What’s top of your summer holiday list? Somewhere with a pool? Somewhere close to the beach? Or somewhere with sea view where you can enjoy a drink at sunset? Well, if you want all this without leaving a hole in your pocket, take a look at some of these places in Italy and Spain which promise budget fun in the sun.
ROME
Another top destination for anyone InterRailing in Europe in summer, Rome’s fascinating history draw many to admire the architectural vestiges of the Eternal City. Head to the Villa Borghese for romantic strolls in the city’s favourite green space. Bask in Rome’s fashionable coffee culture under a shady brolly and wander the cobbled streets on warm evenings when trattorias spill out on to the streets. Unfortunately, a splash in the Trevi Fountain was reserved for film star Anita Ekberg but you can keep cool attending one of the cities open-air concerts in summer or diving into a church. With plenty of hotels and cheap hostels in Rome, it’s also the perfect time to explore the sun blushed flowers at the Campo dei Fiori.
PLUS Camping Roma
If you don’t fancy staying in the centre at the height of summer, make your base at PLUS Camping Roma. A private shuttle bus operates throughout the summer to the Vatican with an average journey time of 15 minutes and public transport leaves from the front gate. Choose from tents or private cabins with air-conditioning sleeping up to 5 people and some with self-catering facilities. There is a swimming pool, beach volleyball, Jacuzzi, pizzeria and poolside bar with evening entertainment. The €11 transfer service from the two Rome airports means you can have a hassle-free holiday too.
SEVILLE
A gorgeous city that will seduce you with beautiful architecture and atmospheric bars, Seville is a pleasing blend of old and new. Bask in the patios and Moorish gardens at Casa de Pilatos and on Sunday mornings, before the sun is at its hottest, have a rummage at the flea market in front of the Museo de Bellas Artes. For late-night activity head to the covered patio at Carboneria, Seville’s most famous bohemian bar with an exciting programme of flamenco music.
Oasis Backpackers Hostel Sevilla
The small plunge pool is perfect for cooling dips and the spectacular roof terrace is the place for an evening tipple and delicious paella as the sun goes down. Interiors are modern with lovely attention to detail. They offer a free breakfast, a laundry service as well as daily tours for tapas tasting or flamenco shows.
BARCELONA
For indecisive folk who fancy both beach and city break, Barcelona is a happy compromise. Barceloneta is the popular city beach within walking distance of the Gothic quarter. Alternatively, stay around Poble Nou for local restaurants, easy access to the beach and a short metro ride from the city centre. This way you get the best of both worlds with cultural attractions, seductive Barcelona nightlife as well as soaking up some sunshine. You might also like to consider a day trip along the coast to Sitges, with a bustling gay community as well as a pretty beach.
Casa Gracia Barcelona Hostel
If you are considering summer in the city, top of your list should be air-conditioning or some outdoor space. With both air-conditioned shared and private rooms, the boutique Casa Gracia Barcelona Hostel not only delivers on gorgeous design, it has a charming tiled terrace too. It’s a perfect spot to start your night on the town so pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy at dusk or join other guests for paella on Mondays.
MALAGA
Nothing beats heaving portions of fresh seafood on a summer holiday and Málaga tapas bars, restaurants and the nearby fishing villages of El Palo and Pedregalejo will leave you mouth watering. There are some sensual gardens within the 11th century Alcazaba fortress and views across to the Mediterranean. To escape the midday heat, take refuge in the Picasso Museum or window shop along the marble paved Marqués de Larios. La Cohiba is a laid back beach bar playing Cuban tunes while the terrace at Café Negro is the place to be seen. Out of town, the Jardin Botánico Histórico La Concepción combines the opulent taste of a local aristocrat with verdant rainforest wilderness. If you like beach coves try Playa Palo next to El Candado marina. Further afield, the dark sand at Playa Benajarafe in Velez Malaga is considered one of the best beaches in the area.
Oasis Backpackers Hostel Málaga
Sunbathe or hangout with fellow guests on the roof terrace complete with summer bar at the Oasis Backpackers Hostel Málaga. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and the dorms have sturdy wooden bunks for a comfortable sleep. They offer a free city tour, free breakfast and a welcome drink. Decor is bright with nice plants and flowers bringing a touch of the outdoors in.
FLORENCE
For anyone on the European InterRail trail, Florence will be top of the list. It’s a fantastic city for alfresco dining with charming cafes and restaurants spilling out in to the piazzas. The Boboli Gardens offer idyllic escapism with views across the red-roofed city and out to the rolling Tuscan hills with welcome respite from the heat in the leafy and shady spots. Find accommodation close to the station and you will have the chance to explore the surrounding countryside with day trips to the Chianti wine region and the medieval towns of Monteriggioni or San Gimignano. Alternatively head to the coast and discover the stunning Cinque Terre in Liguria to admire the Azzurro sea.
PLUS Florence
A perfect oasis for spending summer in Florence, PLUS Florence boasts an onsite swimming pool where guests can cool off after a day of sightseeing. Both the private and shared rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and ladies will love the female-only dorms with hair-dryers and a complimentary cosmetic pack. The spectacular roof terrace offer marvellous views so settle on a sun lounger and take in the Duomo. At sunset, grab a drink from the bar and enjoy the vista with other guests. PLUS Florence also offers a number of excursions including bike rides, horse-riding and cookery classes around Tuscany.
