating out and accommodation to suit ‘all’ pockets- avoid July from about 14th to late August - no packages at all, no traffic allowed. This is my favourite budget( ish) hotel -fabulous breakfasts too. It should link through but if it doesn’t it’s the Mistral - Hydra

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Just been back to see if my eyes were deceiving me but no, this time i also chanced upon the Irish pub with big screen projector! That said, the pub always looks better in the sun.

Reminds me of parts of Venice.

This is my other old school pick ( actually going myself this year again) in Majorca at Puerto Andraitx
Around £950 for a week in early September plus flights- easy to get to other places nearby too
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