The Traveller's Magazine
Want the best of both worlds while on holidays this summer? If you want to spend some time at the beach, while still being able to hit the town’s best bars and clubs at night and also take in some culture and shopping by day, then these cities with awesome city beaches should be on your travel radar.
Nice: capital of the Côte d’Azur
France’s southern coast is a favourite among the rich, famous and British. We can’t get enough of the Côte d’Azur! Nice hugs the coast of the Bay of Angels and is by far the best place to see and be seen. Hit the loungers by day and then dress to the nines to go out at night.
Los Angeles: for Baywatch wannabes
LA is home to one of the longest beach paths in the world. The South Bay bike trail is 22 miles long and runs all the way down the Pacific beaches from Will Rogers State Beach in the north to Playa Del Ray in the south. The best bits of it are in the middle though, from Santa Monica to the iconic Venice Beach. Share the path with rollerbladers, joggers, eccentrics and hipsters.
Rio de Janeiro: always a fashionable choice
Rio has beautiful beaches, excellent hotels, fine dining and balmy weather that doesn’t get too extreme. The best time to visit is from November to March. If you’re looking for the kind of luxury service that includes waiters bringing you caiprinhas and fancy seafood cocktails right to your beach lounger, then stick to the resorts.
Barcelona: Spanish, alternative and amazing
Barcelona has seven beautiful city beaches that get quieter the further away from the Fòrum you go. The busiest and liveliest by far is in Barceloneta, where you’ll find Rebecca Horn’s iconic tower of rusty cubes installed on the beach. The water here is pretty clean, considering it’s a city beach, and is great for swimming. Just keep an eye on your belongings.
Cape Town: for winter escapes
Cape Town is the perfect choice if you’re dying for a beach break in the middle of winter. Summer in South Africa is deliciously warm and with beaches like Clifton Beach just a stone’s throw from the city, why wouldn’t you want to go? Camps Bay is another favourite for locals for lazing in the sun and watching the waves roll in.
Sydney: the centre of cool
Do we have to say much about Bondi? Sydney is famous for its golden sandy beaches, where office workers go for their lunch breaks. The city’s classic five-mile coastal walk has just undergone major renovations and now features new wooden walkways and info plaques. Jog, walk, run or dance your way along to the beach.
Dubai: world-class attractions right next to the beach
Dubai is quickly becoming one of those all-round global destinations. It’s fabulous for sea, sun and sand but also skiing, shopping and some of the best theme parks in the world. The best times to visit are either spring or autumn, so now is still a good time to book flights to Dubai for an October half-term beak. Summer is blistering hot but is proving popular for budget travellers as it’s the cheapest time to visit. Just be prepared for temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius! Ouch!
