brittany2013

Hello! Looking to head to Europe for 2 weeks. I need help deciding on a destination. I have been to Greece & Spain, so would like to try somewhere new and that is similar to the beach/relaxing/friendly people atmosphere. I have left some requirements below as to what i am looking for:
- 2 countries(possibly 3 if close by)
- 2 weeks (14 days max)
- friendly locals
-coastal countries/cities
- nice scenery

I was looking at South of France and Italian coastline but hoping someone can shed some light on the best places to visit in Italy and France that won't take up too much travel time inbetween. Also open to other countries and destinations. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

centraleurope

From Nice to the Cinque Terre area would be pretty easy... When are you going?

jamikins

What type of beach are you looking for? Cinque Terre doesnt really have sandy beaches (with the exception of Monterosso), they are rock harbours. And Nice's beach isnt sandy but rocky.

In general I have found Italian beaches to be very built up, with pay for use waterfronts costing quite a bit and beach chairs jammed together. In some areas we couldnt even get to the water without paying! One exception (and I am sure there are others!) was Puglia - some beautiful sandy beaches there and I think there is a ferry that runs from Bari to Greece, Corfu maybe...

Depends what you are expecting from a beach!

tuscanlifeedit

If you don't mind rocky beaches and beach clubs, I also think that the French and Italian Rivieras are gorgeous.

But it really depends on what you want to do. If sightseeing is included, then those areas can't be beat, IMO.

If it's just long lazy days on sandy beaches, you will have to keep looking.

centraleurope

Right... I never sit on the beach.... So never considered that part (good point)...

We are going to Slovenia in 2 weeks with a couple who love sitting on the beach (and they love Slovenia). I will let you know how it goes.... Italy, Slovenia and Croatia are another option...

brittany2013

Thanks Everyone!

We would like to sit on the beaches but are also open to exploring. We have come to the conclusion that we can't compare to any of the beaches in Greece! How would you travel from France to Italy? Would you recommend finding a cheap flight or the train?

We are going in July. Any input on Croatia? And places/islands to stay there? Flights seems to be more pricier there.

Another option could be South America. Too many choices...

Thanks Again

tuscanlifeedit

If I were traveling from the French to the Italian Riviera, or vice versa, I would drive. These aren't really long distances. If you wouldn't like to drive, train would be my next choice.

I've never really sat on a beach in many trips to Italy. Sat on rocks or at a beach club, though. The rocks were in really nice hotels with lots of lounge chairs.

Dickie_Gr

The best beaches in Europe are on Sardinia also southern Corisca.

tailsock

imagine huge swaths of sandy white coastline framed by lazy palm trees. tropical drinks and tiki huts... yea....good luck finding that in Europe. friends of mine who HAVE been say it's quite different from beaches in the US and the Americas in general. I realize you posted this in the Europe forum but you mentioned South America. If that's kinda what you're lookin for try Costa Rica

FlavioSoru

My love of Country says Villasimius again, yet top 5 for Italy's best beaches 2013
http://www.thelocal.it/galleries/New...eaches-2013/5/.
If you want to find accommodation you can check out Tourism Association Official website www.villasimius.org

Dickie_Gr

True tailsock but we also specialise in edible food in Europe!