Fodorite011

Having researched for 2-3 weeks now, I am at my wits end and thought some of you fine folk might be able to offer me advice (I've found useful information here as an unregistered lurker). I've reached a stage of extreme indecisiveness by now!

I'm looking to go somewhere in Europe with my gf from the 28th of May to the 6th of June. We're ideally after a mix of things: both higher-intensity city/culture/architecture type stuff, as well as more relaxed beach/nature attractions. In the past we've done things like a few days in Rome followed by a few days in Venice, or Barcelona & Majorca, which was a pretty effective mix of the two. There's a definite preference for warm weather too.

The two places I've been thinking about mostly are Portugal (split between Lisbon and the Algarve, with some day trips to older towns in the interior?) and Sicily (a couple of days in Palermo, then base somewhere else with drives around to see older towns, see Mt Etna & nice beaches too).

I'm really leaning towards Portugal because I've read that car rental firms in Sicily require an IDP if you have a non-european license, and I will not be able to get this done. I may be able to get my embassy to do a certified translation, but a) I'm not sure if I can, and b) I'm not sure if this will work even if I get it done. If I plan my holiday in Sicily around a car and it gets declined, that would suck. And I'd rather avoid public transport there.

On the other hand, most things I read (including an old topic on this forum) definitely say Sicily is a better trip than Portugal. I've even come across a few posts/articles talking about how Lisbon/Portugal is boring/underwhelming, and so I'm a bit hesitant. This will be the longest holiday I've gone on so I'd like to pick a good destination for it.

I would really appreciate any feedback here, anything that helps me make a decision would be very very welcome. I'm also open to new destination ideas - we've both seen too much of France to want to go back there right now, Switzerland would be too expensive, and Northern Europe too cold, but if there's anything you think would be better I'm definitely open to the idea. Even if it just confuses me more..!

lobo_mau

Sicily, without question.

Fodorite011

Even if I can't rent a car? I get the feeling it'd be a bit more painful relying on public transport, and might be better to save it for any time from next year onwards (when I would be able to rent a car there)

The other option I had in mind was Vienna and/or Budapest, although that might miss out on the 'relaxation' part of the holiday..

thursdaysd

Portugal. Sicily can be done by public transport, but even with a car it doesn't work well for base and day trip,visits, there are many sights, but they are spread out. It will also be getting hot by June.

You can relax easily in Budapest - just visit the baths!

Fodorite011

That does make a lot of sense, most itineraries I've seen for Sicily involve road tripping around the island rather than using a base for day trips.

I know this is a bit of a stretch, but given the preferences I outlined in my original post, do you have any recommendation between Portugal and a Austria/Hungary mix?

pookymimi

You can get a International Driving Permit at any AAA.
When I traveled to Portugal I got one and now that I'm going to Sicily I'm getting a new one. It's only $15 at any office or you can mail it.

http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html

pookymimi

I forgot that I drove from Lisboa to Sintra then to Algarve that it's beautiful. But, driving in Portugal is crazy, they had in 2012 the highest incidence of car accidents/deaths in Europe, they are crazy drivers. Even driving at 120 m/h from Algarve to Lisboa they were tailing me and I had my kids in the car.

thursdaysd

I love both Lisbon and Budapest, so I'm not the best person to ask. But if you want a beach, obviously Portugal wins, although I'd be included to skip the Algarve and head for the Atlantic coast. Lots of day trips from Lisbon, and you might overnight in Obidos, too.

yestravel

Re the IDP - you know you can go to a AAA and get one in no time flat.

Hated Austria and loved Hungary. They are very different than Portugal. I loved Portugal! Much to see and do around Lisbon and environs. Cascais is a beach town nearby Lisbon. Praia da Adraga, Sintra, near Lisbon is a very nice beach and not far from the most western part of Europe which is worth a look. Praia do Guincho is also near Lisbon and lovely.

Haven't been to the Algrave in many years and it was crowded and over developed then, so shutter to think what it could be like these days. Over the border in Spain was a nice beach town, Tavira.

Fodorite018

We LOVED Portugal and did not find it boring or underwhelming at all! Far from it, as they is so much to see in Lisbon and the surrounding area. We stayed in Lisbon as well as Cascais, which suited us perfectly, then did a day trip to Sintra. We would have loved more time in Sintra, but did what we could. I would go back in a heartbeat, FWIW.

Fodorite011

@ pookymimi:
Did you need an IDP to rent a car in Portugal? I was under the impression that it's not strictly required as much as it is in Italy. I've rented in Spain without one in the past.

I'm in a strange situation where I won't be able to get one. I recently moved to the UK from Tanzania. I have a Tanzanian license but cannot get an IDP for this without going back to Tanzania. I also have a UK license but I just got it a few months ago, and rental companies generally want a license held for at least a year. So can't use that either.

So I've basically assumed that I can pick up a car in Portugal without needing an IDP - is that not true?

I'm used to crazy drivers from Tanzania, doesn't really bug me

Fodorite011

@yestravel and thursdaysd - can I ask how you would compare Portugal to Budapest/Hungary, in terms of atmosphere/'type of holiday' I might expect to have? I think that there may be more to see in terms of culture/architecture in Hungary, but worse options for relaxation compared to the beaches in Portugal. Is that about right?

thursdaysd

Probably, although there's plenty of culture and architecture in Portugal. If you like Art Nouveau Hungary is a better choice, especially if you go south from Budapest.

My technique, if I'm having trouble deciding, is to toss a coin. If I look at the result and feel pleased I know that option is what I should do. If I look at the result and feel disappointed I know I should do the other option.