Tell Me Where To Go!

stressedofdevon

I'm looking for a holiday with sun and culture on a budget. Past enjoyable trips have included Sorrento (with museums in Naples and of course the natural and historic Vesuvius/Pompeii) and Marrakech (great architecture and souk scene plus camel rides in the desert). I'm looking at short haul probably on my budget and am considering Turkey but wonder if there might be resorts in Spain or similar which have more to offer than sun and sand? Natural wonders, ancient sites, museums are what make a great holiday for me but with some relaxation too.

I'm in the South West and prefer flying from Bristol but will do Gatwick or Birmingham at a push so this excludes some destinations or tour operators.

Any suggestions for a sun seeking, budget restricted, culture loving traveller gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

becominganobsessivesaver

Direct flights are from London City, but what about Granada in Spain. We stayed in Velez de Benaudalla which is lovely, close to the sea, Granada and the mountains. The Alhambra palace in Granada is fantastic. You could also fly to Malaga and drive over.

PeacefulWaters

Sardinia ...

peachyprice

Athens! Flights from Gatwick with easyjet are dirt cheap, you can spend a few days soaking up the culture and then catch a ferry to an island for a bit of sun and more culture. Perfect.

Pollycat

Sicily
Barcelona (not so much ancient sites but - imho - the Gaudi buildings are fab - and Barcelona is on the coast

You don't say when you're looking to travel.

stressedofdevon

Thanks for the ideas! I'm going to be travelling in the school holidays with one of my children. I'm not especially comfortable with fully independent travel so was thinking along the lines of a package holiday with the option to go outside resorts for my culture fix.

Still hoping someone can suggest great locations in Turkey or Spanish islands or mainland, but am considering staying on Costa Dorada for its' cheapness and doing day trips to Tarragona, Barcelona etc with the added bonus of a teen friendly theme park thrown in. However, all suggestions welcomed.

Pollycat

Lots of ancient sites in Turkey.

From resorts on the Bodrum Peninsula you can go to Ephesus (one of the 7 Wonders) and Pamukkale (google it) on a 2 day trip.
I believe Marmaris may be even closer to these places.

Also Perge & Aspendos from further East e.g. Alanya.

Cappadocia (google it) is amazing but is in Central Turkey so you'd not get your beach fix.

Many, many ancient sites in Greece.

Maybe go to your local library and pick up some guide books and do a bit of research to narrow your search down.

mkaml

Istanbul? Plenty of Culture/History, add a day trip to the Princes Islands
Turkey's Antalya area (look for Side) Museums, day trips, ruins