How about Lagos on the Algarve ? Although very popular with the Brits , it's not a "Sky Sports and Pukka Pie" type of town. There are some very good restaurants , lovely winding old streets , very good beaches and plenty of places to visit out of town. There is a fast motorway linking it to Faro Airport and a quaint little railway that links you to the rest of the Algarve. You will find plenty of accommodation to choose from, right from self catering apartments , through to all-inclusive hotels.

Another plus is that there are cheap flights to Faro from most UK airports.

Thanks for that. I will certainly consider it. It does sound more what we are looking for. With all due respect, I always think of the Algarve as a destination for the 'older holidaymaker'. Is this the case? We would like a fairly quiet holiday but would probably crave a bit of life too. Is the weather good?

Trisantona,
Which hotel in Lagos has the A/I option? I thought I knew most of the Lagos hotels, but can't recall one that does A /I.

Sagres , my mistake about the A/I . I should have checked my facts about that ! All I was trying to say was that there is accommodation in Lagos across most of the spectrum .

Evee, I think the Algarve is popular with most age ranges , although Albuferia is probably aimed at the younger set , compared to Lagos. Regarding the weather it will be warm but not too hot in Summer. This is the Atlantic coast , not the Med. and so you will get cooling breezes. The downside is that the sea can be a bit cold as well.

Hi Evee
Algarve is definately popular with families as well. Been twice with my kids both times for a fortnight, Cabanas/Tavira and Praia da Luz which is just on from Lagos. Think it's the combination of lovely beaches, varied accommodation and resorts and short flight times, nice weather as well, hot, but not too hot if you see what I mean; suppose the only possible downside for little ones could be the cold sea.

Thank you all for your info, it's really helped. I think it could be a possibility! I will let you know.

Following a weekend visit in October without their son my sister in law and husband have just booked to go to Valencia for a week in May.

You can combine a city break and have the convenience of miles of beach on the doorstep. The city has plenty for children with a huge urban park, containing sea life centre, Imax cinema etc.

Spain also has a good cheap rail service so day trips down the coast to Alicante and Bnidorm (if thats your bag!) are a possibility.

Thanks-we have friends there too, so poss a cheapy stay!!

It might be worth posting in the Greek Islands forum as there are many there that will fit the bill.

Other possibles

Puerto Pollensa in Majorca
Menorca
Cyprus - Avoid Aya Napa

Kind Regards
Stewart