Vacation Destinations

I checked to see which vacation destinations (of the island variety) are accessible from Newcastle airport, and here's the list:

• Canary Islands
• Crete
• Cypress
• Ibiza
• Kefalonia
• Kos
• Majorca
• Malta
• Mahon
• Menorca
• Palma
• Rhodes
• Santorini
• Tenerife
• Zante

I know very little about any of these places, ssadly, so any reviews, impressions, definitelys, definitely nots, and/or stories would be greatly appreciated! Or go off list, and tell me where you love to visit. Thanks!

I went to Ibiza a few years ago during May.  It was the beginning of the party season, so pretty low key.  The beaches were gorgeous.  The food was spanish, so in my opinion delicious.  We stayed in Ibiza Town (just outside the main city).  I think San Antonio has a reputation as being a bigger party town.  We did not hire a car, but took taxis or walked where we needed to go.  The old town was definitely worth exploring and found some cute restaurants/shops.  We went to one club night, which was cool....but I have never been a huge clubber and I think now pushing 30, I would give it a miss.  If clubbing is not your thing, plenty of chill bars you can hang out in if you want to have a few drinks.

I would recommend Ibiza only if you are looking for a beach holiday or a clubbing holiday.  Otherwise, I think it's probably limited on the culture side of things.

I went to Palma for a long weekend once.  It is far enough from the tourist spots to avoid the scummy English lager drinkers eating egg and chips and vomiting*, but still has access to some lovely beaches.  Inland is lovely, there are nice retaurants, a castle and some lovely old building.

In fact, sounds similar to Ibiza.  I love the Balearics.  Even though I can't spell them 


*yes, really, right in front of us.

Vicky

From that list, I'd be itching to go to Cyprus (where I've been & it's nice!) and some of the Greek destinations.  I think I'm craving Greek food though! 

I've been to Crete... i cant remember which town/resort, unfortunately.  But it was lovely!   GREAT FOOD!

DH has been to Kos and said he really enjoyed it. I'll ask him about it when he gets home from work.

I'll second Cyprus, but you will need to rent a car if you want to see a lot of the sites.  Still it was pretty cheap, 99 euros for three days in an automatic. 

I've not been to many of those destinations, but I do know that many of the so-called party towns, also have very quiet beautiful family sides, especially Ibiza and Majorca.
enjoy!

I worked in a bar on Santorini (many years ago) and it was absolutely gorgeous. I loved it there and the early months (April and May) were very quiet and peaceful.

It's probably changed a lot since then if there are direct flights from the UK now, but I would definitely go back. I had a scooter and drove all over the island - yummy fresh food and a very fun nightlife.

What sorts of things are you looking for in a vacation?

We're not big drinkers or partiers. No kids, but probably would appreciate a more family-style vacation. Looking for some place beautiful, with a bit of history, beautiful beaches, and something fun to do during the day.

Going to Santorini in July, so I can let you know then! 

DH has been there before and loved it, and he also loves Majorca and Menorca, and from what I saw on a travel show, there is a lot to see and do on both of those islands. Just search around for a good deal and check holidaywatchdog for reviews and listings of popular things to do and see what strikes your fancy.

As for the Canary Islands, I am not fond of Lanarotte.  ( Landsagrottie I nicknamed it )

To me it was Blackpool with sun - to overcatered for the English and German tastes for my liking.  Everywhere I went, I felt as tho I was going up a steep hill!!    And there are massively huge satellite dishes all over the place.  Was not my cup of tea.  It put me off exploring the other islands as I have heard that they are very similar, except Furturventura which is supposed to be very quiet.

I've never been to any of these places (though now I'm just dying to go!), but the NYTimes just did a little article on Majorca:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/travel/29hours.html?ref=travel

I love that you are planning where you guys will go on vacation well in advance of the move!  Atta girl! 

I love that you are planning where you guys will go on vacation well in advance of the move!  Atta girl! 

Watch out, mungo! I might even drag you along with me on one of these adventures!

Santorini is beautiful - but I think it would be better to go at the beginning or end of the season - less touristy and not scorchingly hot. I would stay in the capital, Fira. Transport links on the island aren't great, and you'd better have good walking legs. It is an amazingly romantic place with the best sunset I have ever seen while dining outside on a hilltop. Hiring a car could be an idea to explore the island better. I'd strongly recommend that you get a situation where transport between airport and hotel is included.