Three ideas for a change of scenery. Start with how you want to spend your days, then choose the journey and a base that fit.
SPAIN
Choose the city if most of your plans are museums, markets and evenings in the centre. Choose the beach if slow mornings by the sea matter more. For a mixed short break, compare the actual journey between your room and both areas before booking; a rental car is usually an extra decision, not the starting point.
Valencia: stay in the city or by the beach? →ITALY
Start with a central Sorrento base when you want to walk to dinner and use public transport for selected outings. A hillside stay can suit quieter days, but check every return journey and luggage transfer. A sea view alone does not establish easy access, and a train connection to Sorrento does not continue along the entire Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento without a car: choose a base that works →SPAIN
Stay in Málaga when city sights and evenings in town are the focus. Compare a coastal base when most of your time will be spent near the sea. Start with the hotel’s actual connection to the airport and your planned outings: a town on a rail line can be convenient, but the final journey to the room still matters.
Málaga city or a coastal base: where should you stay? →