Crete or Barcelona? Or Positano?!
 

Hi, I'm in a huge dilemma, and would appreciate your help. I'm surprising my DH for his 45th birthday with a trip to......somewhere. I've narrowed it down to either Crete or Barcelona (with Positano as a contender too, sort of) and I cannot decide between them! They would be such different holidays - Crete being more of a vegging out/relaxing holiday in luxury (we have four small children and really need some peace and quiet. On the luxury side of things, we haven't travelled too much - Santorini, Italy and Prague in 13 years together - but when we finally do, I love to stay at luxury, preferably boutique, hotels.) and the other, in Barcelona, being more sightseeing, active and busy, which we also like.....

And on the Positano side of things, the pictures of the views are breathtaking, which we also love.

I'm thinking of the first week in June, we have only about 7-8 days, and because we don't do it too often, I want it to be really amazing.

The most logical question to ask me would be "well, what do you feel like?" but honestly, I don't know. They both sound great.

Because we've been to Santorini, I can get an idea of what Crete would be like, but what about Barcelona? Is it as beautiful as I hear?

Any advice would be greatly welcomed!! Also, if you have a better recommendation for where to go, other than what I've listed, I'd love to hear too. (I actually thought of Thailand, but for just a week it doesn't seem very doable!). And if you know of any stunning hotels with amazing views in any place you suggest, I'd love to hear!

thank you!

Does eating well fit into your criteria? If yes I would then choose any destination in Italy (even though there will be others who love Barcelona's tapas...which I thought was not particularly "stellar").

How about Florence or Venice then Positano? Not sure there would be enough in Positano for a 7-8 day stay.

Eating well is definitely part of the holiday. We were in Florence and Venice a few years ago, so I wanted to try something new, therefore the dilemma between Crete and Barcelona. From what I read, it does seem like 7-8 days would be too much for Positano, although I really don't think we could get enough of vegging out at this very busy time in our lives, but only if we're in an amazing hotel. Still, that's sort of why Positano came in 3rd, although the views there seem truly magnificent.

Barcelona is not the land of tapas, but it is certainly a world class city in terms of food.

Why don't you look at a beachfront hotel in Barcelona and have the best of both worlds?

Or stay here:

http://www.hotellaflorida.com/

Barcelona has a number of luxury hotels ( with a pool),
museums, shops, great restaurants, many side trips possible.
It is a big city with tons to do , but you can also make it as "'quiet" as you wish.

Wow, ekscrunchy, the hotel Florida looks incredible, and the recommendation is brilliant - it sounds like it's a great place to relax, while still being in Barcelona. It's exactly the type of place we love - just wondering about the distance to the city. Have you stayed there?

And have you been to Crete? Would you choose Barcelona over Crete? While I'm at it (all the questions, I mean), do you have a recommendation for a great luxury hotel in Crete? The thing that gets me about Crete is the breathtaking views at some of the hotels (was looking at the Elounda Mare, if anyone's heard of it).

thanks a million.

Danon, thank you for your response. Barcelona does seem really interesting - I guess my question is, is it an amazing city? (You know, like Florence is amazing?) Is it really unique?
Have you been to Crete and would you go to Barcelona over Crete? - I know the question is pretty ridiculous, and it so depends on what you're in the mood for....but I'm so interested to know what people think.

thanks!

okay, I'm adding another little question because I had another idea. Five years ago, we went to Italy (also a surprise for DH's 40th!) which was fantastic (Rome, Florence and Venice). We did not do Tuscany. What about that for a week vs. Crete or Barcelona?

Our main loves are views, as in breathtaking scenery/vistas, relaxing in a gorgeous boutique hotel, great food with some history thrown in as a bonus.

thanks again.

Hi Tamaraten, I went to Barcelona for the first time last month. I've traveled a lot and my favorite big city of all is Paris. I have to say I fell in love with Barcelona and it's probably now my second favorite. However, my favorite place in the world to chill out, relax and enjoy the scenery is the Greek islands. As you've already said, they are soooo different, it's really impossible to compare.

So, I'll just list some things that made me fall in love with Barcelona: ease of getting around, either by walking or by the subway; all the wacky Gaudi architecture and his crazy Park Guell, his Sagrada Familia blew me away!; the history of the city - we had a local guide one day and seeing the city through her eyes really made it come to life; the food was great; the architecture of the buildings was so pretty - learning about the history from the guide brought it all into perspective; having the beach right there in the city was very unique and the beaches were so incredibly clean; the Miro and Picasso art - especially the Miro Foundation and that gorgeous Park Montjuic. The vibe of the city is really good, I felt.

So, now for Crete - well, there is definitely plenty to do there and the beaches are much better than what you'll get in Barcelona! The food is great just because it's Greek and I love Greek food; there is so much history here too; the white mountains are so beautiful, we spent a day up in a small village in the mountains and it was a wonderful experience; the Chania harbor and that light at dusk is amazing; hiking the Samaria gorge and visiting the southern beaches like Matala, etc.; the Greek people are great, nothing against the people of Barcelona but I'd have to say that the Greek people are more friendly.

So, I probably haven't helped any but, maybe that gives you a bit more to think about? Let us know what you decide. It's such a big beautiful world it's always hard. So many options! :-)

Thank you wug for your thoughtful response! I know, they both sound wonderful. DH and I went to Santorini a couple of years ago, to Oia - wow. We stayed at a stunning hotel, and had the time of our lives just chilling, walking, people watching, eating great food. I was sort of hoping for something comparable this time in Crete. On the other hand, Barcelona sounds so interesting with all the architecture. I'm wondering though how hectic it would be. Barcelona would be a totally different holiday - because there's so much to see and do, I'd feel guilty chilling out. I'm the kind of person who feels I need to see everything (or at least a lot) if I'm in a place like that. On the other hand, because Crete is really mostly relaxing (I think, at least in comparison to the major cities), I'd be able to do it without the guilt!

This is such a difficult decision! Which would you choose if you hadn't been to either, but knowing what you know now? (I know, insane question....)

Yes, Barcelona is unique (and much more exciting than Florence ).
If you wish to just "chill out", a small town (and beaches) might be e better choice for you.

So either go to Barcelona and stay in a resort-ey hotel like the one I linked above. Or the W hotel:

http://www.w-barcelona.com/

Or go to Tuscany and stay in a great small country hotel; you need a car for that, though. These seem to be very popular; my sister loved La Saracina. There are many, many others as well.

http://www.lasaracina.it/home.en.php

http://www.la-bandita.com/

http://www.ilfalconiere.it/mediacenter/FE/home.aspx


I have not been to Crete and did not fall in love with Santorini.

haven't been to Crete but for 7 days I would choose Positano-romance, views, food, location and all those again.

If you choose Positano, you could do a couple of nights on Capri.

The more desirable area of Crete is in the western part of the island. I'm sure Elouda Mare, to the east, is lovely but you might want to split your time there with Chania..look at Casa Delfino.
Crete is different from the other Greek islands as it is so much larger. Like ekscrunchy, I wasn't a big fan of Santorini but loved the rest of Greece especially Chania.
You could also split yur time between Positano and Capri.
Barcelona is also beautiful and an art filled city.. You have so many good choices to consider.

I have not been to Crete, but have been to several Greek Islands and to Barcelona a couple of times, and to Positano as well as other areas on the AC, Capri and Sorrento.

Barcelona is interesting, has great architecture and is lovely, but no more so than Rome or Paris or other great cities.

OTOH, I do not think the Greek Islands come close to The AC for stunning natural beauty. The first time I went there, I intended to stay only a couple of days. We ditched the rest of our trip plans and stayed ten days. We have been back three times, and hope to go again. So, IMHO, 7-8 days is a perfect trip for the AC.

Should you actually get tired of chilling out, there are plenty of things to do there: Pompeii, Amalfi, Paestum, Capri, Vesuvius, even Naples if you miss a city atmosphere. The nice thing is, I don't think you will feel guilty if you don't do much sight-seeing.

Positano is the most beautiful cliffside city/town I have seen. Pictures do not do it justice. You might also consider staying in Amalfi or some other small town, or a couple of nights on Capri.

I'd go to a luxury hotel with a fantastic pool and view in Positano. The food is incredible.

For eating and drinking, I'd pick Italy over Spain or Greece. Just me.

I, too, would pick Italy over Greece or Spain although all have amazing places to visit and wonderful food. We spent some time in Positano last fall and also some time on Capri. On a beautiful day, Capri is one of the most beautiful places I have been (if you stay away from the main square during the day). Why not split your time between Positano and Capri?

I am blown away by your generosity in taking the time to reply to my questions. Thank you to all of you!

I think I've pretty much decided on Positano - the views look spectacular and I think for the type of vacation we need, that would be key. To be able to sit out on a terrace and look into a gorgeous view while sipping some wine....divine.

Now, here's the question. Ideally, I think I want to stay in one spot - again, to maximize the relaxation time (and we only have 7 nights, possibly if I'm lucky, 8) and not have to move places. Do you think we could do this in Positano and then take day trips to Capri and to some of the other places mentioned? or do you think it would be best to split the time between Positano and Capri? Would taking a day trip to Capri do the trick? Or is Capri so gorgeous too (and different) that it's worthwhile to sleep there also?

Where would you go to from a base of Positano?

Next question: Can you please recommend the most beautiful hotel you've stayed at in Positano (and Capri, if you think we should also sleep there)? And the most important thing for us is a spectacular view from a terrace in addition to an outstanding hotel.

Again, I am greatly appreciative of all of your time and replies.

UPDATE!! HELP!!! After driving myself crazy, I finally decided on Positano, and it seems like all the great hotels are taken for when we want to go. I originally thought we could go in June, but now we can only go May 24-May 31st. It's a very finite time, but that is the week that works.

Should I try somewhere else on the coast? Can someone recommend another place as stunning as Positano? I'm so disappointed!!!!! Maybe someone out there with experience can suggest a solution!! (btw, although I wanted luxury hotel, I even checked out a lot of the four stars and they are also taken!!).

Thanks!

Le Sirenuse in Positano shows availability for all but the last two days in May. http://www.sirenuse.it/

Maybe head off to Capri for those days? Oh look! The Quisisana has rooms on those dates! http://www.quisisana.com/en/index

Though it is usually wiser not to leave from Capri on your day of departure because the ferries can be cancelled due to poor weather.

I like Amalfi much better than Positano.

http://www.hotelsantacaterina.it/

http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotel...di-amalfi.html





And Ravello is certainly as visually stunning as any of the towns.

http://www.hotelcaruso.com/web/orav/...troduction.jsp

http://www.palazzosasso.com/




What kind of budget do you have?



I would not go to Capri on a daytrip. You will be with the tourist hordes. Better to stay there a few days. Again, before people begin recommending you should offer an idea of your price range.

For example:

http://www.jkcapri.com/

Actually, looks like Le Sirenuse is available on all dates . . .

Perfect: FraD solved your problem.

Take Le Sireneuse for all but the last 3 days and then take 3 days in Capri. I would book asap.

And if that does not work out, why not consider Puglia?

Scratch that, checked Sirenuse again. All dates booked. Try Capri.

Wow, the Santacatarina looks incredible, but the prices are about $8000 for a week!!!!!! That's a bit over the budget! I was hoping for something around $400-$500 a night - maybe I'm being unrealistic here. I had checked out the Le Sirenuse earlier and the standard seaview was 800 Euros a night - also a little high! The Caruso's least expensive room is 1212 Euros a night....

I'm getting pretty discouraged. I didn't look at Puglia yet.

I had seen hotels in Positano that were luxury that were within my price range - the problem is they're gone. The other hotels that start at 600E a night minimally and usually are much higher, are not within the price range.

While many do not like Sorrento as much as Positano (I do), you might look into hotels on Via Capo, away from the busy center. That is the cliff area North of Sorrento, and hotels and views there are fantastic. I would not hesitate to stay in that area, or at some of the other lux hotels in Sorrento.

I just checked on my favorite hotel there (Hotel Minerva) and they do have rooms with sea views for your dates, but they do not have any balconies available then.

Their terrace (and pool) is beautiful if you don't mind sitting there rather than on your own balcony.

Also, you might consider some smaller hotels that have great views and plenty of luxury, just not all the amenities that would give them four or five stars as they are awarded in Italy.

Don't give up on the AC. With all the fodorites on this board helping, You will find something wonderful.

Thanks for encouragement, Sassafrass. I've just spent two days non-stop googling and I'm getting pretty frustrated.

I don't mind the four stars as long as there is a breathtaking view with a decent-sized terrace off the room. The terrace is an absolute must. I don't need the luxury spa (although that's a bonus, it's not a prerequisite) but I need the place to feel luxurious (or at least really special).

We stayed at Albergo California in Positano in late May 2007. It's not luxury, but it has the same view as the Sirenuse since it's directly across the street from it. We had a lovely room with a large terrace overlooking the sea and the cliffside villas of Positano. Breakfast was included and it was about 170 euros/night.

Good luck!

Jo

Thanks Jo, I just checked it out, and it too is booked for the week we're able to go!!!!!

I must have looked at hundreds of sights....the few that are available have no balcony/terrace and received poor reviews.

HELP!!!!!

I mean this to be helpful and not rude . . . but your max budget of 350 euros is not going to get you a "luxury" property in a resort like Positano.

I would suggest Villa Rosa or its sister property Villa La Tartana, which is within your budget but not what I'd call luxury, although they are very nice and comfortable and have great balconies with stunning views. I think a suite at Villa Rosa goes for 300 euros in summer. But those places are very popular and get booked up months ahead so it's likely they are long booked by now, as you are finding out. Did you try the Hotel Poseidon?

No use having people recommend a list of hotels that will not work for you. Please give a price range, in euro.


Are you sure that you checked prices carefully for Santa Caterina in Amalfi? How did you come up with $8000 per week?
Did you look at their Offers page that gives you a 25% discount for stays of longer than 4 nights?

http://www.hotelsantacaterina.it/en/specials

Hotel Onda Verde is on the waterside of the coast road just below the little town of Priano. I stayed there for a week several years ago. Very good kitchen and, of course, that view. It is halfway between Amalfi and Positano. The entrance is an elevator housing because the foyer is straight down. Take a look at their website.

eskrunchy, I did look at the Santa Caterina website and it does indeed look beautiful. The price, however, from their website (and I just checked again a minute ago) for the least expensive available room is 790 Euro, which for a week comes to 6083 Euro, which is how I arrived at the $8000/week. Even with a 25% discount, it's pricey.

My price range is 350 Euros top. I think I could have had a room at the Santa Caterina and some of the other beautiful hotels for that price had I come up with this idea earlier, but unfortunately, I have to work with what I have.

thanks for your help.

cheryllj, thanks for your reply. You're definitely not being rude....the truth is the truth!! And I appreciate your trying to help.

I did check out the two places you mentioned and they're also booked.

Basically, I went to Trip Advisor, Positano, and went down each hotel from the #1 recommended all the way down. (also the B&B's). If the place was decent with a balcony and a nice view, I checked into it, and they're all taken.

Thanks for your help!

We are staying at Hotel Marincanto in Positano. I am also very picky when it comes to being in luxury properties while vacationing. However, I like to also get a good deal and not overspend if I don't have to. This hotel has amazing views, a brand new infinit pool, gorgeous flowers everywhere and a fantastic location.

I hope they have your dates available! It is the best value on Positano in my opinion for luxury.

tamaraten: How far down the TA list did you get? The Hotel Poseidon? The Miramare?

Unfortunately, Positano is a fairly small resort village that is insanely popular in high season (starting in May when you are going). Hence very high prices and the best value places with the "affordable" rates are booked several months ahead. :(

I would check hotels in Amalfi and Ravello, both close to Positano, and some people even prefer them. Ravello is up on the cliff, overlooking Amalfi but the views from there are also stunning. But again, the best places are likely to be booked, esp. the "value" places that are nice but not over the top pricey.

Oops, I mean "other" hotels in Amalfi and Ravello, obviously you've already considered hotels in Amalfi if you've checked the rates for the Santa Caterina.

Jill, thanks, yes I did check out the Marincanto - it was #6 on Trip Advisor, so they're booked too!!! If you got a booking there, you're very very lucky and I hope you enjoy. It looks beautiful.

But thanks for suggestion.

Cheryllj, yes, I did check out the Poseidon and Miramare. I feel like I have hotel names running through my head, I'm dizzy from it already! Everything's gone.

Which brings me to my next question, SHOULD I GO BACK TO MY ORIGINAL IDEA OF BARCELONA OR CRETE!!????? (It's so funny, Positano had been my 3rd choice originally!)

Thanks again to everyone for all your suggestions.