European beach vacation advice needed! UPDATE- is a cruise a good idea??? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Flabbibulin · 03-30-2011, 12:08 PM

My wife and I are trying to decide on a 2 week European vacation destination for this summer, but need advice on where to go. We are traveling on points with BA, so virtually anywhere in Europe is an option. We have been reading up on Santorini, southern Portugal, and southern France, but are open to other possibilities. A few key points-

- we want a beach vacation, but still have access to cool sights
- we have been to all of the "top 10" European cities, and not really looking at any of those... We are thinking relaxing/resortish
- not wanting to country hop... Will just stay in one area and go out on day trips.

Advice would be greatly appreciated! I want to book it soon, but having a difficult time choosing.

UPDATE in new post- any new advice appreciated!

Sainters7 · 03-30-2011, 12:14 PM

Never been to any of those places, but the word "Santorini" caught my eye. My gf went there as part of a Greek Island kontiki tour 3 years ago and to this day raves about how we "have" to go to Santorini someday. The only prob (depending on what you're looking for) is I hear its a bit of a party beach (e.g. she met Queen Latifah there, who was partying it up). But that may have just been because of all the kontiki'ers. Something to look into anyway.

wpgflamesfan · 03-30-2011, 12:23 PM

South of France. It's expensive, but how can you top Monaco, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and St. Tropez all just a short train ride away.

peter12 · 03-30-2011, 12:25 PM

The Scandinavian beaches are gorgeous as well.

Flabbibulin · 03-30-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wpgflamesfan

South of France. It's expensive, but how can you top Monaco, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and St. Tropez all just a short train ride away.

That was our initial plan, but the hotel prices (decent hotels anyways) are crazy. Which area in the Riviera might have the best hotel prices? We are probably ok with 300 CDN a night, but most of the places I looked at were 300 Euros or more.

Frequitude · 03-30-2011, 12:30 PM

Get a good pair of sunglasses so your wife can't see where you're looking.

wpgflamesfan · 03-30-2011, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flabbibulin

That was our initial plan, but the hotel prices (decent hotels anyways) are crazy. 300-500 euros a night.

I'd maybe look at renting an apartment or villa if you're into that sort of thing. Save money on the accommodations and on the food bill (since order anything other than pasta and pizza when going out is expensive no matter where the restaurant).

SeeBass · 03-30-2011, 12:32 PM

Dont bother with Santorini if you want a beach. They have a black sand and pink sand one that is neat but not the best. Amazing view is the real draw there.

For good a beach I would go with Mykanos and they have good dining and a great nightlife too. As long as you are comfortable with the gay crowds you would like it. The island of Delphi is a day trip destination only but it is a great way to see old greek ruins (highly recomend)

My favourite greek island is Crete as it has a little of everything. Palm tree beaches,ancient cities, museums, snow capped peaks, if you like hiking the gorge is great too.

If you want to party like a rock star,enjoy great beaches and ancient towns then Ibiza, Spain is the place. I lived there for a year and had a great time. Word of advice if you go there you will wish you didn't bring your wife.

Sainters7 · 03-30-2011, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frequitude

Get a good pair of sunglasses so your wife can't see where you're looking.

Creeper peepers! What guy doesn't own a pair of those? One of the many reasons why I heart summer.

getbak · 03-30-2011, 12:36 PM

Everyone I know who has been there says that the Croatian beaches are spectacular. From everything I've heard, the beaches are nicer, less crowded, and significantly cheaper than their Italian counterparts across the Adriatic.

Canada 02 · 03-30-2011, 12:40 PM

was in Santorini last year and loved it, however, I don't think there are enough things to do there for a full two weeks - it's a small island. Perhaps if you were to hop around the different Greek Islands - Crete is great if you like you like outdoor adventure/hiking/mtn biking

Back to Santorini, we stayed at the Heliotopos, and were treated 1st class by the staff and manager. Great two-story room, double balconies, phenomenal view, and the most amazing Greek breakfast that my wife still talks about. I think we paid about ~$110/night. It's also close to several restaurants, walking distance to Fira, and a short bus or taxi to beaches, wineries, or Oia

http://hotel.heliotopos.net/

troutman · 03-30-2011, 01:04 PM

France - avoid the beaches in August when everyone there has holidays at the same time.

Netherlands - beach resort area west of Amsterdam called Zandvoort IIRC. You can rent little beach cottages there.

Greece - I don't recall any typical beaches at Santorini - it is a very steep rim of a collapsed volcano. I would suggest taking the ferry to different islands in the Cyclades - Naxos, Paros, Folegandros. Ios is a party island for young scandanavians. Mykynos is a big gay destination.

Mallorca (Spain) is the more resortish beach destination for European tourists.

Expect to see much nudity at Euro beaches, and dudes in Speedos.

81flames · 03-30-2011, 01:05 PM

Another vote for Croatia. It's amazing and they have some really neat sites to visit as well.
Another option would be to do a cruise in that area as well. All your food/accomodation is covered and you wake up in a new city everyday. This way all your traveling is done at night when you sleep...and you can visit lots of beaches!

Yasa · 03-30-2011, 01:08 PM

+1 to Croatia

Never been, but my roommate has and loved it. I also worked with a guy there and he said it was beautiful.

Bring_Back_Shantz · 03-30-2011, 01:08 PM

I don't know a thing about where to go, but what I can tell you is that if you don't wear a speedo, you won't be allowed on the beach.
That's a 100% true fact, so make sure you buy yourself a tiny one.

Sliver · 03-30-2011, 01:08 PM

Don't forget your spy cam.

sa226 · 03-30-2011, 01:10 PM

I have heard that Croatia has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Something about a combination of things that don't belong together.

Coincidentally, I am going to Portugal in 3 days and I have heard the beaches in the south of Portugal are some of the best in Europe, the Algarve it is called. It is a little different than the usual beach destinations like France, Greece etc...

BA flies to Lisbon but I'm not sure about Faro (The city in southern Portugal) but it is only a 3 hour train ride away from Lisbon.

From what I have read and seen it has a prefect mix of relaxing tourist resortishness: restaraunts, excellent golf courses, wide array of Hotels, apartments and Bed and Breakfasts and also a vibrant nightlife. But if you want to escape the hoards of tourists there is still some untouched Portugese culture to be found.

I shall return with a trip report.

EDIT: I see you are already reading up on southern Portugal so you know what I'm talking about.

Again, I shall return with a trip report, and pictures if I figure out how to post them.

BlackEleven · 03-30-2011, 01:12 PM

Have you considered San Sebastian?

Sounds like it might fit your crieria. It has beaches, resorts and good food and plenty of sites. Southwest France and places around Northern Spain are within day trip distance.

Yasa · 03-30-2011, 01:20 PM

Here's Drazica Beach in Croatia;

(Small photo, sorry)

List of other Croatian beaches
http://www.croatia-beaches.com/best/...ch_croatia.htm

Flabbibulin · 03-30-2011, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sa226

I have heard that Croatia has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Something about a combination of things that don't belong together.

Coincidentally, I am going to Portugal in 3 days and I have heard the beaches in the south of Portugal are some of the best in Europe, the Algarve it is called. It is a little different than the usual beach destinations like France, Greece etc...

BA flies to Lisbon but I'm not sure about Faro (The city in southern Portugal) but it is only a 3 hour train ride away from Lisbon.

From what I have read and seen it has a prefect mix of relaxing tourist resortishness: restaraunts, excellent golf courses, wide array of Hotels, apartments and Bed and Breakfasts and also a vibrant nightlife. But if you want to escape the hoards of tourists there is still some untouched Portugese culture to be found.

I shall return with a trip report.

EDIT: I see you are already reading up on southern Portugal so you know what I'm talking about.

Again, I shall return with a trip report, and pictures if I figure out how to post them.

Yes, the Algarve region is what we have been looking at- seems to be a bit cheaper with smaller crowds.

Not sure why we haven't given any thought to Croatia. Will have to research it.