Christmas Escape...

[Neraida]

We're planning on being away for Christmas, have a few places in mind and are stuck on a) whether they're 'open' i.e. if restaurants/nightlife aren't boarded up until spring and b) the more unfamiliar places will be fun after sightseeing etc. Places in mind are from Moscow and Budapest to Portugal (Algarve or Porto), Canaries, Spain (Barcelona, Costa del Sol, Balaerics). Any good ideas/experiences please...?



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[RocquaineBay]

Just this evening I was told by a good friend that San Sebastian, Northern Spain (Basque Region) is Heaven on Earth. Is it possible that the people here still have God, manners and respect? The way I see it, two out of three can't be bad. Perhaps the 'escape' is really not what you need but to embrace Christmas in a different way, just might be something worth seeking? Have a good Christmas whatever you decide, and hey, do send this forum a postcard.
Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[boatmike]

For the past 5 years I have spent Christmas abroad. For me it has to be somewhere warm so you can shove Moscow! Have tried Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Reasonable holiday but neither place knows how to produce a reasonable Christmas dinner (important!)
The absolute best Christmas so far was Madeira. The Portugese take Christmas very seriously (catholics), the streets of Funchal are all decorated and the food is superb. If you can afford it (prices are not cheap) get in to a good hotel in Funchal that does a "Gala" dinner for Christmas and New Year. It's a beautiful island with a lot to see too and the weather, while not hot, is certainly OK to sunbathe by the pool....
Don't forget to take a lounge suit or tux though as they do still dress for dinner!


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Ohdrat]

Re:Funchal

If you can extend to New Year.. fab fireworks over the harbour too..

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Steve Clayton]

www.seraph-apartments.com

And it's only 3 hours by ferry to Ibiza


Steve

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Talbot]

pales into insinificance compared to Xmas a couple of years ago 200 miles inland from Perth Australia. One to bring back memories for the rest of my life

BTW the weather was pretty fair as well!

<hr width=100% size=1>