Autumn Mediterranean sun
Discussion
Chaps, some help please. I am used to long haul travel, skiing and Ibiza, plus city breaks. I have not spent a week in Europe for some years.
Lady F and I would like two separate weeks away this autumn - one in September/October, one in November/December. I suspect the latter will be a spa/ski week. For the first, we would like somewhere quiet, beautiful, and luxurious. There needs to be a swimmable beach (preferably with snorkelling, but this is just for me, not her).
Egypt etc does not appeal as it's a bit too built-up and resorty.
I genuinely have no idea where to look! I thought of the north sideof Ibiza, but what about the other Balearic Islands? Or the North African coast? This is not a cultural holiday - this is all about R&R and luxury. I'd like somewhere relatively remote and free from light pollution, for stars at night and some good photography.
Anyone been anywhere that fits the bill? Croatia? Sicily? A part of Turkey?
Any suggestions/experiences (with specific locations please if possible) would be very. very, welcome!
Lady F and I would like two separate weeks away this autumn - one in September/October, one in November/December. I suspect the latter will be a spa/ski week. For the first, we would like somewhere quiet, beautiful, and luxurious. There needs to be a swimmable beach (preferably with snorkelling, but this is just for me, not her).
Egypt etc does not appeal as it's a bit too built-up and resorty.
I genuinely have no idea where to look! I thought of the north sideof Ibiza, but what about the other Balearic Islands? Or the North African coast? This is not a cultural holiday - this is all about R&R and luxury. I'd like somewhere relatively remote and free from light pollution, for stars at night and some good photography.
Anyone been anywhere that fits the bill? Croatia? Sicily? A part of Turkey?
Any suggestions/experiences (with specific locations please if possible) would be very. very, welcome!
I went to Brac Island, just off Split in croatia (going back next week) in mid September a few years ago.
When I went the waters were crystal clear (perfect for snorkelling)and it was typically mid 20's (although there were mozzies around in the evening).
I would suggest going somewhere like Milna (nice quiet harbour town) which should give a number of nice beaches/bays to chill on as well as some relaxed Bars/eateries for the evenings
When I went the waters were crystal clear (perfect for snorkelling)and it was typically mid 20's (although there were mozzies around in the evening).
I would suggest going somewhere like Milna (nice quiet harbour town) which should give a number of nice beaches/bays to chill on as well as some relaxed Bars/eateries for the evenings
It is not going to be particularly warm on those dates in the Balearics.
I have done Southern Spain in September (Roquetas de Mar near Almeria) and got lucky with the sun but Spain is very mountainous and when it rains, it pours. Otherwise, the Andalucian foothills would be quiet and remote if you like stars.
The Canaries are the obvious choice for the weather, each offering a different experience.
I have done Southern Spain in September (Roquetas de Mar near Almeria) and got lucky with the sun but Spain is very mountainous and when it rains, it pours. Otherwise, the Andalucian foothills would be quiet and remote if you like stars.
The Canaries are the obvious choice for the weather, each offering a different experience.
LuS1fer said:
It is not going to be particularly warm on those dates in the Balearics.
I have done Southern Spain in September (Roquetas de Mar near Almeria) and got lucky with the sun but Spain is very mountainous and when it rains, it pours. Otherwise, the Andalucian foothills would be quiet and remote if you like stars.
The Canaries are the obvious choice for the weather, each offering a different experience.
Good point. I had a lovely time in and around Mijas one October, but guess I was lucky. Canaries is a good idea.I have done Southern Spain in September (Roquetas de Mar near Almeria) and got lucky with the sun but Spain is very mountainous and when it rains, it pours. Otherwise, the Andalucian foothills would be quiet and remote if you like stars.
The Canaries are the obvious choice for the weather, each offering a different experience.
It's cheap enough to fly to the Canaries outside school terms.
I'd say Lanzarote is likely to have more fully inclusive spa type stuff but a villa might be an idea as they tend to be very reasonable. Playa Blanca has a lot of nice hotels.
Fuerteventura is a bit less developed.
Tenerife is far more developed but has more to see round Mount Teide (pitch black at night) and has Loro Parque zoo, killer whales etc.
Gran Canaria has lots of mountainous and remote terrain but it takes time to traverse it. Meloneras is the posh area around Maspalomas.
I'd say Lanzarote is likely to have more fully inclusive spa type stuff but a villa might be an idea as they tend to be very reasonable. Playa Blanca has a lot of nice hotels.
Fuerteventura is a bit less developed.
Tenerife is far more developed but has more to see round Mount Teide (pitch black at night) and has Loro Parque zoo, killer whales etc.
Gran Canaria has lots of mountainous and remote terrain but it takes time to traverse it. Meloneras is the posh area around Maspalomas.
For something a bit less well-visited, how about Northern Cyprus? History, culture, excellent food, stupidly cheap prices, the best sea swimming I have ever tried and good sunshine in Autumn. The only downside is that you can't fly direct to the N Cyprus airport (Ercan); you can either fly via Turkey or fly to Larnaca and have a long-ish (hour-and-a-half) transfer. Oh, and you can find LOTS of wonderful things to take photos of.
We went 18 months ago and can highly recommend it.
Oli.
We went 18 months ago and can highly recommend it.
Oli.
Sea temperatures for the Canaries are warmest in September/October as it is their summer. I went to GC in jan 13 and temperatures were up to 33 degrees and the sea was acceptable - far more than can be said for the hotel pool which was bl**dy refrigerated!
http://www.holiday-weather.com/gran_canaria/averag...
Some villas will have pools that are heated and I imagine 5 star hotels will have heated pools.
http://www.holiday-weather.com/gran_canaria/averag...
Some villas will have pools that are heated and I imagine 5 star hotels will have heated pools.
+1 for NE Majorca.
I love Pollenca (Port de as opposed to the old town) but for something a bit more luxurious with better water-based activity opportunities, I'd suggest looking at Cala Saint Vincent.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g262059-...
We always have a drive round there for the day, particularly if it's a bit breezy as the beach is so sheltered.
Hire a kayak and explore the coastline and if you take your kit there's some great rocky coves where you could snorkel.
I love Pollenca (Port de as opposed to the old town) but for something a bit more luxurious with better water-based activity opportunities, I'd suggest looking at Cala Saint Vincent.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g262059-...
We always have a drive round there for the day, particularly if it's a bit breezy as the beach is so sheltered.
Hire a kayak and explore the coastline and if you take your kit there's some great rocky coves where you could snorkel.
roboxm3 said:
+1 for NE Majorca.
I love Pollenca (Port de as opposed to the old town) but for something a bit more luxurious with better water-based activity opportunities, I'd suggest looking at Cala Saint Vincent.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g262059-...
We always have a drive round there for the day, particularly if it's a bit breezy as the beach is so sheltered.
Hire a kayak and explore the coastline and if you take your kit there's some great rocky coves where you could snorkel.
Cala St Vincente is lovely. Great snorkelling off the beaches and a really exclusive area. There is also a great historic car showroom there....I love Pollenca (Port de as opposed to the old town) but for something a bit more luxurious with better water-based activity opportunities, I'd suggest looking at Cala Saint Vincent.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g262059-...
We always have a drive round there for the day, particularly if it's a bit breezy as the beach is so sheltered.
Hire a kayak and explore the coastline and if you take your kit there's some great rocky coves where you could snorkel.
Canaries is a good call; went (to Tenerife) for 10 days at a similar time (end Nov / start Dec) a couple of years ago and it was v high teens to mid twenties most days and warm enough at night. Whilst many will be rude about the Canaries, there is plenty to see and do if one rents a car and goes exploring. Teide, and the hills of various parts of the island were used for the (rather poor) honing of my photographic skills! It's also quite nice that everything is well adapted for the days one wants to sit under a tree and read a book as well!
This year Mrs EJH and I are taking our chances on Florida…at the end of hurricane season. Damn BA Companion Tickets…and my weakness for turning left!
This year Mrs EJH and I are taking our chances on Florida…at the end of hurricane season. Damn BA Companion Tickets…and my weakness for turning left!
Flash. If you want to go further afield, Turtle Nest Inn in Grand Cayman is a great place to stay. It's not 5*, but is right on an unspoiled beach on the quieter Eastern side of the island, so is a far cry from the glitzy, overpriced ruination that is 7 mile beach.
http://www.turtlenestinn.com/
http://www.turtlenestinn.com/
schmalex said:
Cala St Vincente is lovely. Great snorkelling off the beaches and a really exclusive area. There is also a great historic car showroom there....
I forgot about the car showroom! I always slow down to get a good look as we drive past and tell the other half to remind me to stop on the way back...but the one-way bit doesn't take you back past it so I always forget.
We love that area and have been every year for the past 6 or 7 years for our summer holiday. We normally take a villa somewhere on the outskirts of Pollenca old town and just kick back and completely relax.
We're staying here this year and I realy can't wait http://www.villaplus.com/mallorca/code/villas/vill...
We're staying here this year and I realy can't wait http://www.villaplus.com/mallorca/code/villas/vill...
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