The city and the beach - an amazingly complementary marriage, a perfect blend of sun and sea ambience mixed with bustling pace of big metropolises. If you love both an easy access to the sea and the vibe of an urban life style, here are the cities to be, to live, to visit...From Lima to Sydney, these cities have it all the beachgoer and the city dweller in one may need to lead a happy life.
10. Miraflores Beach
Lima. Peru.
Lima might not be the most appealing city in the world, but the beaches surrounding the Peruvian capital are simply fantastic. So, despite the fact that Lima is the fourth largest city in Latin America, its location on the coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, makes it an excellent and relaxing beach destination. Among city's numerous beaches Miraflores is the top beach district, with a long stretch of sand, great restaurants offering the finest local cuisine and great surfing spots such as Waikiki and Makaha playas.
Miraflores beach, Lima, Perú.
9. Brighton Beach
Brighton. England.
Less than an hour from the busy hectic and tiring London, there is Brighton, the most vibrant seaside resort in England, with great beach (though pebbled), excellent dining opportunities and fantastic nightlife that could easily rival the clubs of London. During summer when London's city life becomes unbearable, there is no better place to escape than the energetic Brighton. The town's beach has been even awarded a blue flag, an award given to the beaches of high environmental and quality standards.
Brighton.
8. Repulse Bay
Hong Kong
Located in the southern part of the frantic busy Hong Kong, the Repulse Bay is an ideal beach escape from the intensity of the city. In the 19th century the bay was a base for local pirates which were subsequently repulsed (hence the name) by the British Navy. At the beginning of the 20th century the bay was developed into a beach and today it is one of the most expensive residential areas in the city.
Repulse Bay.
7. Siloso Beach
Singapore
The city-state of Singapore is comprised of 63 islands so the abundance of great beaches is guaranteed. Despite its modern approach, with which most people associate the city, Singapore's location off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula makes it truly a terrific destination for beachgoers. Among the most amazing white sand stretches is Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island - an oasis of tranquillity and peace in the bustling metropolis of Singapore.
Siloso Beach.
6. Praia Guincho
Lisbon. Portugal.
There is no other European capital located so close to such fantastic beaches as Lisbon. The city is a perfect mix of a historical charming old town, vibrant modern metropolis and absolutely fantastic beach area. Lisbon's coast has it all: sheltered little coves, long beaches, white sands and excellent swimming and surfing conditions. The most spectacular city's beach is, without a doubt, Praia do Guincho, Mecca for windsurfers, sun addicts and wave lovers.
Praia Guincho.
5. Barceloneta Beach
Barcelona. Spain.
In the heart of Barcelona, one of the most fantastic cities in Europe, right next to the old historical town lies Barceloneta, an exciting waterfront area, filled with superb restaurants, clubs and bars. Around one kilometre long, the beach is one of the biggest and the most famous stretches of sand in the city, though before the 1992 Olimpic Games, the whole district was nothing but the post-industrial neglected area. Today, Barceloneta is, besides its obvious attractions such as swimming and sunbathing, home to striking monument 'Homenatge a la Barceloneta' or the futuristic sculpture by Frank Gehry, the Fish.
Barceloneta.
4. Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro. Brazil.
The list of the world's greatest city beaches would not be complete without Copacabana, famed for its gorgeous Brazilin girls, hot atmosphere and reputation of the world's most renowned stretch of sand. Located in the southern zone of the city Rio de Janeiro, this absolutely fantastic 4-kilometer long beach is a must-visit destination that has it all - golden sands, great waves, gorgeous crowd, and one of its kind ambience.
Copacabana.
3. Bondi Beach
Sydney. Australia.
Ok, it is not the longest and most beautiful beach in the world, but the undisputable charm of Bondi Beach attracts beachgoers from all over the world to lie in the sun on this most famous beach in Australia. The closeness to the busting city of Sydney makes Bondi such a fabulous relaxing spot, with great surf breaks, some quite impressive cliffs, white gentle sand, great beachfront pubs and restaurant and laid-back atmosphere.
Bondi Beach.
2. Camps Bay Beach
Cape Town. South Africa.
Another city, particularly blessed with some extraordinary natural settings is Cape Town. Its world-class vineyards, wild Table Mountain and sunny beaches make it absolutely adorable place to be, to live, to visit. Camps Bay beach is truly a city's jewel, offering its visitors azure waters, white sands and stunning views of Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostles. Thanks to its location in the bay, the beach is calm and good for swimming, though its northern part likes to go wild, providing great surfing conditions.
Camps Bay Beach.
1. Ipanema Beach
Rio de Janeiro. Brazil.
Ipanema Beach is a legend. Separated from Copacabana by a rocky peninsula called Ponta do Arpoador, the Ipanema is considered to be more sophisticated and elegant than its famous sister. With the beautiful view of the two mountains called the "Dois Irmãos", raising at the western end of the beach, Ipanema has become a landmark of the city and one of the most popular and recognized beaches in the world.
