ekscrunchy

Yes, Kimbedly, I agree with you. I've made 2 visits to Asturias, the last one just over 2 weeks in length. I fell in love with the region and would love to return in summer to fully enjoy the beaches. One wonderful thing about this region is that you can drive from the mountains of the Picos de Europa to the lovely beaches of the coast in about 30 minutes or less. There is mountain cuisine and coastal cuisine so close to one another. Andn the city of Oviedo is a jewel! Which parts of Asturias are your favorites?

I've been a number of times to Andalucia. You can even find areas of cities like Sevilla where there are not so many tourists. Which other areas of the region do you recommend that are off the beaten tourist trail?

Do you know these regions well? Thank you!!

Crellston, hi! Always enjoyed your trip reports!! Have you ever considered Uruguay? I also read of a large expat community in Cuenca, Ecuador, which I thought was a good size and very possibly a good place to settle for a while, but not for me....I think in Latin America, Mexico would be my place. I adored my rental in Merida (only about 10 days, but it was so darn HOT, even in January) And so much of Mexico seems to flooded with expats working remotely (I do watch House Hunters International regularly!!) But I'd bet there are still fantastic places to investigate in that country, but probably not on the coast which just seems to be so built up. I was in Playa del Carmen many years ago when it was a small fishing town....I cannot believe my eyes when I see those tv shows with all the crowds and the junky tourist shops.... It looks like that is the case with so many of the coastal towns but I can't say cause I don't go back to those anymore.


I've been here and there in Andalucia and love Sevilla. Lately I've become enchanted with the province of Cadiz. I liked the city itself, stayed there for about 6 nights a few years ago but not in beach season. But this month was the first time I'd ever stayed in Jerez and that city was an absolute joy. I only had 3 nights but think it would be a wonderful place to rent an apartment for a month or so..several great day trips to places like Sanlucar would be possible, as well as just enjoying the city, which I found to be pretty free of obvious tourists. I also fell for the area around Vejer de la Frontera, a "white" hilltop town surrounded by rolling green hills that are dotted with tiny hamlets. From Vejer, I drove to the coast, to Barbate and to Zahara de los Atunes, mainly for food purposes. I think a rental either in Vejer town, or in the surroundings, would be lovely IF one has a car.

Poster above lives in Girona, where I've never been but that small city sounds very, very appealing to me for a month or so rental.

I recently looked at Valencia and was shocked that the great-looking rentals were mostly booked out for winter/spring 2023-2024! Going to take a look at Alicante; these would both be complement to the return to Cadiz province. Anyone here know Alicante and care to offer an opinion for a stay in February or March?

What trips are in the offing for you?

BVLenci, I am fascinated by your tales! I might be back in your neck of the woods in the fall, if all goes well, so maybe we can meet then, as I missed you during my Senigallia stay a few years ago, remember?

JuliusRowe

While Europe is a popular destination for tourists, there are still many places that are relatively undiscovered and less crowded. Some options to consider for a place to live that offers good weather, nice people, great food, good internet, affordability, and interesting history but without throngs of tourists include:

Portugal - Portugal is known for its mild climate, stunning coastline, delicious cuisine, and rich history. While it has been gaining in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years, there are still many areas that are relatively undiscovered.

Croatia - Croatia has been growing in popularity as a tourist destination, particularly along the coast. However, there are still many charming inland towns and villages that are off the beaten path.

bvlenci

Yes, ekscrunchy, I remember.

I'm not sure yet when we'll be available this autumn. We have a big anniversary coming up, and I'm hoping that either we'll go to the US to celebrate, or that some of my family will come here. We expect to be going to the US very soon, and if that goes well, maybe we'll return October or November.

Le Marche has added a few more Michelin-starred restaurants since you were here. Last year two restaurants in Porto San Giorgio were added, with one star apiece. (I don't remember the names.) And Senigallia's Uliassi still had 3 stars, and Madonnina del Pescatore still has 2. Both of these restaurants are also among the top rated (4 chef hats) of the Italian restaurant guide, Gambero Rosso, and Uliassi is rated in the top 10 of restaurants in Italy.

crellston

Ekscrucnchy, after nigh on 15 years of virtually continual travelling with literally "no fixed abode".We finally accepted those days were over when we "escaped" from Japan at the start of the pandemic. We took it as a major hint that we should finally settle down and bought a place in Oxfordshire and we now split our time half and half between their and house and pet sitting for some American friends when they go off travelling or back to the US. Works well for us all.

Our travelling is now very different, much shorter for a start. Maximum of a month with a few weekends thrown in here and there. Last year we stayed at our friends place in Pasadena and did a road trip along H1. We also spent a month visiting our son and family in Sydney with a short road trip to meet up with another Fodors member, Sartoric and husband at their place in the rainforest of northern NSW - had a great time. A week in Hanoi on the way back and that was it for 2022.

This year we were planning on a month rail trip around Europe but my wife kept saying yes to house sitting projects so time has run out for that. We have a luxury all expenses paid trip to London and Edinburgh in September staying at two fantastic hotels and that’s about it. I did look at a week in an apartment in Malaga but took one look at the cost of flights from London and decided it was just too ridiculous!

Having said that, I am in the process of helping my wife’s nieces with planning there gap year when they leave university this year. I can pretend that it hasn’t got my travel juices flowing!!!

Next year it may be another family visit to Australia though we may skip that. If we do we both said that a return to Mexico would likely be top of the list.I am keen to continue my quest to drive the length of the Panamerican Highway so this time it may be straight to Oaxaca and then south to Guatemala and beyond

As for Andalusia, can’t help, with Alicante I visited there once in my teens to get a ferry across to North Africa a very long time ago! Jerez we liked, the flamenco there was terrific! Cadiz we didn5 take to but we only went for a day and managed to hit it when a cruise ship or two had just disgorged their passengers. Love Sevilla and that is very much Avon my mind for a weekend break if and when flights get back to something approaching normal levels.

Uruguay we did spend a couple of weeks in a few years ago. Pleasant enough but I think I liked the vibrancy of Argentina more. Brazil is also in my sights, if only for a week in Rio.

emmamackenzie

I'm totally with you on this one. I love visiting lesser-known towns, travelling the countryside and getting to know locals. Tourist attractions are over-priced and overrated! No matter what country I'm in, I aim to stay away from the main cities. Last time I was in Europe, I really enjoyed Göttingen (Germany), and San Vigilio (Italy - great if you're a skier!). I would quite happily live in either of these places. The markets, food and landscape were all exceptional. Good luck to you wherever you end up!

rcs2prsctr

Canceled reply -- looks like the original poster isn't here anymore.