Budget but nice holiday ideas - self catering/villa

[RiderGirl]

Youngest DD will have finished her GCSEs next summer and we're starting to think about a proper holiday before the end of July (I've got two weeks booked off). Previous holidays have consisted of visiting family in France, long haul camping trips and the like. We're not really that well travelled although we did do a big road trip around France this summer with our caravan.

All inclusive hotel in a purpose built resort probably not our thing. I think we'd like either a nice self catering apartment or a private villa with a pool somewhere interesting/historical but near a nice beach.

Happy to book apartment/flights etc separately from each other. We'd be on a fairly tight budget so interested to know where (Europe of even further afield) still offers good value for money - absolutely cannot afford to be spending thousands and thousands!

Any suggestions welcome!

Beach or city holiday? Is it possible to jet off as soon as the exams are over in June as July will be even hotter.

I think more beach but close to a city/somewhere interesting if possible! My annual leave is already booked

Valencia in Spain is perfect as it has both a city and a beach so you can do exploring and sun bathing.

https://www.visitvalencia.com/en

Barcelona, Costa brava?
I'd book the flights ASAP and look for accommodation near a supermarket.

Alghero Sardinia

Lots to see and do in the city, lots of beach opportunities, lots of places to visit on the bus or train.

I think Portugal is pretty good value. Maybe look in Cascais which is right by Lisbon for beach and city vibe. Or somewhere less well known will be cheaper I’m sure!

Oriihuela Costa - fly into Murcia or Alicante. Within easy driving distance of Alicante (castle), Cartagena (Roman theatre and other archeological sites), Elche with it's beautiful palm trees. Then you have several beaches (La Zenia, Cabo Roig). It will be hot though at that time of year. Lots of accommodation options on AirBnB oR VRBO for varying budgets.

As PP said Valencia would be a good option as it you go south you have Denia, Calpe, Javea etc.

Alternative would be Silver Coast North of Lisbon which will be slightly cooler.

My friend and her family lived a Euro camp tour place near Rome. Reasonable priced but easy to get the train into the city. Not sure of the exact details though, sorry.

We went to a villa in Croatia this year, near Pula. 3 beds and private pool - 1500€ for a week in August. Felt like middle of nowhere so v relaxing but in reality we could walk to the village restaurants and it was a 10 min drive to a lovely town with a beach.

Fantastic suggestions thank you!! I will look all of them up!!