Suggestions for Mediterranean Vacation
 

I am going to be in Europe on business in a couple of weeks and would like to extend my trip so that I can spend a week somewhere on the Mediterranean. There are an overwhelming number of choices, all of which I'm sure I would enjoy. As a single guy in his early thirties, I'd like to go somewhere lively, but would also like to avoid too young of a crowd (like Ibiza). I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

Mykonos or Santorini sound like a good fit for you. There are plenty of 30-somethings there in July-August and you'll be in one of the most beautiful spots on earth, the Greek Islands.

Where is your business?

Thanks for the Greek Islands suggestion. I went there about 15 years ago (after college) and had a great time. I'd agree with you that it is one of the more beautiful places I've seen (of course, there are so many places I've yet to see). I'd certainly go back.

One of my friends suggested Sardegna, but warned that there tend to be far more men than women there (which sounds strange to me). Have you been?

Bob, my business is in London.

Sardinia is fantastic, check out my trip report from last August:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34526714

I didn't notice a disproportionate amount of men to women. Alghero was lively, and of course areas on the Costa Smeralda. But you have to watch areas there, as they tend to be very built-up and not very "Italian" feeling. In my opinion, though, Sardinia is best seen with a car.

Anywhere on the Med in late July will be hot and crowded. Have you considered the Algarve of Portugal? There are direct flights into Faro from London, and Portugal will be easier on your wallet.

I'd steer clear of the Algarve at that time: British lager louts in profusion.

I love the Brits (of course, I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting any "lager louts")! As for cost, although I don't want to throw money away (which is why I'm avoiding places like St. Tropez), I'm not that concerned about prices. After all, you only live once and it's not every day I can make it to the Med.

Anyhow, thanks for the input. I think I'm going to seriously consider Sardegna. One question though: Is it more lively than Capri? A couple of years ago, I went to Capri with my girlfriend in the middle of August. We had an incredible time and met some really nice people, but it seemed to be mostly couples and vacationing families. I probably wouldn't want to hang out there as a single guy. If you know, would you characterize Alleghero and Costa Smeralda as more lively?

Have a look at the area round Marbella or Puerto Banus in Spain.

Or Mykonos; or Corfu; or the posher bits of Rodes (lager lout problems there too).

I thik Sardinia is pretty upmarket and probably less lively than you might like.

You might want to have a look at the bigger resorts in Devon and Cornwall or Britanny, too. Or Biarritz or St Jean de Luz.

If Ibiza too rich for your blood, try Majorca; on the north side of the island

Thanks Sheila. That's helpful. You mentioned some places that others have also suggested. I've narrowed it down the Costa Smeralda in Sardegna, Puerto Banus or Santorini. They all sound great. Think I'll flip a three-sided coin and see where fate takes me.

What about the French Riviera? Nice/Cannes as a base-- or I've heard Juan les Pins draws a younger crowd. Lots of cities/towns to visit, easy transportation, wide wide range of accomodations.

Thanks. I've been to those places before. They're great, but I wanted to try something different. If I hadn't been, it would probably be my first choice.