I wonder if you might enjoy southwest coast of France? I have not been there myself, but have researched it, and know people who have been there. There is definitely kite-surfing in the south of France, but the west and southwest intrigues me. The beaches there look nice, and more low key than in the south.
http://www.kiteboard…

I’d vote for Croatia and Slovenia. Slovenia has got to be the most “user-friendly in English only” place that I’ve ever been. The scenery is gorgeous — Julian Alps with great hiking, mountain lakes, waterfalls, etc. plus a bit of Adriatic Coast. People are helpful and friendly. Then go to Croatia for the beaches, coastal scenery.

How about exploring the great camping sites around Poland?

http://www.eurocampings.co.uk/en/europe/poland/

Will, do you need facilities or whatever for your kite surfing? I imagine some resorty areas of the Dalmatian coast would have what you need. I’ve never been to Slovenia, but I certainly agree that Croatia’s coastal areas are gorgeous.
Montenegro, too, has a beautiful coastline, and kite surfing.
.

http://gryon.com/

They have paragliding.

I think the Spain would be a good bet for you Will. Prices aren’t crazy, great beaches, awesome scenery, amazing food and culture.

I would say the Balkans great area, not too touristy, plenty diversity and culture. Bosnia was fantastic. Sarajevo has to be a favourite of mine (pic in my sig). Serbia was also interesting. Going to Croatia and Slovenia this summer as have heard so many good things about them. Just think its a great area and has many things you want.

hey everyone, thanks for all the input.

cil: i have been researching the south of France a bit because i had heard they had some good kiteboarding. i don’t really know much about the south west of France. its going to be more expensive than Spain right?
i also think that Dalmatian coast and Montenegro areas would be pretty sweet.

oldlady: Croatia and Slovenia were not really on my list (for any period of time), but recently i have been hearing really good things. it sounds like they are beautiful and would probably be a great trip. i think they would fit really nicely into what i want to do. i think they may be my first choice right now.

waveringhobbit: i wasnt really considering Poland, mainly cause i know absolutely nothing about it. a friend of mine went on exchange there for 6 months and had a great time even though he had a lot of issues with the language. i think we should definitely put that link in the links directory though cause it seems to have some really good information.

mb: that place looks wicked. i may have to look into that area a bit more. the swiss alps have always intrigued me for some reason.

mim: Spain was number one on my list, now being challenged by Croatia and Slovenia. i wanted to hit something in the Mediterranean and i had heard a lot of good things about Spain. it is still very much a possibility.

davy: ya that whole area does seem like it would be worth a trip.

thanks for all the great suggestions. its actually kind of funny because you guys basically mapped out the ‘original’ trip that i was thinking of doing. i thought i was trying to cover too much ground, and i still think it would be, so i will probably just have to pick an area and do about half of it. my original idea was to start in Spain and work my way through the south of France, northern Italy and then down through Slovenia and Croatia to fly out of Greece.

i might have to break it up into two trips. do a kiteboarding trip in Spain and France and do a backpacking trip in the Slovenia and Croatia area.

Swill, my favorites are Greece, France, and Spain. Perhaps a little overtouristed, but I don’t think anyone matches their internal regional diversities, and cultural flair.

Since we’re on the completely subjective topic of which countries we “prefer”.