I'm an American trying to find a SEASIDE location in Europe to live for anywhere between 1 and 5 months. Not too crowded, not too touristy. I've worked in the Middle East for 7.5 years and I need a restive break. Thank you for your advice.

Out of the four countries you've listed, I'd pick Croatia. It's beautiful but didn't seem as touristy as the others. Obviously in peak summer it's going to be busy. Have you checked out the visa situation? You can't just stay in any country you like for that long, well a month is OK but not 5. As a suggestion, look into the Istrian region of Croatia, near Rovinj.

Kay

Thanks for your suggestion Kay. I'll be traveling to other countries from whichever base city I end up in, so I don't think visas will be a problem.

I also selected Spain as a tag, but for some reason it didn't show up when I posted my query.

If you wish to spend more than 90 days in Croatia, you must apply for a residency visa. Croatia law is now this visa must be obtained from your home country prior to your arrival in this country. All documents must be translated into Croatian and have an Apostle seal. Approval is slow and you should be collecting the necessary documents Croatia needs for the application, including proof of health coverage and several others. You can collect the list of documents from the Croatian Embassy website for the USA.

pensaomarazul.com cute cheap owned by Backpacker Lagos

Famous world globetrotter great deals there.

Happy Hunting only 90 days allowed as a rule

Have hopped over to Maroc B4 for another 90

nice also even cheaper nice beaches a bit of unrest now.

insuremytrip.com always wise.

As you are not a citizen of the Eurozone, you will be limited to 90 days in the zone, (named for Schengen, the place where the agreement was worked out) not any individual country, and you can't just leave for a few days and go back. Check it out on an official website before you make your plans.

Thanks Charnees, I will definitely look at the visa rules before going.

Hi there,
It really depends on what you are looking for. I am familiar with the countries listed and each has a very different personality. It also depends on what time of year.
Here is my take on each country.
1) Croatia -beautiful, not as developed as the other countries. The Adriatic is human soup in the summer and it can be cold in the winter. April, May and June, Sept and october would be ideal. Not as cheap as some think and the value isn´t high, but the coastline and islands are beautiful.
2) France - very developed, very touristy in summer. I am not a fan of the Atlantic coast, but don´t know the coastline of Northern France. Southern France, beautiful but touristy and spendy. Great food and wine. The weather in the South is pretty dependable and in off season, there will still be lots to do (unlike Croatia).
3) Spain runs the gamut in character. Dependable weather, spendy or not. A bit higher strung than Portugal, good food and wine though and fabulous touring in Andalucia and Catalonia. We hope to do Galicia later this summer.
4) Portugal -ah, Portugal. Good food, if you know where to look. Lisbon is fabulous as is many of the towns in the North. The best beaches in Europe with the cliffs and rock formations. Very laidback culture with many thinking ah..tomorrow is good enough. Friendly people and did I mention how relaxed and laid back it is. There is a huge culture difference between Spain and Portugal. Excellent wine. The Algarve is very touristy in July and August, though quite quiet the rest of the year.
5) Italy - best inland, but then, I am not a fan of the beaches here. Obviously, excellent food and wine and lots of good sight seeing.

Like you, we are American expats and have lived in CEE for the last 13 years. When my husband did Moscow and needed a break, we headed to Portugal and ended up buying a holiday home there (that we rent out when not using). So, you can see that I am biased. He is now talking about pursuing a job in the ME.

The visas may be an issue but one way to get around it is to go after a student visa by studying a language. It also may make your visit more fun. However, I wouldn´t stress too much about the lack of a visa. Your tourist visa is good for 3 months and if you overstay, oh well...It isn´t an issue unless you get stopped by very persistent police. With an American passport, much is forgiven. Now, I am sure that many will disagree with my statements but that is the reality. I guess it depends on your tolerance for risk.

SloJan, many thanks for your long reply. I appreciate the time you and others have spent to share your insights. After about a week of web searches, my head became more confused than clear about where to go.

I'm leaving the UAE on either July 29 or 30, and was originally considering Andalucia since so many of my colleagues had spoken highly of it. Unfortunately, I think the weather will be too warm there in August and September, and with all the heat and humidity in the Middle East I wanted to avoid more heat as I started my break. I also received a recommendation for Sitges, but after researching it on the web I had the impression that it would be very pricey and touristy in the summer, and would be somewhat similar to Nice but not as much to do.

I am very much interested in Galicia, but I haven't found a city there that has property just on the edge of the sea and is not far from a major city. That's what I'm really looking for -- the combination of relaxation/hearing the waves and being able to find culture and things to do in a nearby larger city.

Regarding Portugal, I've been Lisbon and the Silver Coast and liked both, but I thought of trying other countries / locales since I've not traveled much in Europe. I do have an agent who is trying to help me find an apartment in Foz do Arelho, which I did love when I visited before. It might be too late for me to get something reasonably-priced there this close to August. Can you recommend alternate locations? I've heard that Setubal is quite beautiful.

As for Italy, twice I've visited the major cities, and while I did like the history and people, I didn't fall in love with any of the places to the point that I would want to live there long-term. Assisi had stunning views, and a kind of quiet ambiance, but this time I really want to be by the ocean/sea.

I agree with you about France, as I've been to both Paris and the Cote d' Azur. I do think, as you do, that summer will most likely be a crush of bodies.

I hope this gives everyone a clearer picture of what I'm trying to consider in making my decision. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and trying to help me.

I think the time of year is a problem as August is peak holiday season in Europe and anywhere on the coast is going to be busy and more expensive than if you went a month or two later. An option would be to stay somewhere away from the sea for a few weeks then once people start heading back to work towards the end of August, move to your ideal location by the sea.

Good luck with your search, you may find this website useful for travellers stories and vacation rental recommendations:
www.slowtrav.com

Kay

Although you did not include these countries, and although they are somewhat close to UAE, you could consider Tessaloniki, Greece and Urla-Cesme region of izmir, Turkey also.

The people are friendly, the food is good and lots to do at any time of the year.

Maconleary, how about considering Slovenia? We lived there for 4 years and it is absolutely gorgeous. It won´t be too hot, and you can choose mountains with the Julian Alps, river scapes with the Soca River Valley which is phenomenal, or seaside in Piran. Ljubljana is a lovely capital, and both Bled and bohinj are beautiful lakes (though Bohinj will be too sleepy).

Another option would be Switzerland for August and maybe September and then, Spain or Portugal for October and November. Then, you may not have as many visa issues.

Of course, Prague is also lovely (we live there) but can be quite steamy and humid in August. Beer is good though!

I am waiting for Aduchamp and Colduphere to jump in and confuse the Op even more.

Since most of these places are terrific, after you make your new short list of towns, if you have time, budget the possibilities and then just meditate or draw lots and then of'course, the trick is to never regret.

Good luck.

Well, this is way off your current map, but you might consider going to the southern coast of Sweden, near Malmo or Ystad. It's a summer beach destination for Swedes, and would not be so hot in July and August. Around Stockholm there are tons of islands, so if you like sailing, etc. consider that. Then you could head south in Sept. when when it's less crowded and hot.

This was my first posting on Fodor's forum, and I'm impressed and grateful for the advice that all of you have shared. I will let everyone know where I end up going. That seems to be the right thing to do considering the time each of you spent to offer your opinions.

Have you maybe considered Sicily or Malta (another small island in the med)?
They are both very beautiful and aren't as touristy or crowded as any mainland countries. Although Malta is very small, it has amazing people, culture, history, food and being in the Mediterranean doesn't hurt either

Otherwise, also completely off your map, South Africa is a wonderful place with winter weather in the north of the country (especially Durban) being mild and one is still able to have a swim in the middle of winter! Further south, Cape Town, has a mediterranean climate but the weather is tolerable especially when, in my opinion, you live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Winter days are about one third miserable and rainy but most of the time, the winter sun is warm and Table Mountain is green with lots of waterfalls flowing down its slopes. Mountain and sea side-by-side

I suggest that if you don't end up living in one of these places, they are all well worth an extended visit. But good luck with whichever place you choose, and happy house hunting!

Pensaomarazul.com Lagos pretty warm cheap nice

3 mos on Schengen or visa or head to Maroc also cheap great

Especially imperial beach cities

Croatia very expensivr pretty though