Extended Stay Southern Europe with 10 year old
I'm retired, and a traveler with extended solo experience on 5 continents. My daughter is 10. We'd like to spend 4 weeks, mid-June to mid-July, in southern Europe (away from Paris). Our current thoughts are to fly to the cheapest place on the continent, spend a couple of days recovering and exploring that place, then Eurail to Rome since she did some school work on the Coliseum. From there we'd like to either head to the Greek islands or Agave in Portugal. (We may stop in Iceland on the way, since I've heard that there are some tour groups aimed at kids this age which take about a week open to more information about that.) What I'm looking for is recommendations for low-cost/casual beach place on the Mediterranean where we can hang out for a week or two. If you know of other southern places to hang out besides the islands/Agave, I'm interested. Have Rough Guide, Will Travel. I have an open mind, so send me what you've got.
Parent Replies
Puglia in southeastern Italy may be a good option. While it's growing in popularity, it's still far enough out of the way that it isn't quite as crowded as other places. It's accessible via train as well as by plane through major stations and airports. It's beautiful and relaxing, on the water as well. The Algarve in Portugal can get very busy and expensive during those peak times, as it's a popular destination for Europeans on holiday.
Not on the coast but near, my family really enjoyed a vacation rental near Arles, France, Domaine de Laforest (https://www.domaine-laforest.com/en/). It's near the village of Fontvieille, with a small Roman aqueduct just up the road with the ruins of an impressive mill. Arles has its own coliseum (still in use) and Roman amphitheater. It also has a stellar Roman museum. It's not far to the coast. The Camargue region has a stellar bird sanctuary. It's a day trip to the Pont du Gard. I've been to the region twice, and find it delightful.
I'm a bit biased against Rome (things happened: I got to see the police station, and a consulate, and as a result ran out of time to see the Vatican). The Arles coliseum is smaller but in better shape, and Nimes and Orange also have coliseums.
Greece--Islands are great, but coast of the mainland is wonderful and less expensive. Rent a car and explore the Peloponnese area: Nafplio, Monamvasia, and my favorite for a longer stay is Kalamata. Along the way you'll find an ancient theater on the Eastern coast,that was part of classical Greece's healing center, sea caves to explore by boat on the western coast, beaches beaches beaches everywhere. The roads are very good. Car rental is competitive in summer, and you are smart to be in Greece before August when everybody in Greece and the rest of the continent is on vacation.
Of course you'll land in Athens, and won't want to miss the Acropolis and other sites in the Center.
My wife and I are in Greece for extended stays every year and we've seem amazing islands. But, like most Greeks, we love the coast of the mainland.
γεια σαs!
Rick