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?

Split is nice but heaving with cruise ship tours. Lots of smaller places in Croatia, we visited some on a Jules Verne Emperors and kings cruise (40 people) maybe worth checking the itinerary as I forget the names.

We went threre for the first time last year. Didn't really notice the cruise ship crew, maybe they left when you did.

Found it to be v classy in an unpretentious way and a good start off point for the islands

Calvi in Corsica - very chic, beautiful boutiques (many super yachts at a discreet distance!). It has a very dramatic citadel overlooking the beach.
Villefranche-sur-Mer - great train links to Cannes, Nice, Monaco but extremely crowded in the summer.
Begur in Costa Brava - beautiful town just a few km inland, lots of great restaurants, great night-time vibe with dancing/music in the square.
Sorrento - yes its quite touristy but in a classy way. Amazing restaurants and some total gems off the beaten track. Avoid Capri in high summer!

Funchal, Madeira

Good choice,I would also warmly recommend Ohrid.

Would recommend Llafranc. Gorgeous beaches, lovely little town, nice botanic garden

Corsica is next on my to visit list

Lake Constance.
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.
Barbados.
Tobago.

What a great thread.

V v interested in how to do Barbados inexpensively. Can you say more?

Lake Garda. Depending on what you want Riva or Malcesine

Look at BA Holidays. There are offers when you buy as hotel + flight package and choose dates on bridge season between dry/rainy eg April/late September or early October, rather than peak season

@trinibrit thank you! I’m 3rd generation from Nevis and would like to take the kids to the Caribbean one day as I spent long summers therein my great grandmothers house when I was growing up. Always looking for cheaper options as now no real family links.

Barbados isn't cheap, even off season.

If you like mountain rather than beach vibes, Lake Annecy.

Second Madeira
Sark
The Azores

I guess it depends on your definition of cheap. I have family in the Caribbean so probably look at these destinations more than some. I was just looking at Barbados for a week in September (flights + hotel package) for £750 per person. To me that sounds very cheap for Caribbean, I guess for others not so.

Ahh that’s a shame, Taormina used to be gorgeous. Where did you stay in Antibes ? We’re going there in June.

Seville and Granada

I love Lake Garda. Bardelino is definitely worth a visit too.

@trinibrit expensive when you get there for meals out etc though. Just going from my own personal experience. Maybe I haven't found the cheapest places!

Cascais in Portugal is nice. Approx 40 minutes drive from Lisbon and Sintra, so you can do several places in one trip.

Fiskardo, Kefalonia

https://www.travelandleisure.com/lake-ohrid-north-macedonia-with-kids-11689810

Where would you recommend staying in Barbados that isn’t too busy/touristy? Looking at doing a week there next March. I loved English Harbour Town in Antigua so looking for somewhere like that.

Altafulla
San Martín d'Empuries