Europe's 5 Best City Beach Breaks

The Catalan city of Barcelona is a prime European hot spot, thanks in no small part to its urban beach. Because if there’s one thing better than being able to eat tapas and go dancing till the early hours, then it’s having a sandy beach to head to for some rest and relaxation the next day. In between the late nights and lazy days, there’s the Sagrada Familia cathedral to explore, the crazy hustle of La Rambla to negotiate and, of course, the Museu Picasso to get your fill of stunning artwork.


With the beach so close to the heart of the city, it is easy to reach from most locations. We would recommend the Gothic Quarter where a stay in the upscale Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux is the perfect base from which to explore -- once you’ve torn yourself away from its gorgeous rooftop garden, that is.

Besides its meandering canal system, beautiful architecture, world-class museums and, ahem, famous "café culture," Amsterdam has urban beaches. Often overlooked due to the city’s numerous other attractions, the beaches are an open secret among Amsterdammers who would rather stay in the city during summer. For outdoor cocktails, volleyball, and a pool party atmosphere, the beach at Strand West is best. However, you can’t swim there so if a dip is a must, you’d be best heading to Ijburg Strand where the vibe is bohemian and swimming is A-OK. And if being by the water is your thing then why not stay on the water? The Amstel Botel is a floating concept hotel that will literally rock you to sleep.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is a city of contradictions. Considering that it's steadfastly traditional yet forward thinking, it’s a surprise that its ancient cobbled streets don’t vibrate by night to the sound of the city’s warehouse clubs.


There is a lot to see in the old town but when you’re done with exploring the quaint streets, head to one of the sandy beaches on the outskirts of Lisbon. The waves at Praia De Guincho make it popular with surfers but if you’d rather hang ten from the edge of your towel than the edge of a surfboard, there’s plenty of space on the sprawling sandy beach for that too. Bear in mind that some beaches are around a 25-minute car ride from the centre of Lisbon so if you prefer immediate views of the water, then the modern boutique Altis Belem Hotel & Spa on the edge of the Tagus river would be an ideal place to stay.

If 25-minute car rides to the beach don’t gel with your idea of a city-beach break, then the myriad appeals of Brighton on England’s south coast might. Nicknamed ‘London-By-The-Sea’ with good reason, here everything is within walking distance. Ageing hippies, artists, and musicians (Nick Cave is a resident) are at the vibrant heart of the place and when the sun comes out it seems like the entire population heads for the beach. With miles of coastline available, to avoid the crowds the insider tip to is to head towards the shore from the city’s Kemp Town neighbourhood. Just beware the nudist beach in the area -- you’ll know it by the nudity on display!

A Mediterranean lifestyle abounds in the Eastern European city of Dubrovnik and if you’ve never visited then you’re in for an eye-opening treat. Surely there’s nobody left in Europe who hasn’t been told emphatically by friends that they need to visit Croatia! Dubrovnik has the best of what the country has to offer. The slow pace of life makes this the most relaxed city-beach break of all and with the Adriatic Sea lapping at its shore, it has some serious beach game. The sparkling blue sea isn’t quite enough to keep you from the sights you’ll find in the Old Town, but it’s a close run thing. Make the most of the Dalmatian coast and choose accommodation with an ocean view, like the Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik with its stunning cliffside location and private cove.