Now that summer is well and truly underway, the attention of many is starting to turn towards vacations. Despite this, it can sometimes be tricky to find a destination that’s sure to be enjoyed by all members of the party. That’s where city breaks with beaches are the perfect compromise. Those who enjoy lounging can head to the beach, and those who bore easily can go and explore the city. There’s nothing quite like piling your airport taxi high with luggage, making your way to the airport, having a bite to eat as you wait for your flight, and finally boarding the plane ready to make your way to the destination of a lifetime.
To that end, detailed below are some of the top city breaks with beaches to consider for your summer vacation.
Sydney
First up is Sydney, which is widely considered one of the best beach cities globally, with upwards of 100 beaches. As a result, you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to finding a relaxing beach in Sydney. What’s more, some beaches are right on the doorstep of the city, like Bondi Beach. This way, you can chill at the beach and enjoy the trendy cafes and restaurants all in tandem. Sydney is also a hotspot for surfing, as well as being a great location in which you can watch the whales migrate from May to October.
Cape Town
When it comes to the Atlantic and Indian coastlines, Cape Town is certainly up there for being a top beach city. No matter what time of year you find yourself in Cape Town, the weather will be warm, and the views of the sunset combined with the mountainous backdrops are absolutely unmatched. Whether you’re more of a windsurfer or a sunbather, there’s a beach for you. Some of the most popular ones include Bloubergstrand Beach, Boulders Beach, Llandudno Beach, and Camps Bay Beach. Regardless of which you choose, you’re promised sandy shores and shining sun.
Nice
Nice is home to a number of beaches that stretch a considerable distance of 10km. The two most famous beaches in Nice are Blue Beach and Plage Beau Rivage, each of which sits right in the city center. From sunbathing to swimming spots, Nice boasts some of the most relaxing beaches, as well as a beautiful Old Town. In fact, after a day at the beach, a walk through the Old Town is an absolute must. Packed full of museums, restaurants, cafes, galleries, boutiques and more, you’ll never be short of things to do in Nice.
Athens
Athens is a city of cultural significance, meaning a few beach days are certainly in order to help you unwind after busy days of walking and discovery. The Greek region in which Athens is situated, Attica, boasts 18 beaches, each of which has earned Blue Flag status. In fact, most of these beaches are well under an hour away from the city center. Two of the best beaches in the region are Asteras Beach and Astir Beach; however, Schinias Beach sits among the most peaceful of beaches. If you’re after convenience, though, Kalamaki Beach is a stone’s throw from Athens’ center and has many bars nearby.
Barcelona
Last but not least is the world-class city of Barcelona, which includes great nightlife, architectural wonders, sandy beaches, and cutting-edge cuisine. There are seven beaches in the city, and some of the best ones are manmade. If you don’t visit any other beach, be sure to make it Barceloneta Beach; the most famous one that’s also accessible by Metro. It also spans 1.6km, meaning there’s plenty of space to get settled.