First-Timer Holidays Abroad

Santorini is doable in a stop over. Blue star ferries (I think they were/are called) hop between islands. On paros I know there’s couple of companies run trips to Santorini that do a tour of the usual haunts (Oia, Akrotiri, hot springs, volcano etc) they were reasonably priced last time I was there. Didn’t like Santorini itself but the ruins at akrotiri are well worth a trip if you’re into that kind of thing. One of the trips we went on included a boat trip where you could jump from the boat and swim to a secluded beach for a picnic (or you could be boring and take the outboard to the beach!)

Definitely something we like and plan to do on our holidays.
 
Amalfi Coast is a good shout, lovely down there.

Do a cruise round the fjords, Norway is beautiful.

Some fantastic views along the Amalfi coast but gotta be careful when you go as summer months it's absolutely heaving.

Tbqh there's lots of lovely countries in Europe to visit, pick a few that you like and then pick some destinations, you'll very rarely go wrong on location. The trick is finding somewhere nice to stay.
 
Definitely something we like and plan to do on our holidays.
i can dig out a few more details if you want - think i've still got the names of the travel companies i used for the day trips. if you like ruins etc, akrotiri will blow you away. quite surreal walking along the excavated streets of a long buried civilisation.
 
Some fantastic views along the Amalfi coast but gotta be careful when you go as summer months it's absolutely heaving.

Tbqh there's lots of lovely countries in Europe to visit, pick a few that you like and then pick some destinations, you'll very rarely go wrong on location. The trick is finding somewhere nice to stay.
True enough, if you can avoid trips around kids holidays that helps.

Have to agree, pretty much anywhere in Europe has lovely places. Not so long ago had a day in Taalin and plan to go back. I hear Riga is lovely too.

Depends if you're in the mood for beach, scenery or historic town type getaways (Vienna is always a good go to for that one).
 
i can dig out a few more details if you want - think i've still got the names of the travel companies i used for the day trips. if you like ruins etc, akrotiri will blow you away. quite surreal walking along the excavated streets of a long buried civilisation.

When you get the opportunity, absolutely interested!

True enough, if you can avoid trips around kids holidays that helps.

Have to agree, pretty much anywhere in Europe has lovely places. Not so long ago had a day in Taalin and plan to go back. I hear Riga is lovely too.

Depends if you're in the mood for beach, scenery or historic town type getaways (Vienna is always a good go to for that one).

That is something we plan to avoid kids holidays, half terms etc.
 
Considered Cyprus, which part do you recommend?
Try the North of Cyprus so much nicer than the South.
Less touristy, cheaper, unspoilt. Bit like going back in time and has a lovely pace of life there.
You won't find a McDonalds here just lots of local places, great history and lovely places to visit.

 
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My favourite European beach destination so far is north west Sardinia. There's loads of different beaches to choose from and they are all very quiet (with the exception of Spiaggia La Pelosa which I'd still recommend visiting as it is stunning). My favourite beach in the region was Spiaggia di Porto Ferro.

Alghero (the biggest town in the area) has a great feel to it and lots of good restaurants. It also has direct flights from the UK.

There's not too many Brits around in that part of Europe which in my experience is a good sign that's its going to be a decent holiday location :p

If you want a hotel recommendation, Sa Cheya Relais was a fantastic small hotel outside of town in the countryside. As its slightly remote it's also very good value for money. It's been 8 years since I visited though so would suggest double checking the recent reviews to make sure its still decent.
 
Try the North of Cyprus so much nicer than the South.
Less touristy, cheaper, unspoilt. Bit like going back in time and has a lovely pace of life there.
You won't find a McDonalds here just lots of local places, great history and lovely places to visit.


Also if something happens to you in the North, good luck, no embassy will formally help you out.

You are also supporting the occupation of Cyprus by spending money in the occupied part.
 
Olu Deniz. Cheap, beautiful and don’t miss out on some of the best paragliding.

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Really appreciate all the feedback. Missus has never been aboard in her life and she's quite excited to be jetting off next year. Don't get me wrong but we have some lovely holiday destinations here in the UK but decided this will be our last.
 
Considered Cyprus, which part do you recommend?
I like the quieter hotels - adults only.
Paralimni is quieter and you can walk along the coast all the way to fig tree bay(busy) and beyond.
East of Limasol is nice as well.

I do believe Paphos is a nice area but much busier.
Then there's Ayia Napa:eek:
 
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Also if something happens to you in the North, good luck, no embassy will formally help you out.

You are also supporting the occupation of Cyprus by spending money in the occupied part.
What's going to happen exactly? I've been visiting yearly for the best part of 20 years.
Your information is way off, not sure why you think the British Embassy there would ignore you.
 
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Benidorm is a no no for us.

Every year up until around 2017 I told my wife and Sister in Law that I'm never going to Benidorm.
They went behind me and my Brother in Laws back and booked it.
We've been every year since then (except a couple during Covid) and going later this year.
One of the best holidays ever for us.

We also go all over the place so this year we've also been to Lanzarote and Menorca.
 
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I like the quieter hotels - adults only.
Paralimni is quieter and you can walk along the coast all the way to fig tree bay(busy) and beyond.
East of Limasol is nice as well.

I do believe Paphos is a nice area but much busier.
Then there's Ayia Napa:eek:

Heard of Ayia Napa... will stay clear!

Every year up until around 2017 I told my wife and Sister in Law that I'm never going to Benidorm.
They went behind me and my Brother in Laws back and booked it.
We've been every year since then (except a couple during Covid) and going later this year.
One of the best holidays ever for us.

We also go all over the place so this year we've also been to Lanzarote and Menorca.

Heard the old town was the quieter part?
 
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