Ok so I make it my business to go the extra mile when picking my holiday destination. I see it as an achievement if I spend a week (or two) somewhere I don't have to listen to english being spoken. Up to now I've jealously guarded my black book of names, but I'm feeling generous.....is there anyone else out there who wants to join me in spilling the beans on places they've visited and LOVED for being off the beaten track?

San Vito Lo Capo - Sicily, Italy.

Collioure - Languedoc Roussillon, France

San Jose - Almeria, Spain

I've started with three - over to you! :D

Must be a while since you went to San Jose in Almeria as it is now inundated with Brits due to some heavy building over the last few years.
Places off the beaten track
Roatan Island, Honduras. Best to fly there by island hopper as the road from Tegucigalpa is a bit hairy (potholed and bandit country) but the island is a great getaway when you get there.
Also Costa Rica. Down to Manuel Antonio National Park to get away from the Americans and Germans. San Jose is full of them. Recommend the Si como No hotel as it is the only one in the area with hot water. Great fun on a huge beach with no-one else there watching the monkeys swinging through the trees and the Scarlet Macaws hopping across the outside bar being fed nuts by the barman.
Closer to home, the Amalfi coast of Italy has some great hideaways and secluded coves.

Originally Posted by exbleep

Must be a while since you went to San Jose in Almeria as it is now inundated with Brits due to some heavy building over the last few years.

Yes it was, I seem to remember it was early June aswell. Mostly inhabited by weekenders from Madrid. Thanks for the update - shame - I might have to scratch it from my black book.

Kanchanaburi, North of Bangkok. Site of the River Kwai Bridge, but also a stunning area with lots to see. The train ride from BK takes about 2 hrs, a fascinating experience if you've never travelled in SE Asia before. Not to far from the Burmese border if you fancy nipping over for shufti.

Stayed at a small resort camp owned and run by a Dutch/Thai and his Dutch wife. Highly recommend it www.orientalkwai.com

Alghero - Sardinia
Kerry - S.Ireland (Before I was married to Mr Samm1551)
Moutier D'Ahun - France

There is a beautiful, understated and very private resort in Mallorca. Undiscovered, relaxing and very peaceful, with magnificent beaches, superb resteraunts which can surprise you with their subtle and exotic culinary delights. Small and very authentic local bars, where the finest wines can be had very cheaply. It's hard to find, but if you search for a local who knows the area they may take you there, under a vow of secrecy. It's called Magaluf.

Kos-Kefalos

Friendly Greeks and not as expensive as the rest of Kos and great beaches a couple of cliks up the coast.

Prachuap Khiri Khan in Thailand. Just north of Pattaya. Wonderful beach, cheap and clean local hotels and no tourists. It's where Thais go for holidays, and does welcome Brits, especially if they are moderate and well-behaved. Watch out for a 'hotel' on right as you go along from beach. It has wooden huts on stilts, and is rather like being in 'Tenko'. Not my favourite place, there are nicer there.

Heron Island on the barrier reef, great waters and no riff raff
Diego Garcia, water is clearest I've ever seen and if you get into the off-limits areas (accessible under license) you really are in unspoilt paradise.

Originally Posted by elovabloke

Kos-Kefalos

Friendly Greeks and not as expensive as the rest of Kos and great beaches a couple of cliks up the coast.

Kos is great, just dont go to Kardamena!