Tossing around spring break destinations: Croatia, Greece, Canaries?
Nov 10th, 2015, 01:27 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,606
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tossing around spring break destinations: Croatia, Greece, Canaries?
My daughter's in London for the year, has spring break in February. She and I were thinking of taking off from there for a sunnier week, preferably one of the lower-cost areas.
She likes the idea of Croatia or Greece but is up for anything. I've never before been to a country where I've never studied the languge, and would feel more comfortable trying to get by in Spanish, French, Italian, or German, but am willing to make an effort. We both are good walkers and more interested in local culture and history than in beaches.
Do you well-traveled types have opinions on Split, the Arcadia area of Greece, Malta? How big a deal is language? Is Corsica worth a week in February? Canary Islands? I am asking this out of total ignorance of all those places except Corsica, so your info cannot be too dumbed down.
She likes the idea of Croatia or Greece but is up for anything. I've never before been to a country where I've never studied the languge, and would feel more comfortable trying to get by in Spanish, French, Italian, or German, but am willing to make an effort. We both are good walkers and more interested in local culture and history than in beaches.
Do you well-traveled types have opinions on Split, the Arcadia area of Greece, Malta? How big a deal is language? Is Corsica worth a week in February? Canary Islands? I am asking this out of total ignorance of all those places except Corsica, so your info cannot be too dumbed down.
Nov 10th, 2015, 04:48 PM
#3
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I haven't been to Greece, Malta, or the Canary Islands yet.
Croatia is obviously too large for just one week, and much will likely be very quiet during February -- but Split could be an excellent choice. I loved Split -- I found it dynamic and energetic and fascinating and with a life aside from tourism. It has a gorgeous lakefront, some interesting squares and museums, the incredible Diocletian's Palace and related monuments, and some great markets. That said, not everyone likes it and some Fodorites apparently dislike it.
Split could also be a good base for a few day trips -- Trogir, and island or two (ferries to many islands won't be running regularly then; those that can be reached by regular ferry are the ones most likely to still be "awake" in Feb.), Sibenik and Zadar (both of which, like Split, are university towns and so "open" year round).
You might even consider a night in the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, although the weather would not likely be ideal for seeing that glorious place.
As for language: Before I went to Croatia in 2009, I took pains to learn at least a few words and expressions. On at least 3 separate occasions (once in Trogir), a person to whom I said thank you in Croatian (hvala) seemed surprised, and then took a moment to thank me, in English, for thanking them in Croatian. I was told by each of these people that I was the first Westerner they had met who made that effort. Soooo sad. So no, I wouldn't think language will be an issue. No guarantees, especially if you get out of the cities, but I think you will find that Croatians are welcoming and patient -- at least they were with me. With very rare exception (and none in the area around Split), English was widely spoken and my effort to learn any Croatian were valuable not for the resultant communicative value, but rather as a civility in and if itself.
FWIW, I found the Rough Guide BY FAR the best of the half dozen or so guidebooks I used when I visited Croatia.
If you still want more tags, you might flag your post for the editors using the dreaded triangle -- you should be able to ask them to do that for you.
Enjoy your time with your daughter!
Croatia is obviously too large for just one week, and much will likely be very quiet during February -- but Split could be an excellent choice. I loved Split -- I found it dynamic and energetic and fascinating and with a life aside from tourism. It has a gorgeous lakefront, some interesting squares and museums, the incredible Diocletian's Palace and related monuments, and some great markets. That said, not everyone likes it and some Fodorites apparently dislike it.
Split could also be a good base for a few day trips -- Trogir, and island or two (ferries to many islands won't be running regularly then; those that can be reached by regular ferry are the ones most likely to still be "awake" in Feb.), Sibenik and Zadar (both of which, like Split, are university towns and so "open" year round).
You might even consider a night in the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, although the weather would not likely be ideal for seeing that glorious place.
As for language: Before I went to Croatia in 2009, I took pains to learn at least a few words and expressions. On at least 3 separate occasions (once in Trogir), a person to whom I said thank you in Croatian (hvala) seemed surprised, and then took a moment to thank me, in English, for thanking them in Croatian. I was told by each of these people that I was the first Westerner they had met who made that effort. Soooo sad. So no, I wouldn't think language will be an issue. No guarantees, especially if you get out of the cities, but I think you will find that Croatians are welcoming and patient -- at least they were with me. With very rare exception (and none in the area around Split), English was widely spoken and my effort to learn any Croatian were valuable not for the resultant communicative value, but rather as a civility in and if itself.
FWIW, I found the Rough Guide BY FAR the best of the half dozen or so guidebooks I used when I visited Croatia.
If you still want more tags, you might flag your post for the editors using the dreaded triangle -- you should be able to ask them to do that for you.
Enjoy your time with your daughter!
Nov 10th, 2015, 05:47 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,606
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah, thanks, kja. That is so helpful!
I can't imagine traveling somewhere without basic phrases in the local language.
(Some kind editor must have given me a couple more tags; thanks!)
I can't imagine traveling somewhere without basic phrases in the local language.
(Some kind editor must have given me a couple more tags; thanks!)
Nov 10th, 2015, 05:50 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
February in Greece is very Rainy ... warmer than London of course but Athens temps only reach low 50s This website --http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=61761&cityname=Athens-Attica-Greece&units=us -- shows the temp, rain, etc for all sites in Greece. Next to DEc & Jan, Feb is dampest - rainy days 11.5 out of 28.
Contrast it with this website for Canaries
http://www.holiday-weather.com/lanza...rages/february
low temp 57F, hi 70F, ave rainy days 3. MUCH more what you'd want.
I did this just now by using Google, which I recommend to you! No need for us to look up weather for you, we're more about tellling which places are worth spending time in, once you've researched the weather you want.
Contrast it with this website for Canaries
http://www.holiday-weather.com/lanza...rages/february
low temp 57F, hi 70F, ave rainy days 3. MUCH more what you'd want.
I did this just now by using Google, which I recommend to you! No need for us to look up weather for you, we're more about tellling which places are worth spending time in, once you've researched the weather you want.
Nov 10th, 2015, 07:02 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,606
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, travelerjan. Thank you. Weather is not really that huge a factor for us. I wouldn't want somewhere in the middle of monsoon season, but we aren't looking to swim. Interesting architecture, a place where two women would feel reasonably comfortable walking around, maybe good public transport, a museum or two, natural beauty; that is pretty much my wish list.
Nov 10th, 2015, 09:28 PM
#7
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In one week you could go to Athens and spend all your time there taking a couple of day trips (Aegina, Delphi, Hydra?) or split your time between Athens and Nafplion area.
Google those places for further info if you are not familiar with them.
You will face no language problems in Greece and it is a very safe place as far as you use common sense (actually the only hazard I can think is pick pocketing in Athens metro. Take usual precautions and you'll be fine).
Google those places for further info if you are not familiar with them.
You will face no language problems in Greece and it is a very safe place as far as you use common sense (actually the only hazard I can think is pick pocketing in Athens metro. Take usual precautions and you'll be fine).
Nov 11th, 2015, 12:29 AM
#8
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 18,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
February in the Canaries is warm, with the almond trees blossoming.
We took the whole family to La Palma in February a couple of years ago. It was warm enough to swim in the sea, but still cold up at the Roque de los Muchacos. Lovely walking weather.
If you opt for La Palma try to find somewhere on the west side of the island and not too high. It may not have enough entertainment for you or your daughter though, and it could well be all booked up already. Tenerife has more accommodation, entertainment etc, but also good walking.
We took the whole family to La Palma in February a couple of years ago. It was warm enough to swim in the sea, but still cold up at the Roque de los Muchacos. Lovely walking weather.
If you opt for La Palma try to find somewhere on the west side of the island and not too high. It may not have enough entertainment for you or your daughter though, and it could well be all booked up already. Tenerife has more accommodation, entertainment etc, but also good walking.
Nov 11th, 2015, 07:17 AM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,606
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mariha, that's very good to know. Greece is where she's always wanted to go. (BTW, just starting Paul Murray's Mark and the Void, loved this little exchange between Irish bankers:
"... what is it Greeks are good at again?" "Um, inventing democracy?" "They've been dining out on that one for a long time."
hetismij, Almond blossoms sound irresistible. Thank you. She might be more interested in entertainment than I am, come to think of it. I would have a few rereadings of the Master and Commander series to entertain me, mentally, around Tenerife, but she wouldn't.
I will forward these to her and let her decide. Really appreciate your help, all.
"... what is it Greeks are good at again?" "Um, inventing democracy?" "They've been dining out on that one for a long time."
hetismij, Almond blossoms sound irresistible. Thank you. She might be more interested in entertainment than I am, come to think of it. I would have a few rereadings of the Master and Commander series to entertain me, mentally, around Tenerife, but she wouldn't.
I will forward these to her and let her decide. Really appreciate your help, all.
Nov 19th, 2015, 06:54 AM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,606
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Really appreciate all of your thoughts on this.
I need to Skype my daughter on this, I guess, and find out why she's leaning towards Greece. (Though she says she'll be happy with anywhere, and means it.) If it's some island vision, I know that's out. Easyjet doesn't even fly to Crete except summer and fall, and I think most of the ferries shut down. It would be Athens, ruins and museums, with some day trips maybe to the Peloponnesian peninsula. Greece just seems so far away that it would take a leap of courage to get me looking at a whole nother alphabet.
I keep looking at Malta, since I love the idea of an island, and Nice. I'm ready to start flipping a coin and quit fretting.
This would be the last week of February, though looks as if Athens is decently mild then and reasonably sunny, compared to our home town and the UK. We can find an apartment for the money it would cost for a week in my humble Bloomsbury single hotel room, with enough left over for airfare.
I need to Skype my daughter on this, I guess, and find out why she's leaning towards Greece. (Though she says she'll be happy with anywhere, and means it.) If it's some island vision, I know that's out. Easyjet doesn't even fly to Crete except summer and fall, and I think most of the ferries shut down. It would be Athens, ruins and museums, with some day trips maybe to the Peloponnesian peninsula. Greece just seems so far away that it would take a leap of courage to get me looking at a whole nother alphabet.
I keep looking at Malta, since I love the idea of an island, and Nice. I'm ready to start flipping a coin and quit fretting.
This would be the last week of February, though looks as if Athens is decently mild then and reasonably sunny, compared to our home town and the UK. We can find an apartment for the money it would cost for a week in my humble Bloomsbury single hotel room, with enough left over for airfare.
Nov 19th, 2015, 08:51 AM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,960
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Four hours flying time from London to Athens isn't that bad, really — I've done it enough times myself.
Ferries run all year round to every island, so it is possible to visit them even in February. A domestic flight from Athens to somewhere like Santorini or Rhodes takes less than an hour, making a quick visit feasible if you want an island fix. The islands will be very quiet in February, though.
Athens is a better winter destination, with its ancient sites and world class museums. Nafplio, a coastal town in the Peloponnese, is only two hours by road from Athens, and also has lots to see and do. Have a look at this:
http://www.visitnafplio.com
Ferries run all year round to every island, so it is possible to visit them even in February. A domestic flight from Athens to somewhere like Santorini or Rhodes takes less than an hour, making a quick visit feasible if you want an island fix. The islands will be very quiet in February, though.
Athens is a better winter destination, with its ancient sites and world class museums. Nafplio, a coastal town in the Peloponnese, is only two hours by road from Athens, and also has lots to see and do. Have a look at this:
http://www.visitnafplio.com
Nov 19th, 2015, 12:14 PM
#17
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been to Malta twice, once in November, once in February. Very pleasant mild weather both times. Very safe. Fantastic public transportation; very cheap bus routes radiate out from the capital, Valletta, all over the island. Very friendly people, most of whom speak English, as their first or second language. Amazing ruins of thousands of year old temples. They were mercilessly bombed during WWII by the Germans (for something like 3 months daily) but rebuilt out of the same golden-hued limestone that their old buildings were constructed from so there's no jarring modern towers to ruin the skyline. Mdina is walled city that to this day has no motorized vehicles. Prices were very reasonable when I went (1997 and 2008) - don't know if that is still the case. Search this Forum for threads on Malta and mine (under a different name) might come up, but there will some other Fodorites info too.
Nov 19th, 2015, 01:15 PM
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,606
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you, Nepheline. Excellent information. If we don't get there this trip I intend to sooner or later.
I've been surprised how little Malta's mentioned in guidebooks, though our library has Lonely Planet's slim one devoted to it.
I've been surprised how little Malta's mentioned in guidebooks, though our library has Lonely Planet's slim one devoted to it.
Nov 20th, 2015, 03:29 AM
#19
It seems to me that your wish list is perfect for Madeira. February will be mild (milder than the UK, that's for sure) and the island has a lot to offer. There's easy access from the UK too. Stay in Funchal and hire a car, there's a good bit to see there.
We stayed at this hotel:
http://www.portobay.com/en/hotels/po...o-santa-maria/
It's well situated on the sea and right next to the cable car up to the Botanical Gardens.
We stayed at this hotel:
http://www.portobay.com/en/hotels/po...o-santa-maria/
It's well situated on the sea and right next to the cable car up to the Botanical Gardens.
Nov 20th, 2015, 06:30 AM
#20
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have you been to Sicily? We just returned from a three week trip, and I think it could also meet your needs in many ways. I've never been in February but when doing my research read that the almond trees are blossoming at that time. I am sure that like any place at that time of year you could run into rain.
Rubicund--I am intrigued by Madeira myself for a winter trip. For people who want to do some walking and enjoy some more scenic everyday places, how much time do you think a tourist could fill there? We are looking for a trip of much longer than a week.
Rubicund--I am intrigued by Madeira myself for a winter trip. For people who want to do some walking and enjoy some more scenic everyday places, how much time do you think a tourist could fill there? We are looking for a trip of much longer than a week.
