Honeymoon Decision?
 

A. Amalfi Coast (Positano, Pagliuca, Sorrento, etc.)
B. South of France (Provence, Nice, Cannes, Cote de Azur, Monaco)
C. Mediterranean Islands (Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily)
D. Greece (Pelopponese, Santorini) (Yes I know Santorini will be crowded)

I am in the early stages of planning a honeymoon for next summer/fall (2015). I have been to some Greek Islands before and Capri and other parts of mainland Italy/Greece/France. My fiance and I both really enjoy and value delicious dining experiences so we can't go wrong with most of these places. But for the honeymoon we didn't want a place where we feel like there are too many activities (Hawaii among others), we wanted a place to completely relax, preferably within walking distance to a beach and eat good food in a scenic, somewhat secluded, warm location. Does one of these places stick out more than another to check the boxes that I have? My budget for stay is preferably no more than $500 per night (And it would be awesome to stay under $400 but I realize it is my honeymoon). Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks

Josh

Josh, congrat. For this break you are looking for a beach and a bit of seclusion in August or September. You know August is the main holiday period for Europeans and September the beach gets a bit cold in some places. So I think you need to really focus in a bit more as to the month.

Also not all these places have sandy beaches. Basically I would cross the south of france out, there are golden beaches in France but I'd go to the West coast for those (miles and miles with not many people there).

Amalfi in August is my idea of hell
Greece offers you more especially if you need the holiday going into September

Islands, might well be a good idea in September but August no.
Don't exclude Majorca in September or even Cyprus (i've been on empty beaches there)

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it. I realize August is a typical vacation time and with that comes crowds. Would the temps in early to mid September drop significantly? I know in California in September it is quite nice.

I also realize that not all of these places are "beach destinations" per se, but in terms of the French Riviera, would I not be able to try to secure a beach club type hotel and still enjoy the Provence/Nice (or even Marseille) culture and food? I will keep in mind the West Coast for France for beaches with less crowds. What about Portugal? I have some Portuguese heritage (Mother's maiden name Madeira), would a coastal Portuguese destination be worth looking into?

Amalfi in August, I am assuming it is too crowded? Or what is the sentiment? I have been to Capri in May and it was quite pleasant. And when you say "Greece offers you more especially if you need the holiday going into September", can you elaborate?

I will definitely look into Majorca and Cyprus as well. I am assuming the Islands are mostly crowded in August in general correct?

Thanks again so much for the generous feedback!

August can be very pleasant all along the Med. Portugal and Western France are on the Atlantic and cool off a bit faster but also very nice. I think both the Algarve and the Alentajo (the quieter bit north of the Algave) will be warm. If it were me I'd go there.

Greece stays warm (as indeed does Turkey) a bit longer and there are many little coves all over the place as well as large resorts. So you need to focus on each for better advice.

Yes August, everywhere is crowded south of about Lyon ( generalisation but...)

Not sure about "beach club type" holidays. Sound aweful.

Generally in terms of climate figures you will find wiki is pretty good by town

The hotels in Nice are definitely city hotels, and the "beach" is rocks down a pretty steep slope. Sounds to me you're looking for something you might find more in Costa Rica, Tahiti, Bora Bora etc.

If you are looking for sandy beaches in Sept maybe look at Naxos, Sicily or Puglia in Italy...

My preference would be early Sept as the kids will be back at school and things will a bit quieter after the August holidays.

The best beaches are in the Caribbean or South Pacific - they're far superior to European beaches and it's not a close call.

If you're going for a fly and flop, don't go to Europe.

Thanks for all the feedback. I will take it into consideration. I have never done the French Riviera, my frame of reference is very "To Catch A Thief". Depending on when my fiancé and I set a date, it seems like early-mid Sept would be the best time given the window of travel that I described. I have been to Mykonos, Rhodes, Patmos in Greece all 1 days stops on a cruise and I have been to Sorrento and Capri but it was all in May. I don't know if the water/weather in those areas would be to cold to enjoy.

I am not interested in the Caribbean. I have narrowed it down to Hawaii or Mediterranean. My primary interest isn't to be on the beach 24/7 but it would be nice to be nearby if that makes sense? I understand the more popular areas will be more difficult to have that honeymoon seclusion so that will be tricky. I just feel like this part of the world would be lovely for a honeymoon.

We spent a week in Positano the 2nd week of Sept in 2007 and it was lovely! It is nice to be by the water if you don't have high expectations for sandy beaches.

The Amalfi Coast in early September is definitely still beach weather.

IMO Positano is a perfect honeymoon destination. Lots of hidden coves and smaller beaches, in addition to the Fornillo and Spiaggia Grande. Great restaurants, some activities if you want them, and lots of options for relaxing and taking in the beauty of the coast.

But I rent an apartment for a week in Positano every year, so I am obviously partial to the AC!

jamikins - That sounds exactly what I am looking for! Just curious how crowded? Are there more families or couples in that area versus other areas that you noticed? Any lodging/hotel recommendations in that area?

I don't quite understand why Hawaii is out because there is too much to do. There are more isolated parts of Hawaii and if you don't want to do anything, nobody can force you (there or anywhere). But there are some hotels in Nice or the French Riviera that have some private beach area and will provide chairs, etc, if that's what you want. I know there are some in Cannes or Monte Carlo, for example, or Le Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel, the Belles Rives in Juan-les-Pins, La Villa Mauresque in St Raphael, etc. There are plenty of them.

http://hotelsfrench-riviera.com/fre/...ue-bord-de-mer

Christina - Thanks very much! Hawaii would be great but since I have never been there before I feel like I would need to do all kinds of activities to make my time worthwhile. Whereas in the Mediterranean I feel like I wouldn't have that sort of pressure since I have been there before. I will look at those places that you mentioned, thanks.

>>>"But for the honeymoon we didn't want a place where we feel like there are too many activities (Hawaii among others), we wanted a place to completely relax, preferably within walking distance to a beach and eat good food in a scenic, somewhat secluded, warm location. Does one of these places stick out more than another to check the boxes that I have?


Sardegna

You might find it ideal and not all of it is crowded. Read up on it but also use the message board forum on Tripadvisor for guidance.

Food and wine there can be absolutely spectacular. You can find specific things to see and do when you feel like it that are quite interesting but very few people can identify a list of "must sees" there.

I would probably stick to Sardegna alone unless you have more than 2 weeks. With more than 2 weeks you might consider picking another spot. Sardegna is well connected by air and ferry to a lot of nice spots and your choice as to how much activity you would want.

All the places you mentioned sound great---I might cross off the French Riviera due to expenses.

I can certainly vouch for Maui----there is a lot to do but you can also just lay by the pool with a lava flow and do pretty much nothing. It is gorgeous and have been there 5 times---nothing not to like. We have done Maui trips where we did a lot and some where we laid by the pool all day, every day. Maui was our Honeymoon---Positano is our 10 year anniversary destination. We are planning to relax but want to see the sites at our own pace. We will go in May but September was our second choice.

I read travel forums a lot--always planning the next trip--and have repeatedly read that Sardinia's beaches are the only ones in Europe that compare to the Caribbean.
I hope you can make it September instead of August--the weather should be fine.
I am always drawn to the sea on vacation but have only rarely sat on a beach in Europe (b/c in May when I travel the sea is too cold). The finest sand beaches I have seen in Italy are in Cilento park, south of the Amalfi coast--but I don't think there are a plethora of luxury hotels there.
If I am correct you are flying from the west coast, then I would put more money into getting the best possible flights and spend less on a hotel--you can certainly get honeymoon quality for half what you propose. Congrats and good luck!

I would skip Hawaii as September will still be hurricane season. There have been predictions of more hurricane activity in the next couple of years. I wouldn't want to risk it for my honeymoon.

If you decide on Positano, would you be looking for a hotel or an apartment to rent? And how long would you be staying?

Thanks for all the recent responses! I will definitely look up Sardegna/Sardinia!

yorkshire - I actually will be coming from the East Coast (US), and I will look up Cilento Park! Thanks

ekc - If we decided on Positano, we would probably prefer a hotel, but if there was an apartment with the right fit and the right price I would consider. Length of stay would be as long as possible! But realistically probably no less than a week no more than two, probably around 10 days though. Any ideas?

I just rad the newest edition of Travel and Leisure last night--it has a feature on southern Sardinia you may wish to check out: http://www.travelandleisure.com/trav...ts-of-sardinia
It profiles towns and hotels.

Regarding Sardenia, I thought this "travelogue" made for a good read:
http://www.hitherandthither.net/2010...september.html

Look at Villa Le Sirene in Positano. We rented the large apartment a few years ago and absolutely loved it. The views are fabulous, it is in a great location, the owners are lovely ... I could go on and on.

One of the things I love about Positano is there are lots of great options for relaxing on the beach, from the large beach in town to secluded beaches only available by boat. Sure, they are not long stretches of sandy beaches like the Caribbean, but they are a different lovely experience.

We love the AC - but do go in May to avoid the crowds. And we don't do beaches - most are not that pleasant but stick by the hotel pool.

The thing about the AC and much of the Riviera - is that the beaches are not sand. They are pebbles or even rocks and often are found in town centers - with fishing boats pulled up on one side and rental loungers and shops right behind.

So it depends on what you want. Being from Long Island - with incredible beautiful soft white sand beaches that stretch for more than a hundred miles - I am disappointed by many in europe.

Wow, I think of Hawaii as the most relaxing place. No need to go snorkeling, ziplining, etc. But we prefer Kauai. It's more lush and less populated than Oahu or Maui. The Big Island is not dense either. It has two sides, the Hilo side (200 inches rain/year) and the Kona side (very dry, mostly lava.) There's Lanai and Molokai, if you want really remote.

Back in Europe, the most relaxing place I've found is the beautiful Adriatic coast of Croatia. There are a few sandy beaches, but most places people swim from and sunbathe on rocks. Lots of pretty little seaside towns along the coast, and lots of relaxing islands. We loved Korcula. Plus some sights to see if you choose.

Croatia is very laid back and slow-going, like Italy in the 1950s.

Totally with you Mimar...I like Kauai, but didn't love the afternoon rain (but what makes it lush). Dying to get to The Big Island!! Totally agree that it is so laid back and beautiful....you don't have to do a thing.

Thank you all so much for the input. I will check out the T&L article! And will look into the Positano place.

I have thought about Croatia coast but I feel like it might not be as warm as I would like and is the food up to par?

Don't get me wrong about Hawaii, I really do want to go sometime. Just personal preference I feel like I would want to save it for a non-honeymoon trip.

September is a perfect time for the Croatian coast, but you may want to read up on the beaches (primarily rock and pebble, but gorgeous). Food not as good as Italy (what is?), but is good quality--if you like seafood. It is simple grilled fish, that kind of thing. Your budget would go quite far.

Villa Le Sirene is a lovely place, but there are many staircases to get to it from the main street, Via Pasitea. I also think since this would be your first visit that a hotel would be a better choice since you'd have a front desk/concierge available, services, and some flexibility in changing rooms if you encounter any problems.

We've stayed many times at HOTEL POSEIDON, which is almost across the street from LE SIRENE. It's a four star boutique hotel with incredible views of town and beach from most rooms and its restaurant terrace. I've also checked out BUCA DI BACCO at the beach level, and those rooms looking out over the water were really special. Another one to look at: ALBERGO MIRAMARE.

And on a totally different subject, I agree with the assessment above of Croatian food. Loved Croatia, but the food was only OK, whereas in Italy it is often extraordinary.

Thanks so much for the Positano suggestions.

I will second WWK's suggestion for Hotel Poseidon if it is within your budget. Great location and smashing views.

There are 65 steps to get down to Villa Le Sirene from the main road (and 65 steps to get back up). I always figure that the steps allowed me to consume more pasta and vino! if you rent Villa Le Sirene, they will arrange porters to take your luggage to/from the villa.

As you can see WWK and I share an affinity for Positano!

Two more hotels in Positano to check out that I forgot to mention: PALAZZO MURAT, at ground/beach level. Has a beautiful garden, good food, and almost in town and at the beach. Only note of caution: Some rooms have almost no view, and others don't offer the same panoramic view you get from hotels higher up from town.

Also: HOTEL MARINCANTO. GORGEOUS!!!

Thanks for the hotel suggestions.

Any tips for when to buy flights and itinerary help? For example, say the wedding is on a Saturday, should we spend the entire day Sunday flying and arriving what would essentially be late Sunday early Monday then spend 7-10 days until the return trip middle of the following week? I have read several places that 1-3 months prior to trip is best opportunity to purchase plane tickets, but that seems cutting it close. What about January? Obviously I know that on Tuesday/Wednesday fares are cheapest.

Most of the old tricks/rules about when to buy plane tix are no longer true. I think the best bet is to get e-mail alerts from various online search engines ( Farecompare, etc) and buy your tix when/if you find pricing that is almost bearable. Be prepared for some sticker shock, especially if you are going during the peak summer months. Also be prepared for heavy crowds on the Amalfi Coast if you are going from mid-June- end of August.

I buy when the price is right for me, whether 5 months out or 1 month out.
Talk with your fiance about when you wish to depart--if it is a big wedding, the day after may not be ideal.
I think you should expect to pay roughly 1500-2k per ticket for east coast US to Italy in late August or early September. The date was in flux before--do you still have the September option? I have seen pretty good flights to Naples, with only one plane change.

Interesting, I shouldn't be surprised with peak Summer months = high price tickets.

We are still trying to set a date so September is still in play. Good flights to Naples around then?

I did a lot of browsing for tickets to Naples from US in date ranges between very end of August, all of September and beginning of October. The lowest prices I saw were at the time the flights were first released (I forget how many months in advance that is) and then again around 60 days out, I saw those same lower fares again after a rise for several months in between. And the flight times/routes were great. Just one stop & a few convenient departure times to choose from. I ended up pulling the trigger at the 60 day mark. It was just under $1500. They had been over $1700 at points earlier when I checked.

If you're having a very big or fussy wedding you will likely be very tired for a couple days after. You might like to delay your departure a bit. But I understand that could interfere with your vacation time away from work or other obligations too. You could also look at it in a way of you might as well be tired on the plane anyway, rest then. And recovering on a lounge chair in Positano is also pretty nice. Just don't plan much moving around or activities your first full day there. And be fully packed & ready to go before the wedding if leaving the next day. I was a zombie after mine & couldnt have packed for a trip to the corner store the day after! September is beautiful time to be there. Have fun!

Thanks for sharing!

I have also heard many times that the beaches of Sardinia are as good as the Caribbean and can believe it - especially as to me the beaches of Skiathos are much better and yet more likely to be inferior to those of Sardinia. You certainly won't find the best beaches on Santorini. Also, you shouldnt dismiss alternatives to Provence like the Languadoc which I found much more interesting than Cannes etc.

What's your U.S. departure city?

Thanks for the tips "Stevelyon"

"WWK - Departure City would be Washington DC or NYC.