Nice beach holidays without costing the earth?

tommygirl3

We're a teetotal couple no kids, looking to book relaxing beach holidays March and June.

The local travel agents recommended the Canary Islands (trying Lanzarote this month), Caribbean (hated it), Mexico (never been) and the Maldives (loved it) at respectively increasing price points.

Can someone recommend some nice beach holiday locations which aren't chavtastic and no looky looky men to hassle you to buy tat?

Really looking for a cheaper Maldives alternative!

Alisha2008

For March I recommend Canary Islands (Fuerteventura for the best beaches and very cheap). For June I always go to Alicante (small towns north of Alicante: Altea, Denia, Javea, Calpe..), beaches are fab and June is still low season so they are not very crowded (I always avoid July / August, too many people, too hot!).

Of course nothing compares to Mexico or Maldives.. but then the prices can't compare either!! Flying to Spain can cost around £50 - £70 return...

tommygirl3

Thanks Alisha2008, is there a particular hotel/location in Fuerteventura where you'd recommend? I'll have a look into Alicante, too. The beaches at these location are free of hassle men?

Alisha2008

I've been to Corralejo twice and really like it. (north). 90% of the tourist there are english/german, but it's quiet and the beaches are wonderful (you need car/bus to go to the nicest ones though).

I've heard Jandia (south) it's also nice and quieter. I stayed on a complex called Playa Park , quite nice for the price but next time I'm thinking of renting something privately, there are hundreds of nice apartments in Homelidays.com. I didn't see any hassle men on these beaches, but we spent more time on the swimming pool so I can't be sure.

I usually go to Alicante for a couple of weeks in June and the beach is always quiet, no hassle men (the occasional chinese woman offering a massage) and no one around me in metres... I would recommend the beach north of Alicante (San Juan-Campello-Altea-Denia), excluding Benidorm of course!

Ponkle22

Try Nerja in Spain. Nearest airport is Malaga. Nerja caves (actually located in Maro) are fab. Or stay nearby in Frigiliana. Check out these places on Trip Advisor in the forums.

Italy is very non chavtastic. If you are happy to take a phrasebook then check out places in Calabria, like Tropea. I thought it was more beautiful than Sardinia. In fact check out all of Italy for June, nearly all of it would be non chavtastic (quoting you).

For June there is a FANTASTIC hotel on a gorgeous island - try Hotel Villa Melodie in Forio on the far side of the island of Ischia, in Italy. Such a relaxing hotel (RAVE reviews on Trip Advisor too). Nearby beaches are beautiful. That would probably be my top top top tip.

Let us know where you decide.

Alisha2008

Can't comment on Italy, but beaches in Nerja are not very nice.. the town itself is beautiful and worth a visit, but if it's beaches you are looking for, don't go there...

miamoo

All the canaries have 'hassle' to varying degree's with the 'looky looky men', Lanzarote was worse especially sitting in the evening at the bars, a steady stream one after another. We had a lovely holiday, but you need to do some research on your destinations. Have you been on trip advisor?
Where have you been in the carribean that you have hated? Its a very big place with good and bad, each island is very different.

will-he-payitoff

miamoo wrote: »

All the canaries have 'hassle' to varying degree's with the 'looky looky men', Lanzarote was worse especially sitting in the evening at the bars, a steady stream one after another. We had a lovely holiday, but you need to do some research on your destinations. Have you been on trip advisor?
Where have you been in the carribean that you have hated? Its a very big place with good and bad, each island is very different.

I found Lanzarote to be the best, which resort did you stay in?

jhe

i also found lanzarote the best. we stayed los poccollis but spent most days in pdc. didnt venture out on a night but dont remember being approached by any during the day.

Alisha2008

I personally prefer Fuerteventura, but I also found a bit annoying being "assaulted" on the main roads by people trying to get us to eat/drink at their restaurants (specially when they ALWAYS spoke english to me, and I'm spanish). This was much worse in Lanzarote (Playa del Carmen).

I also think research is important, and each island/place has different things to offer.

cubegame

Have a look at Porto Santo. As near to paradise as possible in Europe. Lovely beach and very quiet.