Do you like city breaks as much as stays by the sea? Why not combine the two in one great city of the world bordered by stunning beaches?
To help you make your choice, we have selected 10 cities where the beaches are magnificent and there is no shortage of activities of all kinds. Follow us!
1. Barcelona
Bubbling and lively, the Catalan capital is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe! And this is no coincidence: cultural activities, historical and architectural heritage, delicious gastronomy, designer shops, large green parks, fine sandy beaches… There is something for everyone!
If you are looking for a destination close to France and at the same time exotic, where you can enjoy the assets of a large cosmopolitan city while basking on the sand in the sun, Barcelona is THE destination for you!
The best beaches in town :
- San Sebastián beach is the largest and best known in Barcelona. It is located near the Barceloneta metro and extends to the famous W hotel. Ideal if you like animation because you will not be alone!
- If you prefer to be a little quieter and enjoy beach sports, especially beach volleyball, go to Bogatell beach!
- If you are ready to leave the city, we particularly recommend the beach of Castelldefels, wide, pleasant, and littered with small “chiringuitos” where to eat squid!
2. Lisbon
The capital of Portugal also offers great diversity to its visitors: after a walk in the Barrio Alto and the Alfama, or the visit of the famous Tower of Belém, you can refresh yourself at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. However, you should know that there is no beach strictly speaking in the city of Lisbon but you will find dozens nearby, something to delight swimming and surfing enthusiasts!
The best beaches in town :
- The beach of Carcavelos is the favourite of the locals. To get there, you will need to take the train from Cais do Sodré and get off at Carcavelos station.
- Quieter, Tamariz beach is also accessible by train (Estoril stop). Ideal for swimming and for a nice walk between Estoril and Cascais.
- Located south of Lisbon, the “Costa da Caparica” beach is actually a series of beaches of around 10 km. It is very pleasant and frequented by locals as well as tourists.
3. Nice
Located between Cannes and Monaco, the city of Nice has a typically Mediterranean atmosphere that enchants all its visitors. You will appreciate its small colourful markets, its historical heritage, its pretty beaches and its full cultural agenda!
The best beaches in town :
- La Réserve beach is located towards Cap de Nice. Uncrowded, it is surrounded by rocks and offers a unique swimming experience as well as superb views of Mont Boron.
- Located in the heart of the city, Beau Rivage Beach is known for its pebbles and stunning views of the city’s waterfront. It is the easiest to access and therefore also the most frequented!
- If you are not afraid to walk a few kilometres to find a superb wild beach, go to Pissarelles beach in Cap d’Ail. Heavenly!
4. Istanbul
Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul has always fascinated travellers with its incomparable atmosphere: cosmopolitan city centre, picturesque alleys, warm and lively evenings, sumptuous buildings … It is the kind of city that leaves no one indifferent.
Bordered by the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, the city of Istanbul has no shortage of beaches where to escape the heat and bustle of the centre.
The best beaches in town :
- The Babylon Beach Sound Garden is halfway between a private beach and a concert hall. Amazing place, you will love it if you like music and sunsets by the water …
- If you are looking for a more family-friendly and quiet beach, you will appreciate the pretty beach of Uzunya, covered with sand and lawns where the little ones can play as they please.
- Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy Burc Beach.
5. Copenhagen
Who says beach does not necessarily mean heat and blazing sun! The beaches of Copenhagen indeed offer crystal clear waters to cool off in the heart of the city. To take advantage of it, choose the months of July and August when the average temperatures are between 15 ° C and 23 ° C but sometimes climb to 30 ° C!
The best beaches in town :
- Created by architect Bjarke Ingels, the Islands Brygge waterfront is particularly beautiful.
- Svanemøllen beach is also very nice and easy to reach from Nordhavn station.
- If you want to get away from the city centre, go to the island of Amager where you will find a superb white sand beach 4.6 km long where you can rest or practise many water activities.
6. Dubai
A few hours’ flights from Europe, Dubai is known for its gigantism and its excessiveness. There you will find a whole range of options for having fun, shopping, eating well or playing sports. But that’s not all. Dubai is also a gateway to the desert and superb beaches near the centre. Something to also delight lovers of the great outdoors and beautiful landscapes!
The best beaches in town :
- Sunset Beach offers stunning views of the iconic hotel Burj Al Arab. It is also the favourite beach for surfers and sports enthusiasts of all kinds!
- Located along The Walk, JBR Beach also offers great views of the city as well as crystal clear water and white sand!
- Charming and very pleasant, the Hidden Beach is to the left of the JBR Sheraton Hotel. It is also less frequent than the others.
7. Cape Town
Very popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts, Cape Town has no shortage of beautiful beaches where locals and travellers alike come to stroll, sunbathe or indulge in their favourite activities. While the water is often cool, most of Cape Town’s beaches are guarded and environmentally friendly.
The best beaches in town :
- Bringing together 4 coves of white sand, Clifton Beach is one of the most beautiful in Cape Town. Located only about fifteen minutes by car from the city centre, it is also very accessible.
- Certainly the most famous in Cape Town, Camps Bay beach is bordered by the mountains of the “Twelve Apostles”. A real dream setting to take a dip!
- Famous for its colourful little cabanas, Muizenberg Beach is a very popular surf spot located in False Bay.
8. Sydney
A true surfers’ paradise, the Australian metropolis is well known for its 70 white sand beaches. And with no less than 300 days of sunshine a year, you can enjoy it almost all year round! If you’ve always dreamed of spending Christmas at the beach, don’t miss your chance 😉
The best beaches in town :
- If you’re looking for a lively beach, head to Manly, about an hour by bus from central Sydney. You will find many bars and restaurants there and can practice your favourite activities (kayaking, volleyball, cycling, etc.).
- Located south of the city, Congwong Beach is absolutely superb. Uncrowded and wild, you can swim quietly and practice snorkelling.
- For a real Australian beach day, head to Bronte Beach where you will find self-service barbecues as well as plenty of restaurants and cafes.
9. Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the Sugar Loaf, its huge statue of Christ the Redeemer and its famous annual Rio carnival. But the city is also home to many beaches where locals like to escape the city heat and be entertained.
Source: Kissanime
The best beaches in town :
- Certainly the most famous beach in the city, Ipanema is a bit like the cliché of the Brazilian beach: we play football there, we run along the shore, we sip coconut water and we tan with tiny swimsuits!
- Stretching over more than 4km, Copacabana Beach is a magnificent crescent of sand near the city.
- Located at the foot of Morro da Urca, Praia Vermelha offers a beautiful view of the bay and a slightly quieter swim.
10. Miami
Going to the beach is the number 1 activity in Miami! The locals spend all their free time there and tourists flock there to photograph the first aid stations which remind us of “Alert in Malibu”
The best beaches in town :
- South Beach is known to be one of the best beaches in Florida. It’s also the trendiest and you might catch a photoshoot on the beach or a movie shoot.
- If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach to swim away from the hustle and bustle, head to the North Shore Open Space instead.
- Located in the heart of Key Biscayne, Crandon Beach is actually a large park where you can enjoy the white sand and very clear water but also do a lot of activities.
