Compromise between a city break and a beach holiday?

Humria

So my OH and I are trying to plan a holiday for later this year. The problem is that I'd be more interested in going to a city (e.g. Prague, Berlin, Barcelona) where there is plenty to do and see and he is more interested in the standard beach holiday with the sun, sea and sand. It's doubtful if we can afford more than one holiday so I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions?

Going to a crowded resort full of ugly apartment blocks and restaurants aimed solely at tourists doesn't appeal to me at all! He is however very attached to the idea of a swimming pool and possibly a beach. We are also trying to keep it affordable so I can't think of a location that would please us both. I think what it comes down to is that I want things to do and see during the day (a city would be ideal but just somewhere interesting would be great) and he wants the pool and the cheap food and drink. I'd like the pool but I'd be unhappy if that's ALL there was if that makes sense?

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!

EDIT: I've had a look around at various websites and I couldn't find anything that was suitable so posting this is a last resort rather than a first one!

tatli_lokma

I reckon Maltaor Sicily would fit the bill. Malta particularly. Valetta is a great city...very historical and beautiful. For nightlife Paceville and beach Melieha bay. The island is easily accessible by hire car/ bus so you can both get what you want from a holiday.

Sicily is very nice with some great cities and towns and you could also pick plenty of spots along the coast that will give you access to both beaches and towns/cities.

Crazyivan 1979

Barcelona could be a good bet. The town of Sitges is 30 mins by train from Barcelona and has a lovely beach. me and the OH did it about 9 years ago. Stayed in an apartment in Barcelona and took day trips down to Sitges.

Maire2009

Crazyivan 1979 wrote: »

Barcelona could be a good bet. The town of Sitges is 30 mins by train from Barcelona and has a lovely beach. me and the OH did it about 9 years ago. Stayed in an apartment in Barcelona and took day trips down to Sitges.

Just about to say the same - somewhere like Barcelona or Malaga where you have a city to explore but also have some lovely beaches to relax on.

craggle

nice in the south of france. lots of things to do, museums, markets. the old town is amazing, lots of great shops, bars and restaurants. the beach is stony not sandy but its still great and theres loads of wee tiny beaches in towns about five minutes bus away

Crazyivan 1979

Crazyivan 1979 wrote: »

Barcelona could be a good bet. The town of Sitges is 30 mins by train from Barcelona and has a lovely beach. me and the OH did it about 9 years ago. Stayed in an apartment in Barcelona and took day trips down to Sitges.

Yep, highly recommend this

Humria

Thanks guys. There are some good ideas there. I appreciate the advice

Andre Salmon

Check out San Sebastian, Basque part of northern Spain. Its fantastic. Beautiful beaches-small city, lovely buildings, Galleries etc
Food is unbelievable. everything is really cheap and Great nightlife too
Ryanair fly from Dublin to Biarritz and its an hour by bus from there.
Ive been there a few times, as a couple and after we had kids and loved it everytime.

kingshankly

Did Barcelona last year couldn't recommend it more was perfect booked a hotel with a rooftop pool lay out in the morning and went sightseeing after dinner .
So much to do and see and some amazing restaurants .
Also great for shopping (I never want to see a desiguel shop ever again )
Plus I got a game in in the nou camp all in all a great place for an all round holiday
Only downside was probably the price of the hotel it was quite expensive but it was in the gothic quarter with a pool so I suppose you get what you pay for

Fratton Fred

Palma in Majorca is a lovely city and is often overlooked.

Venice has the beaches at Lido di Jesolo, but not sure what they are like.

RubyK

What about heading to Lisbon City, and the Silver Coast? You could stay in the beach resorts of Cascais or Estoril, and get the train into Lisbon (30 mins approx). http://www.golisbon.com/beaches/

super_furry

San Sebastian, a hundred thousand times San Sebastian.

schemingbohemia

You could also combine San Sebastian with Biarritz for a two centre holiday, fly into one and out of the other.

Jocelynel

south of italy is a good spot aswell, naples, city of pompeii, then day at the beach, island of capri, then day at the beach....

SparkySpitfire

I second Malta. My boyfriend and I had this exact disagreement and in the end for us, Malta was the best of both worlds!

Kittywake

I would second Palma in Majorca. It's like a mini Barcelona. Great city and fab beaches. Stay in Portixol area. Me and my Boyf have gone twice in the last two years in October and love it. Get the old tram to Soller and visit Valdemossa and Deia in the mountains. It has fab restaurants and bars and the shops are great too!

Humria

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone.

After researching the options that were suggested we decided on Barcelona but we have some great idea for future so cheers for that!

H

ainz

Heya!

Having the same dilemma too! Thinking of going to Barcelona, can anyone recomend a hotel?

Thanks,

Aine

fishy fishy

Andre Salmon wrote: »

Check out San Sebastian, Basque part of northern Spain. Its fantastic. Beautiful beaches-small city, lovely buildings, Galleries etc
Food is unbelievable. everything is really cheap and Great nightlife too
Ryanair fly from Dublin to Biarritz and its an hour by bus from there.
Ive been there a few times, as a couple and after we had kids and loved it everytime.

have to agree with this - this place is fantastic - full of culture history, fab food and three amazing beaches on your doorstep - you won't go wrong. Also check out the guggenheim museum in Bilbao (an hour away).

fishy fishy

Humria wrote: »

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone.

After researching the options that were suggested we decided on Barcelona but we have some great idea for future so cheers for that!

H

should have picked San Sebastian - Ive been to both - no comparison. Still, don't say you haen't been advised :D

shrapnel222

love san sebastian, but the problem is you have more chances of getting rain than anywhere else.

Valencia fits the bill perfectly. big enough city plus miles of nice beach and restaurants galore all along. it's a great place

livEwirE

My OH and I are considering San Sebastian in June but checking on some sites the max temp at that time is only 22 degrees which is a bit disappointing, can anyone confirm the temperatures around that time of year please?

shrapnel222

livEwirE wrote: »

My OH and I are considering San Sebastian in June but checking on some sites the max temp at that time is only 22 degrees which is a bit disappointing, can anyone confirm the temperatures around that time of year please?

san sebastian is hit and miss all year round. don't go there for the sunshine and warmth. You might get it but it's pretty random.