Well I definitely have the travel bug now! Last November we did Barcelona to Venice along the Mediterranean. The Year before, France Luxembourg and Germany (The Rhine).

Since we both loved Spain, were thinking of doing a trip Madrid, Seville, Costa Del Sol around 12 days.Could probably include Cordoba and Granada as well. We are with the kids, so wanted to get lots of beach time in. Is this a good itinerary? Where are the best beaches in Spain (I assume Costa del Sol?).

Another Possible itinerary, Rome, Naples, Pompei Capri, any beaches there?

OR Greece?

I'd choose Italy, the whole of the Neapolitan Riviera is superb. Yes, there are beaches, but if you're gonna lie on a beach do something Caribbean - it seems a waste coming to Europe to lie on a beach.

topping

Hi,
We went to Spain with our children many years ago. I love the mix of seeing interesting sights and musuems and then spending the afternoon at the beach. We have also been to the Almalfi coast. I love the Amalfi coast more, but the beaches are not as nice as Spains. The Amalfi is rocky with little inlets. We did stay at the Tramonto D'Oro in Praiano, which has a fabulous roof top pool, with the to die for view. Children would also be happy with this. I have to travel in the summer, so although I do not go to Europe "For the Beaches", I try to be near a place to swim to relax at end of the day. When you travel with children it is a wonderful bonus. Have a great time.

Yipper is praiano in Italy or Spain. Why is the amalfi coast better? Is the costa del sol just one big tourist trap?

We loved Italy on our last trip, having done two winter trips (November) with all the excess clothes, thought it would be nice to try more summery time in Europe but not necessarily the middle of summer. Kind of envisioned, walking around in the morning (or sightseeing with the car), beach in the afternoon, great mediterranean dinner with view of the ocean - Is the costa del sol a good place for this? If so, it seems very hot in mid summer, so how would it be in June or September.

Or would you still go with Amalfi coast (is that Naples, etc.)

Hi lex,

Praiano is on the Amalfi Coast.

You might find the Naples/AC portion of my trip report helpful.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

You seem like you just want to go somewhere for the sake of going to that somewhere!

Why don't you do some more research then ask some more specific questions about your trip?

Hi Lex,
I like the Amalfi coast (Italy, south/east of Naples)better than southern Spain, because I think it is prettier. I love the dramatic cliffs and the lush greenery and flowers that are next to the blue sea, and then the food. There are wonderful places to see during the day, i.e. Capri, Pompei, Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento,Ravello etc. Spain is also wonderful, but the part of the Costa de Sol we went to had miles of high rise hotels. The beaches were great though. With a car you can drive to wonderful villages i.e. Ronda and the Alhambra. I just like Italy better, but others would not agree. You will have a wonderful trip which ever you pick. Enjoy