Struggling to find anywhere like Barcelona can any one help please?

AdventureRocks

Hello,

I went on my first holiday abroad last year to Barcerlona with my girlfriend we are both in our early 20's.

We went when Le la Merce festival was on which made the trip brilliant! We also had a day trip out to Montserrat for a hike which was amazing.

We loved the mixture of city, beach and festival atmosphere.

We are looking for something similar on our next holiday:

• Hiking
• Sand/Beach
• Sightseeing
• Festival / big event on at the same time

Is there anywhere you can recommend?

I did find Nice, France but it looks a bit boring in comparison?

Any help appreciated

Thank you

elisebutt65

We did Alicante for my birthday. Lovely city, though a little breezy in April.

happyandcontented

Venice at Carnivale? Depends when you want to go, obviously you wouldn't be on the beach ( across the lagoon at Lido) in February when Carivale happens, but there is a big event in July too which is quite a spectacle, Redentore I think it is called. Loads of places within striking distance and a train station bang in the middle makes it convenient to get around.

missbiggles1

Lisbon - beautiful city, beaches a few minutes away, lots of sightseeing.

Festivals 2017

https://www.festicket.com/festival/nos-alive-2017/

and others

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/portugal/festivals.

Voyager2002

Well, Barcelona is famous as one of the most exciting holiday destinations in the world. If you want more of the same, go back there. Otherwise, explore the places that also appeal to people who love Barcelona. For instance:
- I really enjoyed the Mardi Gras festival in Lucerne (Switzerland). Obviously there was no beach nor sand, and only very limited sun because of the time of year. Lots to see and do, and of course Switzerland is justly famed for its hiking;
- you could easily combine Sevilla and Cordoba in southern Spain: fascinating and dynamic cities with lots of walking opportunities in the countryside nearby. Again, a very long way from any decent beaches;
-- the world's best sandy beaches are in the Seychelles, where it is also easy to go hiking in the mountains. Wonderful natural beauty. Cultural opportunities are somewhat limited (I went there on a two-year contract but after a year I left from sheer boredom);
-- Praha could well be the most beautiful great city in the world.

loadsacash

What about
https://www.festicket.com/festival/ultra-europe-2017/

Split is nice for sightseeing and there are beaches

Pop_Up_Pirate

AdventureRocks wrote: »

Hello,

I went on my first holiday abroad last year to Barcerlona with my girlfriend we are both in our early 20's.

We went when Le la Merce festival was on which made the trip brilliant! We also had a day trip out to Montserrat for a hike which was amazing.

We loved the mixture of city, beach and festival atmosphere.

We are looking for something similar on our next holiday:

• Hiking
• Sand/Beach
• Sightseeing
• Festival / big event on at the same time

Is there anywhere you can recommend?

I did find Nice, France but it looks a bit boring in comparison?

Any help appreciated

Thank you

Ahhh, but why compare at all?
Nothing will compare to that 'First time abroad' feeling.

But there are 100's of places that are just as exciting, if not more so.

Rio has everything you need.
Los Angeles
San Fran
New York
Hong Kong
Sydney
Bali
Etc

You didn't give budget, area or timeframe

daveyjp

Valencia during Fallas week.

PeacefulWaters

Whitby during the scarecrow festival.

maman

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Whitby during the scarecrow festival.

:rotfl:


Can definitely recommend Hong Kong during Chinese New Year but agree there are some fantastic cities to visit if a festival isn't high priority. I've enjoyed city breaks in:

• Florence
• Rome
• Verona
• Venice
• Lisbon
• Porto
• Berlin
• Granada
• Seville
• Bruges
• Amsterdam
• Edinburgh
• Dublin
• Istanbul
• Valletta

and so many places in France it's hard to know where to start.

happyandcontented

Malaga is also very nice and often overlooked.