Beach escapes (60%) and culture-packed city breaks (48%) are topping the travel wish list for UK holidaymakers in 2025. However, for travellers craving a mix of cosmopolitan buzz and laid-back beach vibes, there are plenty of European cities where golden sands are just moments away from the heart of the action.
For those travellers looking for inspiration for last-minute summer getaways. Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia, has shared her pick of European cities with golden sands just a short train or bus ride away. From a hidden beach just 10 minutes from Naples city centre to a Blue Flag beach just 30 minutes from Heraklion, these destinations are perfect for holiday goers wanting to soak up both city energy and beachside bliss all in one.
1. Florence, Italy– Viareggio beaches
Distance to the beach: 1 hour 20 minutes by train
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“Florence is one of Italy’s most historic cities and has a lot to offer with its rich history. Art fans have plenty to explore in the city, with the Uffizi Gallery for Renaissance Art and seeing Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery. Those wanting a taste of the local region’s wine, there are believed to be over 285 ‘wine windows’ hidden throughout the city region.
“Viareggio is just 99km from Florence and is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The area offers 10 kilometres of sandy beaches and offers the perfect mix of private bathing, as well as free public swimming. Alongside the stunning beach, the town boasts a scenic palm-lined promenade, the Passeggiata Margherita, known for its shopping and range of dining establishments, offering the best of Mediterranean fish and seafood.
“The easiest and most efficient way to get from Florence to Viareggio is by train. Trains from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Viareggio run frequently and typically only take 1 hour 20 minutes, with tickets being priced between €7 and €19.”
2. Funchal , Madeira – Praia Formosa
Distance to the beach: 50 minutes by bus
” Funchal, located in São Martinho, is one of Portugal’s main tourist attractions. For nature lovers, travellers can spend the day either taking in Funchal’s Jardim Monte Palace Maderia or the Maderia Botanical Garden, which has hundreds of plants, most notably its Aloe Striata and Aloe Plicatilis, as well as various cacti and cycad species.
“If you want to break up a day of exploring with a day at the beach, Praia Formosa stretches approximately 2 kilometres. The beach features a combination of black sand and pebbles, providing a unique change to the golden beaches that most travellers are used to in Spain and its surrounding islands. The beach is particularly well equipped for families, it has a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable visit, including changing rooms, public toilets, a first-aid station, and even a children’s playground. However, for adults looking for a more exclusive trip, there is an oceanfront promenade, which connects to a nearby Lido area.
“To get to Praia Formosa, take Horários do Funchal’s Line 12 bus from Antes da Quinta; the journey takes around 50 minutes and costs as little as €3.”
3. Heraklion, Greece- Ammoudara
Distance to the beach: 30 minutes by bus
“Heraklion is one of the most popular holiday destinations for holiday makers, and with its stunning architecture and beaches, it’s easy to see why. The Palace of Knossos and the Venetian Walls are two archaeological sites demonstrating the best of ancient architecture. Once you’ve completed a day of exploring the city’s architecture, the town is packed with restaurants such as Peskesi and Lola, offering the best of Cretan cuisine.
“Ammoudara is approximately 7 kilometres west of Heraklion and is one of the island’s most famed beaches. The beach is golden and has calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for families or those looking for a calm swim. The beach’s calm nature is caused by the island’s eastern orientation, protecting it from strong winds. Ammoudara beach has also been awarded a Blue Flag for its cleanliness and outstanding environmental management, reflecting the local commitment to keeping the area clean.”
“The easiest way to get to Ammoudara is from the Line 6 Bus, which operates daily and departs every 30 minutes from Heraklion. The journey itself is only 30 minutes, and tickets cost between €1 and €2.”
4. Palma, Mallorca – Illetas beach
Distance to the beach: 30 minutes by bus
“Mallorca has long been a popular destination for holidays. Palma is a city popular for its historic centre and Mediterranean climate, and has a range of luxury restaurants such as the Fera Palma Restaurant and La Malvasia Mallorca.
“Illetas Beach is a picturesque coastal region famed for its sandy beach and rugged cliff line, which are covered with pine trees. The beach is popular with tourists looking to bring out their adventurous side, with various water sports nearby, including kayaking and paddleboarding. After a day at the beach, visitors can unwind at one of the many local bars, which overlook the beach and the clear Mediterranean Sea.
“The most affordable way to travel from Palma to Illetas is by the EMT Bus Line 4 from Palma City Centre to Illetas. Buses are every 15 minutes, and the journey takes just under half an hour, with fares costing from €1 to €4.”
5. Naples, Italy – Gaiola beach
Distance to the beach: 10 minutes by train
“Naples is one of Italy’s most scenic cities, and holidays in the city take you straight to the ancient capital of Campania, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, standing between the Bay of Naples and the volcano Mount Vesuvius.
“Gaiola beach in Parco Sommerso di Giaola, part of Naples’ Posillipo district, offers holidaymakers a natural beauty and history all in one destination. While the marine area spans 42 hectares, Gaiola beach, a small beach, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, making it a haven for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
“For history buffs, snorkelling allows visitors to explore the ancient structures that have since been submerged, such as the Roman villas and fishponds, as well as the area’s rich biodiversity.
“The fastest way to get to Gaiola beach is by train, the L9 train from Napoli Montesanto station to Fuorigrotta, the journey takes approximately 7 minutes, and the beach is about a 20-minute walk from the park entrance.”
Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia, offered her insight into combining city and beach holidays.
“Last-minute trips offer a unique opportunity to disconnect, especially when the destination offers both beach relaxation and city excitement. The thrill of booking a trip on a whim can be a refreshing change from the usual planning and structure of our work lives. With the right destination, you can unwind on a beautiful beach while still having the option to explore the culture and metropolitan buzz of a nearby city; it’s the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration.”
For more information, please visit: https://www.citalia.com/holiday-types/multi-centre-holidays/
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