so, while i'm still behind the ball on posting my vienna snaps (they're coming, i promise), and i'm in the midst of planning two more winter breaks (nuremberg for the christmas markets and the lake district for christmas day!), i'm daydreaming of sunny city breaks and warm island adventures. although i've never really been one for beaches or resorts or anything involving the ocean, i can admit that there are a number of typical summer holidays i do want to take while on this side of the planet. these are my top three.

lisbon, porto and the algarve are the natural destinations for all those chasing the sun (and a good deal), but for me i'd want to head off the beaten track and head to madeira, the azores islands or evora. just as beautiful and with an abundance of history, they're likely to be less crowded with pasty white brits bargaining for tacky scarves and pottery. i hope.

like much of europe, croatia boasts it's fair share of historic cities and medieval cities, but unlike your bog standard european city, it also contains some of the worlds most gorgeous and natural attractions too; the plitvice lakes and adriatic coastlines are a basic example of the stunning scenes on offer in the ancient cities of croatia. and then, the dalmatian coast. take me to hvar; lavender fields, sprawling vineyards, spectacular beaches? what more could a girl want?

obviously there's rome. and florence. and the vatican. and pompeii. and venice. and pisa. and -- well, you get the point. there's loads of places to see, and tones of history to absorb. mum's favourite part of the trip (after all the pizza and wine -- i am my mother's daughter) was the cinque terre in the north west; full of colourful houses and beautiful, crystal blue waters, it's about as picturesque as you can bloody get. and i want to go there. soon, too, please.
have you been to any of my sun-chaser destinations?
leave me your recommendations below!
*written in collaboration with first choice*
I went to Venice with my husband in the very middle of winter, when we had only been together for a month (obviously he wasn't my husband at that point...) and it was SO. DAMN. COLD. Oh my gosh. I mean, we only took a rucksack each, and we had no money so all we did was walk and walk and walk around the city, but still.
ReplyDeleteIt ended up being probably one of the best holidays ever, even if it wasn't at all sunny. To be honest, I am a bit of a Whitey McWhiterson and so I'm not great friends with that giant shiny bugger in the sky.
Owl Girl | A London lifestyle blog
I highly recommend San Diego :)
ReplyDeletethis is my favourite comment of all time. thank you x
ReplyDeleteOh i'm desperate to get back to Italy at some point. I went to Rome and The Vatican a few years ago with my grandparents, and it was hands down one of the most amazing places I've ever been. My partner and I are tentatively planning a trip for next year at the moment, going through Milan, Rome, Florence and Naples, so hopefully not too long!
ReplyDeleteI am exactly the same, would love a bit of far flung sunshine right now. I have never been to Croatia but am so keen to visit, it looks beautiful! Lianne xx
ReplyDeleteRubyrubyslippers.blogspot.com
wow. just wow. this is amazing! i've always wanted to visit them! huhu
ReplyDeletexoxo, rae
http://www.raellarina.net/
Just a couple. Obvs, Croatia, but just to Zagreb...not to the south of Croatia. Absolutely adored it. And, I've been to Rome many many years ago. You're missing out on Slovenia! Massively underrated! xx
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