Holidays

[majestic]

Anyone been round Tuscany on thier travels?

Yes, I went in 2018 (I Think) and it was amazing. It was just me and my now wife so no kids, and I think the type of holiday we done kids would find it pretty boring, so take that into consideration.

Flew into Pisa, hired a car and travelled down to a town called Castiglione della Pescaia, we loved it here. It is a lovely seaside town, not touristy at all, but clearly a place favoured among Italians for a weekend trip or staycation.

From there we headed inland to Pienza (small walled town, with stunning surroundings and scenery) and Montepulciano for a vineyard visit.

We then headed north to San Gimignano, stayed in a local Agriturismo, which was a nice experience, they produced their own olive oil and wine.

The food on the trip was stunning throughout, as was the scenery and the locals all very friendly (we found that if you make a small effort to speak Italian they warm very quickly to you).

Driving was abit nuts however, luckily we avoided any accidents, but the locals are very fast, and lack lane discipline even on blind corners.

Also done a night in Pisa, which has nothing in it bar the tower, have to get the picture, but I'd avoid staying any longer than the time it takes to visit it.

We stayed clear of the bigger cities, but thats just our preference.

Overall we loved it.

[Tony Baloney]

Anyone been round Tuscany on thier travels?

Yes, I went in 2018 (I Think) and it was amazing. It was just me and my now wife so no kids, and I think the type of holiday we done kids would find it pretty boring, so take that into consideration.

Flew into Pisa, hired a car and travelled down to a town called Castiglione della Pescaia, we loved it here. It is a lovely seaside town, not touristy at all, but clearly a place favoured among Italians for a weekend trip or staycation.

From there we headed inland to Pienza (small walled town, with stunning surroundings and scenery) and Montepulciano for a vineyard visit.

We then headed north to San Gimignano, stayed in a local Agriturismo, which was a nice experience, they produced their own olive oil and wine.

The food on the trip was stunning throughout, as was the scenery and the locals all very friendly (we found that if you make a small effort to speak Italian they warm very quickly to you).

Driving was abit nuts however, luckily we avoided any accidents, but the locals are very fast, and lack lane discipline even on blind corners.

Also done a night in Pisa, which has nothing in it bar the tower, have to get the picture, but I'd avoid staying any longer than the time it takes to visit it.

We stayed clear of the bigger cities, but thats just our preference.

Overall we loved it.

What time of year was that as Ive read it's not pleasant in summer

[armaghniac]

Anyone been round Tuscany on thier travels?

Yes, I went in 2018 (I Think) and it was amazing. It was just me and my now wife so no kids, and I think the type of holiday we done kids would find it pretty boring, so take that into consideration.

Flew into Pisa, hired a car and travelled down to a town called Castiglione della Pescaia, we loved it here. It is a lovely seaside town, not touristy at all, but clearly a place favoured among Italians for a weekend trip or staycation.

From there we headed inland to Pienza (small walled town, with stunning surroundings and scenery) and Montepulciano for a vineyard visit.

We then headed north to San Gimignano, stayed in a local Agriturismo, which was a nice experience, they produced their own olive oil and wine.

The food on the trip was stunning throughout, as was the scenery and the locals all very friendly (we found that if you make a small effort to speak Italian they warm very quickly to you).

Driving was abit nuts however, luckily we avoided any accidents, but the locals are very fast, and lack lane discipline even on blind corners.

Also done a night in Pisa, which has nothing in it bar the tower, have to get the picture, but I'd avoid staying any longer than the time it takes to visit it.

We stayed clear of the bigger cities, but thats just our preference.

Overall we loved it.

There is a reason that the great and good go to Tuscany on their holidays, it is hard to go wrong.
Florence is a bit crowded, but with good reason. North of Florence is Prato, Pistoia and Lucca, if you are on public transport stay in one and visit the other each for a day.
Siena is smaller than Florence and is excellent for a few days.
In addition to the places mentioned about, Montalcino is nice to visit for glass of the local vino.

Driving isn't so bad, you can drive between smaller places and it is like being in Donegal, bendy roads, maybe a boy racer. Parking requires parking on the outskirts and walking in, there are often restrictions closer to town, Siena has carparks at the bottom of the hill and long escalators up to the town. Volterra is a good spot too, with fewer tourists.

If you can get there this time of year or Sept/Oct the weather is more pleasant and it is less crowded.

[RedHand88]

Staying in the north west end of Fuerteventura in a month. Anyone able to recommend any beaches or towns up that way?

[lurganblue]

Staying in the north west end of Fuerteventura in a month. Anyone able to recommend any beaches or towns up that way?

I stayed in Corralejo twice. It's defo north anyway but the beach near the Riu Olivia hotel is massive. The town is grand too and has a bit of life about it.

[gerrykeegan]

Yes the beach is Corralejo is fantastic. If you can get across to El Cotillo it's worth a visit. It's a lagoon on one side and a beach on the other.

[giveherlong]

Any recommendations for family friendly hotels or accommodation in Albuferia, Portugal?

[thewobbler]

Any recommendations for family friendly hotels or accommodation in Albuferia, Portugal?

Eden Resort

[Milltown Row2]

Any recommendations for family friendly hotels or accommodation in Albuferia, Portugal?

Going next week, not to a family friendly one though, would imagine Old Town Albuferia would be best suited for a quiet time, mum and dad usually went there, they loved it.

But the strip you'd need to avoid! Think my sister stayed at the Jupiter resort, not sure when to be honest, her kids were smaller. think its expensive though.

Checked out any Airbb?

[giveherlong]

Any recommendations for family friendly hotels or accommodation in Albuferia, Portugal?

Eden Resort

Just looked up Eden resort 
Definitely looks the part
2 bedroom villa £2650 for the week...

[WeeDonns]

Any recommendations for family friendly hotels or accommodation in Albuferia, Portugal?

https://www.alfagar.com/
Stayed in Alfagar Alto da Colina a good few years ago. Good spot, access to the pools of 2 other hotels owned by the group, walking distance to 2 beaches (sand wasn't very fine on them) & walking distance to the new town strip with a buggy. We had a car & drove to the old town & Vilamoura

[MK]

Any recommendations for family friendly hotels or accommodation in Albuferia, Portugal?

Grande Real De santa Eulalia is a fine place, right on the beach and free shuttlebus into town hourly.

[Tony Baloney]

There are a cluster of family hotels in Olhos D'Agua just outside Albufeira - 3HB Guarana etc. with steps nearby down to the beach. We stayed in the area last year and going back this year but not to a kid friendly hotel thankfully! Less than €10 by Uber into Albufeira.