Spec me an island/lake getaway in Europe

Scam · 24 Apr 2019 at 11:25

The girlfriend and I want to escape in the middle of May, preferably in some sunshine. It's a busy time at work though so probably just looking at a long weekend (well maybe Thurs-Mon).

I'm thinking somewhere along the style of Lake Garda which we went to a few years ago. Just somewhere nice by the waterside, with a few nice restaurants, somewhere that feels a bit away from it all.

I was looking at Croatia. We stayed in Cavtat (a boat ride away from Dubrovnik) before which was nice. Any islands that are easy to get to from Split perhaps? Also looking at Greece, we went to Paros the other year which was gorgeous. She's suggested Mykonos but I fear it'd be way more pricey and a bit like "Disneyland" compared to Paros.

Oh, given it's a short trip, travel can't be too convoluted... Thanks!

peterwalkley · 24 Apr 2019 at 11:51

Lake Bled in Slovenia is stunningly beautiful.

cheesyboy · 24 Apr 2019 at 11:56

I took a bit of a fancy to Essaouira, Morocco (not europe, but close) last time I was looking up interesting places to go for short breaks (probably better to wait until the kids are old enough to leave behind). Direct flights from Luton last I checked.

Bear · 24 Apr 2019 at 12:05

Since you mentioned Italy, how about Varenna on Lake Como

Thekwango · 24 Apr 2019 at 12:44

as you've mentioned Paros have you been to Santorini....been to both twice and would highly recommend either. though Santorini can be much more popular it's still a nice enough island if you can avoid the touristy traps

DB_SamX · 24 Apr 2019 at 12:49

I second Lake Como, especially Bellagio/Tremezzo area. It's a bit of a pain to get to from Milan, if not driving, but definitely worth it.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sameermannick/albums/72157648442933167

Scam · 24 Apr 2019 at 13:08

Thekwango said:
as you've mentioned Paros have you been to Santorini....been to both twice and would highly recommend either. though Santorini can be much more popular it's still a nice enough island if you can avoid the touristy traps

I'm very put off Santorini and Mykonos if I'm honest. I feel like we've seen the best of "them" from Paros although I'm happy to be proven wrong. Mykonos is more tempting due to direct flights from LHR (our nearest airport). Perhaps if we can find somewhere a bit out of the way... at first glance all the hotels look crazy expensive, even in May.

DB_SamX said:
I second Lake Como, especially Bellagio/Tremezzo area. It's a bit of a pain to get to from Milan, if not driving, but definitely worth it.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sameermannick/albums/72157648442933167

How would one get from Milan to Como? Those photos look lovely.

Thekwango · 24 Apr 2019 at 13:23

Scam said:
I'm very put off Santorini and Mykonos if I'm honest. I feel like we've seen the best of "them" from Paros although I'm happy to be proven wrong. Mykonos is more tempting due to direct flights from LHR (our nearest airport). Perhaps if we can find somewhere a bit out of the way... at first glance all the hotels look crazy expensive, even in May.

fair point but Santorini (can't comment on Mykonos) has a lot to offer especially if take some of the tours available, Akrotiri ruins, hot springs, volcano hiking, black sand beach tours (takes you to specific beaches that are highly rated) wine tasting tour (highly recommended btw!) to name but a few and a quick look on Booking.com shows some decent hotels/apartments for reasonable money in may.

e.g.
apartment very close to kamari beach
hotel on perissa beach

Hilly · 24 Apr 2019 at 13:24

Rovinj is beautiful

The_Abyss · 24 Apr 2019 at 13:47

Stresa on Lake Maggiore. Lovely place: https://www.stresa.com

vanpeebles · 24 Apr 2019 at 13:53

Isle of Man for kippers(omnomnom) and wonderful scenery.

cheesyboy · 24 Apr 2019 at 13:58

vanpeebles said:
Isle of Man for kippers(omnomnom) and wonderful scenery.

Genuinely thought you were on about UKIP supporters, and it took me a moment

vanpeebles · 24 Apr 2019 at 14:01

cheesyboy said:
Genuinely thought you were on about UKIP supporters, and it took me a moment

A quality kipper is not for joking about!

DB_SamX · 25 Apr 2019 at 12:33

Scam said:
I'm very put off Santorini and Mykonos if I'm honest. I feel like we've seen the best of "them" from Paros although I'm happy to be proven wrong. Mykonos is more tempting due to direct flights from LHR (our nearest airport). Perhaps if we can find somewhere a bit out of the way... at first glance all the hotels look crazy expensive, even in May.

How would one get from Milan to Como? Those photos look lovely.

Thank you. The scenery makes it easy. If driving, then it's only 90 minutes from Milan to say Bellagio (60 mins to Como). If not, take the direct train from Milan to Como, then take the ferry to Bellagio or one of the other lakeside towns - all gorgeous and peaceful (May was shoulder season). I think this journey took at least 3h, and was awkward as I had a suitcase + hand luggage with me.

Quartz · 25 Apr 2019 at 12:54

How about Gozo? (Just off Malta.)

Scania · 25 Apr 2019 at 14:09

Cyprus in May is beautiful, warm but not scorchingly hot as it very much is later in the summer, plus it’s a sea of colour which soon disappears come June when the island becomes almost desert like, easily accessible from Greece, if Cyprus is too far a jaunt, the same applies to Crete pretty much.