A week in the med-advice

[a311]

We want to get away for a week probably in July the week before the English school summer holidays start. Going short haul other than city breaks we’ve always visited family in Spain who’ve now sold up. Pretty broad brief but want something quiet with good food, a bit of culture-i.e. not Blackpool in the sun type places associated with Spain. Generally just a bit of a chill out week. I fancy Croatia or one of the quieter Greek Island the OH fancies Portugal. We were going to spend a week visiting a couple of places in Italy but after a couple a hectic weeks the Mrs fancies something more relaxed.

Has anyone been to Croatia? How does it compare to the more mainstream med destinations? Open to suggestions but want to keep the flight time down to a max 3-4 hours. No set budget in mind, like most the OH likes the finer things but £1500 for flights and accommodation is what I’ll be working to for both of us.

[LuS1fer]

Not all Spain is Blackpool in the sun. Mallorca is stunning in its interior and places like the white villages in the Andalucian hills are largely still Spanish. Towns like Granada or Ronda offer all the culture you'll ever need.

[kiethton]

I went to Croatia and am going back again next week.

I stay on Brac Island, just outside of Split, however Vis and Hvar are also other options. Last time I went I stayed in a villa outside Milna (normal first stop on sailing holidays) which is a nice, relaxed harbour with some good bays nearby, but am staying in Bol (Zlatni Rat beach) next week.

It is very laid back, although the beaches are rocky shelves/pebbles and not the typical sandy affair, but the sights (Krka Lakes, Split Old town, Trogir etc. ) and food (seafood specialities) are amazing.

It is also rather cheap, £1.50 a pint (18 Kuna) in a bar last time I went or a 2l bottle for £1.10 from the supermarket. Accomodation is also rather cheap, 12 nights in a Bol apartment next week is costing me £290! We are driving but flights can be had for £300ish return, a hire car is essential.

Other than the island I am familiar with Dubrovnik is meant to be more 'upmarket' but far more expensive to boot!

When comparing croatian holidays it seemed to make sense to book hotels (booking.com) and flights seperately (skyscanner). As its a fairly new destination i guess that there are no proper packages in place, and likewise fairly few 'all in' resorts.

Other than that we are off to kos the week after we get back which is also very relaxed and cultured (as long as you stay out of the town at night). We stay in Psaldi which is a typical resort area, laid back and friendly

Hope this helps!

Edited by kiethton on Friday 14th June 11:03

[a311]

LuS1fer said:

Not all Spain is Blackpool in the sun. Mallorca is stunning in its interior and places like the white villages in the Andalucian hills are largely still Spanish. Towns like Granada or Ronda offer all the culture you'll ever need.

Appreicate this, what I should have said is that we’re ruling out Spain as we’ve seen allot of it over the last 10+ years of visitng family.

[fatboy b]

We've been to Cannes a few times and loved it. It's a tad expensive, but good food, and some culture. We took a day trip to Antibes just along the coast, and that's a little quieter and cheaper, but a fantastic place in the old-town. We may end up there next.

[Mobile Chicane]

A friend has a villa just outside Pafos (Cyprus) if that appeals at all?

Would be 'mates rates' for a 3-bed, 3-bath house with pool and private roof terraces.

PM if interested and I'll send you the link.