Hi all,

My boyfriend and I want to take a trip to Europe for about ten days in September and would like to stay at a seaside place with a nice beach and not too expensive. I searched for flights and it seems that Lisbon, Paris and Rome were rather reasonable (we are open to anywhere else too). Any suggestions as to where we should go?

Any help is appreciated.

hi sasson,

I've not been to Lisbon, but Paris is quite a way from any beaches, and rome, though closer, isn't renowned for its beach-life.

in you situation, I'd be looking at Croatia and greece, I think.

regards, ann

Why not head to the area around Nice? Lots of nice beaches and hotels in all price ranges.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into Greece and Croatia. Been shying away from Nice because I'd rather have a sleepy village kind of feel and I imagine (from what I've heard/read) it's not that kind of place.

If you want a sleepy village, why not fly to Roma and then head to an island like Ponza?

Do a Google search.

Funny you should say that. I looked into that and it seems like the right kind of place. I just can't figure out the logistics of how to get there from Rome and also is it expensive to stay there/eat there, etc?

If you're looking at islands, I think I'd pick Elba over Ponza. It's a little bigger, has more hotel choices in a wider price range, more things to see/do, and large portions of the island are undeveloped so it's easier to get away from any crowds.

There are several small art and historical museums (including one about Napolean and another about the island's mining history) and at least two botanical gardens. In the unique and fun category, there's a lift to the highest point on the island in a small, 2-person "birdcage." (If you happen to have been to Gubbio, it's the same sort of lift.)

You can reach Elba by ferry from Piombino which is closest to Pisa or Florence. There is air service, but I don't know which mainland airport would be the best gateway.

Several years ago, we stayed at the Hotel Capo Sud which had a great location right on the beach. It also had a pool.

Happy planning!

I found some photos of the lift to the top of Monte Capanne on Elba (aka Cabinovia del Monte Capanne):

http://www.panoramio.com/user/56358/tags/Cabinovia

Thanks Jean and everyone.