NWalsh

Hi, Was wondering if anyone could recommend a good sunny spot to holiday with our 3 kids (aged 4 and under) that's near to the beach and wouldn't require a car hire? I.e., a walkable spot close to a village and amenities. Ideally, we would rent a house, and not book a hotel. Spain? Portugal? We would be flying from Ireland. Any ideas welcome!

uhoh_busted

You might consider the beach towns on either side of Perpignon, France: Sete, Canet-en-Roussillon, Saint Cyprien-la plage, Argeles-sur-mer, Collioure. There is an airport at Perpignon, and I know those beaches are lovely, and I expect that you could hire a taxi for transport from/to the airport.

I don't have personal experience with similar areas of Spain or Portugal, but I was impressed with that part of France for your needs. (We were there off-season)

bilboburgler

I'd look at the Ile de Re on the French west coast, it seems to avoid the cloud cover that hits the coast and is so child friendly. I think Ry@@@@air goes to La Rochelle which is close to the start of the bridge. Booking houses is very possible on the island (but hurry for 2012) and you can hire bikes and tag alongs for the 100km of bike paths on what is a very small flat island. No need for a car there is a bus from the airport to the centre of La Rochelle and another onto the island or there are taxis

The island web sites are a bit slow (I think it has a slow bit rate cable) but have a look at http://www.mybikeguide.co.uk/Ile_de_Re_Guide.php where you will find all the main towns (well villages really) websites.

We booked using a mix of the town websites which tended to offer the rackrate and booking.com and hotel.com both of which offered big discounts if you are thinking July forward though avoid August as most of Paris visits then.

NWalsh

Thanks so much for these tips! I know I'm late responding - I should have added that we are travelling in August. Ile de Re looks lovely, as does Notre-Dames-De-Mont. We are also considering Italy. Any thoughts as to whether, say, Capri, might be better than the Atlantic coast of France (I know, oranges vs. apples) but these are the spots that are coming up as appealing to us.

bilboburgler

NWalsh, I guess you know that August is high season and the very best places will either be heaving or very expensive. Capri and the Atlantic coast will be packed, Capri will also be very hot, Atlantic is more variable.

Ok assuming you still want to go then go to France. If for nothing else than if one bit is packed you can move on.

Given how late things are, you might also like to look at that same website and look at Bordeaux section (gives you some more ideas). I'd also look at the Mosel staying in a village with a pool. Friends of mine with young kids went recently and found a place on the mosel and you might also look at places on the Rhine in Alsace. I know these two are not the sea but with fesh waster sports all around and smaller crowds they might work well.

HG001London

Soller in Majorca is very nice, it is a twin place with a pretty village in the hills and a beach/harbour front, with a tiny tram running between the two. We went as a couple but their were lots of families there and is much nicer than a typical beach place

the waterfront has plenty of restaurants and bars as well as play areas for kids and two beaches

http://www.sollernet.com/indexen.html

its in the quiet part of majorca but this has a lovely buzzy feel and the main square in the village part has local kids playing even at 10pm

There is also a nice steam train you can take which is a tourist attraction in itself but goes to Palma if you want to visit (a really nice city actually)

there is also an excellent bus (airconditioned coaches) that go to nearby village if you wanted to venture out.

This was lovely and the english couple who run it have 2 toddlers so can probably advise on attractions

This is nothing like Magaluf, this is nice Mallorca with a local vibe and very pretty in the mountains and harbourfront

HG001London

http://www.casa-bougainvillea.com/

sorry this was what i was referring too when i said "this is lovely"

also really excellent food in the two villages

HG001London

and i should have said when it comes to hotels i think "Soller" is what the mountain village is known as while "Port de Soller" is obviously the port but as i say a regular little tram goes between the two so it doesn't really matter which you stay in. We loved the village and were glad we stayed there but the waterfront was very nice too

HG001London

Also Capri is really lovely (one of my favourite places) but more of an adult place in my opinion. There are no real sandy beaches as such and more like rocky coves and it is very expensive!

NWalsh

Ah, thanks for all these prompt replies. Am going to get cracking on the searches! As per usual in our house, we are late! Such is life with little ones.

NWalsh

Well, we booked a camping holiday at Domaine D'Oleran. It looks peaceful and child-friendly and quite beachy! Will report back...thanks again.

HG001London

NWalsh, have a great time.......id be interested to hear how it goes...always fancied camping...

bilboburgler

NWalsh let us know how you get on.