European Sun Destinations

I'll be visiting by brother in Nice this November and have 7 days afterwards to travel. Because of the time of year I'm thinking warm. I was all set to head into southern Spain, but it seems with a little traveling and a quick flight I could be in other areas. I've basically done all of western Europe apart from Spain/Portugal multiple times, but for someone looking for a little adventure (I want sun but I don't want to lay on the beach for more than 2 hours) and a lot of culture are there thoughts on the following in late November? I've listed these areas in particular because the flights are cheap:

1. Flying to Istanbul and doing day trips
2. Northern Morocco
3. Flying into Athens and then onto Greek Islands
4. Canary Islands
5. Just hanging out in Spain (I've been to Barcelona but nowhere else)

I love visiting cities for the culture and am worried the islands will bore me, especially on a budget.

There are plenty of websites with weather information you can use to work out where is going to hot. Here is one:

http://www.holiday-weather.com

You say you love visiting cities, so go visit a city rather than an island. Istanbul is a good choice, if there is enough sun there for you. With 7 days you could see the city and do a couple of day trips to places that interest you. If you want more sun head to Morocco.

Tunisia
Malta
Sicily

Of those above,I'd go with Istanbul.

Its not a great beach destination,nor will it be really hot.But culturally it will be the most interesting.

The sunniest and hottest will be Canary islands,but not a lot of culture there....

As suggested #2,Sicily would be a good compromise..lots of culture,beaches and still pretty warm in November (usually).

I'd agree Istanbul from that list and your preference for cities. Actually, given what little you have said about your interests, I can't see why the other destinations are even on your list.

Thanks for the help. I left Sicily and Italy out in general because I've seen them. I was trying to get across that I don't want to lay on the beach and relax, so wasn't sure if the islands provided enough (especially since November won't be warm enough to even lay on the beach in many places).

I'm thinking of Istanbul, a good amount to do for 5-7 days. Morocco seems like it would better be combined with Spain and Portugal in the future, with a little more time dedicated to it. Weather wise I just meant >14°C would be better than <7°C, so from Nice I won't be heading north.

As general interest, do people highly recommend Tunisia? I've thought of Tunis being more of a cruise port (or hurt because of cruise ships rather). I don't think it makes sense for me because of costs (I can fly cheaply direct to Istanbul from Lyon) but in the future I'd like to have my options open.

Ryan, look at what you are now asking. Tunisia is a country, not a port and any country can be of interest to someone. It simply depends on your interests of which you have said nothing other than you like cities.

Tunis is an ok city for me..not terrible,but nothing special.

There are good beaches nearby (and in tunisia in general) and a certain amount of interesting 'cultural' stuff...both Islamic (mosques etc) and pre (El Djem amphitheatre is nice..Carthage less interesting).

Have you made any decisions on where you plan to go? I'm just going to back up the Istanbul choice - absolutely AWESOME city. You could easily spend the whole week there alone, there is heaps to do, its vibrant and exciting, the bazaar is fantastically fun, the people are hilarious and speak good english, the mosques are beautiful. I'm just a big fan. I have only been to Istanbul but really want to go back and explore more of Turkey!

Personally I'm spending 15 days in Greece this year, with 9 days on the islands for my European sun.

Edited by: KirstenRose75