Discussions similar to: aller sud Europe chaleur soleil
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Where to go in Spain based on our criteria?
Hello fellow travelers! My husband and I would like to spend a few weeks in Jan-Feb-Mar 2025 in Spain.☺️ Our main criteria: shopping, hiking, long walks along the sea, climate 15-24°C, easy transport, languages (French, English, or Spanish), 🥂🏌️‍♀️🚴🎾☀️🎼🏝️ We’ve already been to Marbella and Alicante. However, we don’t know these places apart from suggestions from friends who’ve visited them. 🤔 We’re thinking of renting an apartment or condo near the sea and maybe a car from time to time! We’ve visited Spain a lot and really enjoy it given the distance and climate for these months away from the cold! 😊 Looking forward to your suggestions and tips! Thanks so much! 🤗 Oh, and we’re seniors but in great shape! 💃🕺😉
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Puglia road trip: which stops?
Hi, We’re planning to visit southern Puglia over 9 nights and I’d love your thoughts on our itinerary. We’ll fly into Bari and out of Brindisi, picking up a rental car at the airport. We enjoy sightseeing but aren’t big on museums, and we’d like to swim.

First idea: 1 night in Matera – 4 nights in Monopoli to explore Alberobello, Conversano, Locorotondo, and Ostuni – 4 nights in Gallipoli or another southern town. Second idea: 1 night in Matera – 2 nights in Monopoli – 1 night in Taranto – 4 nights in Gallipoli – 1 night in Ostuni.

Thanks for your tips!
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A week in Basilicata (Italy): transport, sights, accommodations
Hi there, I’m wondering about spending a week in Basilicata in southern Italy in mid-to-late March. Initially, I was talking about Puglia, but I realize that in my imagination it was actually Puglia—but no, it’s really the timeless charm of Basilicata that I want to discover.

We’d be leaving from Nice. Do any of you have any tips? People who’ve been there recently—how about transport? Accommodations? A possible itinerary? Maybe fly into Naples and rent a car? Thanks for your feedback!

Have a great day,

Barbara
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Weather in Extremadura in early January (Spain)
hi, I'm having trouble getting an idea of what the weather's like in this region in winter. I'm thinking of going there the first week of January after spending New Year's Day in Madrid. Is that a good idea? Is it pleasant to walk around the small towns at this time of year? And by car? thanks a lot
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Marbella to Beja route: which one to choose?
Hi, I’m planning a wine trip in the Alentejo by car. Starting from Marbella, I can either follow the coast and stop over near Huelva, or head north and stop over near Aracena. I’m wondering which route is more enjoyable and which village is the most interesting for an overnight stop. Thanks
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Hurtigruten Coastal Express from Trondheim to Stamsund
Hi there, I’m planning our next (pricey) trip to Norway. It’ll be a road trip with accommodations either in Airbnbs or hotels. I’ve been dreaming of going to the LOFOTEN for ages, but I don’t want to skip the big fjords either (Geiranger, Flam, Bergen, Stavanger). So to combine both, I thought of doing a round trip from Trondheim to Stamsund with Hurtigruten and spending 4 nights in the southern LOFOTEN. The fares are so steep that I don’t think I can do more. The coastal road is certainly beautiful up to BODØ, but with the stops to plan, it ends up costing as much as taking the boat—plus the fatigue and extra kilometers. Has anyone taken the Coastal Express with their vehicle from TRONDHEIM to STAMSUND?
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Where to park when visiting Swiss cities?
Hi there,

I’m spending some time in Switzerland this summer. Beyond the landscapes, I’d still like to visit a few cities—especially Bern, Lausanne, Zurich, and Fribourg.

The issue is parking...

For Lausanne, I found a park-and-ride that’s cheaper on Saturdays. But for the others, it gets tricky...

I don’t necessarily plan to park right in the city center, but there don’t seem to be proper park-and-rides...

I see that the Bern–Fribourg railway line is under construction.

I’d really like to avoid paying an arm and a leg for parking over there or relying on a train once an hour.

Same goes for Montreux—it looks pretty complicated...

If you’ve got any tips...

Thanks! !
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Best spots for 8 days in Iceland?
Hi everyone,

We’re planning an 8–9 day trip in October 2025. The goal is to take it slow, enjoy two spots for hiking, photography, and soaking up nature—without rushing. Iceland’s seeing a tourism boom in places like the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon, which we’d rather skip.

We’re thinking of spending 3–4 days on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Then, we could add the peninsula near Reykjavík (where the airport is) or head up to Blönduós in the north. Another option is taking the ferry via Flatey Island to reach the northwest fjords and just explore the southern part.

There’s also an airport in Ísafjörður—we could fly there and base ourselves in the Westfjords for the whole week… Or check out the north around Akureyri. Alternatively, would it be more doable and practical to stay around Vík?

Thanks for reading!
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Where to stay in the Lofoten Islands?
Hi there, 🙂

Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us! We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape. We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).

I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options. Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...

But where should we book?

We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.

What’s the best approach?

One place in the central part and explore from there?

One place in the south and another in the center?

Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?

Our main goal is hiking.

Thanks for your tips!😉
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10 days in the Canary Islands in January - which islands to choose?
Hi there, We’re planning to visit the Canary Islands for 10 days. We love hiking and nature in general, and beaches too, though they’re less of a priority. I’m thinking of spending 5 days in Tenerife, then heading to another island—I’m torn between Lanzarote and Palma. I just can’t decide. Thanks for your advice! Juliette
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Where to stay on Gran Canaria to explore the island?
Hi there,

I’m planning a trip from Gran Canaria to El Hierro to Tenerife at the end of winter.

My current dilemma is where to book accommodations on Gran Canaria.

We’re planning to stay 7 nights on the island, and our goal is to hike, drive along small roads, discover a few villages, and admire some beaches (just for the views, not for swimming!).

Since the island is quite rugged, the journeys can be long even if the distances are short. I’d like to avoid driving 2 hours every morning and evening to reach the area we want to explore...

I’m thinking of splitting the 7 nights into 4 somewhere and 3 elsewhere.

But where? It seems the center and the northwest might be the best options.

Any advice, given that I’m mainly looking for peace and quiet, a beautiful view, a secluded spot, or a quiet village?

Thanks! :)
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One-week trip to Friuli Venezia Giulia - Italy
Hello, I’m planning a trip for about ten people—seniors—to Friuli Venezia Giulia in September 2026.

Day 1 – We’ll likely arrive in Treviso and head first to UDINE for two nights. Day 2 – Morning in Udine, then an afternoon visit to Cividale del Friuli. Travel by local train. Day 3 – We’ll leave for a quick visit to Gorizia before heading to TRIESTE for one night. Day 4 – Visit Trieste and Miramare. At the end of the day, take the train to Cervignano, then a local bus to Grado. Stay in Grado for three nights. Day 5 – Explore central Grado and take a boat tour to the island of Barbana. Day 6 – Relaxation day in Grado (as requested by the participants). Day 7 – Visit Aquileia and possibly Palmanova.

Day 8 – Return to the airport or maybe a quick detour to Venice. For the three days in Grado and the surrounding area, I was thinking of hiring a small bus with a driver. It seems like it’d be simpler—what do you think? Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks for your feedback! MADAPOLAM
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Which neighborhood to stay in Rome based on my criteria?
Hi there, 🙂

I’m about to book 4 nights in the Italian capital and I’m wondering where the best place to stay would be.

- A neighborhood that’s not too noisy - A neighborhood well served by public transport (airport and the city’s main sights) - A neighborhood with restaurants and supermarkets - A neighborhood with relatively reasonable prices

Public transport is essential. We gave this trip as a gift to someone who won’t be able to walk long distances like we usually do.

I also don’t want to be too far from the historic center.

Termini and Monti seem to fit these criteria? Is Termini a bit sketchy? But sketchy like dangerous or sketchy like homeless people just looking for a place to sleep?

We’ll be traveling off-season.

Thanks for your ideas !
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Where to stay between Tarifa and Cadiz for hiking along the beaches?
Hi there! We’re heading to Andalusia for a week in early April. We’ll spend 3 days in Seville and 1 day in Córdoba. After that, we’d like to rent a car for the remaining 3 days to explore the Costa de la Luz.

We’d love to do some great hikes along the beaches between Tarifa and Cadiz and visit Cadiz itself. Is 3 full days enough to do this? Is it better to stay in Cadiz and explore the area from there, or should we move around to different villages? Do you have any hiking suggestions? We’ve spotted some hikes in Barbate, Trafalgar Beach, and Bolonia.

Thanks for your tips and hiking ideas! :-)
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Andalusia and the White Villages
Hi there, I’m planning a trip to the White Villages and noticed that many are in the Province of Cádiz—like Setenil de las Bodegas, Olvera, Ubrique, Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, Medina-Sidonia, and Vejer de la Frontera. Are all of these worth visiting, or are there others you’d recommend? I’ve already been to Arcos de la Frontera and Ronda in the area and wouldn’t mind returning, of course. I’m also considering the Caminito del Rey, so maybe a few interesting villages in the province of Málaga too. Do you think an itinerary starting from Málaga (arriving at the airport) with 2 or 3 stops (like Ronda, Arcos, and a third in one of these villages) would work? Thanks for your tips!
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Lofoten or Faroe Islands in October?
Hi there, I’m posting this because I can’t decide. We’d like to travel in mid-October to explore a Nordic destination. We’ll have 6 full days on-site. I’m torn between the Faroe Islands and Lofoten... What about the weather and the cost of accommodation? My budget is a maximum of 120 € per night. I don’t want to rush but take the time to explore just one part of these islands and avoid running around too much. The Faroe Islands might be pricier and less lively. Lofoten requires more flight connections... In terms of landscapes and 6-day hikes, could you share your feedback?

My request is a bit vague.

Thanks for reading!

Penelope
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Feedback on a 10-day road trip through the Norwegian fjords
Hi there! I’m planning a road trip in a camper van around the fjords in Norway and would love to get some feedback and tips on the itinerary. It’s a 10-day trip: Day 1: Land in Bergen and drive to Odda Day 2: Odda (full-day hike to Trolltunga) Day 3: Kinsarvik (hike in Hardangervidda National Park) Day 4: Geilo (hike in Hallingskarvet National Park) Day 5: Hike in Jotunheimen National Park via the Gjendesheim ferry Day 6: Fossbergom Day 7: Luster and hike in Jostedalsbreen National Park Day 8: Flam Day 9: Bergen Day 10: Bergen + departure

For the camper van rental, I’ve reached out to this site: https://campervanbergen.com, which seems pretty good with reasonable rates. If you have any comments or advice on the itinerary or the rental company, I’d love to hear them! Thanks in advance! Romain
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West Cork or Kerry in summer: which itinerary to choose for a family road trip?
Hi there, I’ve just booked our flight tickets for my family. We’re heading to Ireland for a week between July and August—it’s our first time (with 1 teen and 2 younger kids).

We’ll be landing in Cork where we’ve rented a car. Initially, I was planning to focus our visits and walks on the Ring of Kerry and Dingle, but it looks like the roads get pretty busy in the summer.

So now I’m thinking of sticking to the "West Cork" area (Beara, Sheep’s Head, Mizen Head), which seems quieter.

For those who know the area, is this a good idea, or are we at risk of missing out on more spectacular landscapes? Thanks in advance! Best regards
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What are your accommodation recommendations in the Faro region this summer?
Hi everyone, I’m planning a week-long trip to southern Portugal with my two teens. I’m looking for accommodation ideally located near Faro. What do you think of the towns of Lagos and Albufeira? Is it easy to get around these places using public transport, or is it better to rent a car to make the most of our stay? If you have any accommodation recommendations (hotel, campsite, Airbnb, or other), I’d love to hear them. Thanks so much in advance for your tips and valuable feedback! Hélène
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Should we drive around Iceland or not?
Hi there,

We’re a group of 4 heading out at the end of June for 11 days. I’m just starting my research. We’ll be renting a regular car, not a 4x4. I’m not finding a ton of info on the North. Would love your take on all those kilometers—is there a route that lets us cut out a section? Thanks
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Iceland: To do the Golden Circle or not?
Hi everyone! 🙂

For once, I'm heading north... I’ve decided to spend a short time in Iceland, alone, during the first week of July. I’ll only have 5 full days there. Sure, it’s not much, so I’ll focus on what attracts me the most: the Highlands. Obviously, renting a 4x4—or even a regular car—on my own isn’t an option. That’s why I’m breaking my (probably unfounded) principles and have contacted local agencies for "day tours" in small-group format. Well, small-group up to 15 people, anyway... Oh well, I’m going for it! I’m really hesitant about visiting the Golden Circle on the last day, since I’ve read it’s become super crowded. I’d love your thoughts on this. Plus, if I visit that area, I’d want to include Bruarfoss, and as far as I know, only the Troll agency offers that detour. There’s also the Snaefellsnes Peninsula excursion that appeals to me, but it seems time-consuming. Time-consuming like the Jokulsarlon tour I’ve already booked. (But that’s on the first day, so I’ll still be full of energy!) By the last day, I’ll probably be running on empty... Otherwise, I’ll be doing 3 4x4 excursions that I’m really excited about: 1 in Thorsmork Valley, 1 in Landmannalaugar, and 1 in Kerlingarfjöll.

So, Golden Circle or no Golden Circle—that’s the question... Or maybe a relaxed day visiting Reykjavik and a lagoon. Blue Lagoon? Sky Lagoon? Meh...
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Sarek / Padjelanta / Stora: Which treks and easy summits in summer?
Hello,

I’m looking for a trek itinerary for two people in Sweden—something authentic, varied, and spectacular (transport from Stockholm). My partner and I have experience in Norway (Dovrefjell and Jotunheimen) and would love to explore Sweden’s landscapes. Naturally, I’ve been considering the Sarek / Padjelanta / Stora Sjöfallet area. I haven’t decided on a specific destination yet, so I have a few questions and would love input from experienced travelers.

- Which region of Sweden should be a priority if we love mountains?

- Starting in mid-July, which summits in the Sarek / Padjelanta / Stora area are interesting and accessible without gear (crampons, rope, ice axe)? We have solid mountaineering experience and want to gain elevation without overloading our packs. Ideally, summits without crevassed glacier crossings and minimal technical climbing (easy scrambling).

- How many days does it take to complete the north-to-south traverse of Sarek?

Thanks for your tips and ideas! :)
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How to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal?
Hi there, I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
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Getting to Pegli from Genoa and other nearby places to visit
Hi, I saw that you can take the navebus to Pegli. Could you tell me where to catch it, and are there other ways to get there? Also, which is better to visit: Pegli, Bocadasse, Nervi, or Camogli... if you're spending 6 full days in Genoa and have a bit of time to dedicate to one or more nearby spots? Thanks in advance for your answers.
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