Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum/website. I came to the Forums looking for some help/advice. This summer (early July), I'm planning a trip with some friends and family. The time frame for this trip is 11 days. The age range is from 18-27, all guys, with 5 in the travel group. We're looking for something relatively cost-friendly, but at the same time, want to be able to see as much as possible. Why Europe and not Mexico (for example)? Places like the Caribbean, Mexico are trips we've already taken. Europe will be new to some of the members of this travel group, and a nice change of scenery. To keep it as cheap as possible, we’re planning on flying into London, spending 2-3 days there, and then taking one of the low-cost carriers to a nice beach destination. The concensus wants nice beaches, good (crazy) nightlife, awesome sights.... being the senior member of the group (and having been there and done that) I wouldn't really mind a crazy night life, but also would really welcome something more laidback. Initially, I had whittled my choices down to Lagos (Portugal), Crete, and Sardinia. After talking with my group about Sardinia, they decided they wanted something less “couples getaway” and more exciting/adventurous/party-friendly, so I'm up in the air on Lagos/Crete. So here's where you all come in... any advice/suggestions/alternatives? I would really LOVE one of the Cyclades but it seems that it’s crazy expensive… I want to be blown away by amazing beaches, amazing sights, etc.... Personally, I’m leaning towards Crete, but I would feel inclined to seeing as much as possible, and would feel awful not taking advantage of seeing Athens... Also, I used to live in Spain and have been to Portugal a bunch of times (never to the Algarve region), so I wouldn’t mind something different. (Not that I mind going back to Spain or Portugal!) I think Lagos would probably be the best option for the group as a whole and the fact that we’re so close to Spain means a good day trip or two. Is this a fair assessment? However, if you can offer any alternatives or suggestions, I would really appreciate it! Or if you’ve been to Algarve and have any recommendations/advice, please let me know!
Thanks sooooo much!
Crete? Algarve? Sardinia? I can't decide! Help please!!!!
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You are unlikely to find anybody here who has been to all 3 destiantions, and posters tend to be overwhelmingly retirees.
If you go to the travel section of the Guardian UK newspaper, you will see that they have frequently done articles about all the destinations you are considering, because the UK is (as you know) a jumping off point for low-cost carrier trips like what you are contemplating.
You might get a lot of ideas about reading recent articles about Crete, the Algarve and Sardinia about what would be best for your group in July. I suggest you also take a look at Corsica.
If it is partying you are after, i wouldn't recommend Crete that much, although it is a very beautiful island.
Places with intense nightlife such as Hersonissos or Malia are popular among young Brits, who get there just to get drunk without any limit. Everything turns around cheap entertainment and at night it can get pretty rough with all the drunk tourists. ( there have been quite some incidents during the last years, so that locals had to react in order to protect their villages)
To me the ideal island for partying is Mykonos, an island with incredibly nice beaches and one of the best nightlife of European destinations. There are great night clubs, beach parties that attract hundreds of people and a very international and loose atmosphere. Many famous DJ's visit each year the island for some unforgettable sets. ( like Tiesto, Armin van Buuren etc)
There are low cost careers flying to Mykonos, but it can also be reached easily via Athens.
As for accommodation, in order to keep the cost low you can rent private rooms from one of the numerous people waiting at the port/airport with lower prices than any hotel.
You didn't mention when you would like to travel, but end of July and August will be the busiest months.
Have a look also at www.booking.com they have a pretty big variety of accommodation of a wide price range.
Thanks for the advice... as for what I want to do, I'm pretty open. The fact that you mention Mykonos is a very interesting option and has me thinking...
I'm not retired and have been to all three: No, No, and No! I'm thinking the Balearic Islands for you and what you are looking for. Especially Ibiza. OR one of the other Greek Islands,like Mykonos, as was suggested.
I have actually been to all three and you are 500 miles off track.
All three specialise in family holidays, although have party enclaves but not probably what you are expecting. There aren't many who can financially afford to keep with Sardinia's party scene, we were there last July and visited Porto Cervo, the wealth on shown seems to surpass Miami.
I would totally with Justine, head for Ibiza. It has been a world leading club destination for 30 years. It has moved on from it's problems of 10 years when the drugs scene took over and far too many visitors simply did not come back alive.
There is also a quieter side to the island and many beautiful beaches
Thanks everyone for the info... it really is a lot of help! Well, I used to live in Spain (I'm from the NYC area) and have been to the Balearic/Canary Islands more times than I can remember. I had orginally suggested Ibiza, but everyone in my travel party criticized me for not being open to going elsewhere. I would love to do Ibiza again. For most of the travel group, this would be their first time in Europe or in Ibiza, which is why I had originally suggested it. Plus, the fact that I've been there before helps out some in terms of planning what to do and where to go. Mykonos was another option I considered after this post... a few days in Athens and a few days in Mykonos, and everyone seems to be keen on this option. I've never been to Greece, so I think this would be a great trip... Price-wise, it seems there's very little difference between Spain and Greece... so we'll see. Thanks again for all your info!
Crete, sure as hell.
I spent my summer vacation there for two consecutive years, first in the west and then in the east. The two ends are the most beautiful areas. I only suggest you to avoid the area between Iraklion and Hersonissos, too busy and not particularly attractive.
These are the links to my photo albums:
https://picasaweb.google.com/102735710962459844321/CretaOvest2010
https://picasaweb.google.com/102735710962459844321/CretaEst2011
I'd go for Ibiza, Mykonos or Ayia Napa (Cyprus) for clubbing & nightlife plus sightseeing/beaches. Ayia Napa is on a fantastic beach & there are some really smart hotels in the area.