Athens, Barcelona, Miami: the best beach cities for summer 2026
These holiday hotspots bring together the laid-back beauty of being by the sea with the cultural vibrancy of an urban centre. So why pick one when you could have both?
Barcelona, Spain
Spain’s second largest city is undoubtedly its buzziest, thanks to its year-round Mediterranean climate, palm-tree lined streets, colourful Catalonian architecture and an off-the-scale food scene.
The TUI-recommended Leonardo Boutique Hotel and Astoria place you in the cultural heart of the city – the former a short walk from La Sagrada Família, the world renowned basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. The Unesco world heritage site might be considered an unfinished masterpiece (it’s been under construction for more than 140 years) but its facade and its internal architecture are sights to behold. More of Gaudí’s designs, including the flamboyant Casa Batlló and lesser-known Palau Güell, can be found dotted around the municipality. The hour walk from Barri Gòtic (the Gothic quarter) to Poblenou (an old industrial district transformed into a trendy arts neighbourhood) captures how Catalonian culture, old and new, lives side by side today.
You’ll find Barcelona’s inviting coastline – and 10 family-friendly beaches – to the east of the city. The most famous, Barceloneta, is an enjoyable walk from the popular H10 Marina Barcelona. To the south, Platja de Sant Sebastià is best for beach sports, with surf lessons, paddleboarding and scuba diving on offer. The wheelchair accessible golden sands of Platja de la Nova Icària, with its seasonal beach bars (xiringuitos), is the more relaxed option.
From contemporary Michelin restaurants to humble family-run bodegas, diving into the Catalan culinary scene is a must. Thanks to the region’s close proximity to the mountains and Mediterranean Sea, Catalans love to combine ingredients from both in dishes – a style known as mar i muntanya. Don’t miss the flavoursome pork and beef meatballs with cuttlefish and peas (mandonguilles amb sípia i pèsols) and chicken and lobster cooked in a variety of ways (pollastre amb llagosta). The sweet and savoury tastes of spinach with raisin, pine nut salad and escudella i carn d’olla – a centuries-old meatball broth with chickpea, seasonal vegetables and fideus noodles – are typical, and delicious, menu staples.
Miami, US
Chilled-out Miami naturally exudes that postcard-perfect holiday vibe. South Beach (known locally as SoBe) runs parallel to the famous Ocean Drive and its sidewalk restaurants and bars. Elegant Essensia is a local favourite for seasonal Mediterranean cuisine and homemade cocktails created with locally sourced ingredients. South Pointe Park, by contrast, is a laid-back nine-mile stretch of sand that’s ideal for families. Think: splash zones, picnic areas, snorkelling by the jetty or the Jose Cuervo (artificial) Reef, and importantly, lifeguards.
Yet it’s only when you step away from the strip that you realise there’s far more to Miami than meets the eye. Nature lovers will appreciate peaceful Biscayne Bay, where you can explore the mangrove-lined shoreline in a kayak or by snorkelling. Look out for shore birds, pelicans, stingrays, sea turtles and reef sharks. Even manatees have been spotted in these protected, nutrient-rich waters. Over on the far south of Key Biscayne, tranquil Cape Florida beach is the place to go to escape the crowds.
Combine prime beach time with exploring the city’s iconic art deco heritage with a stay at the delightful 1930s-built Viajero Miami, situated on Collins Avenue. Wander the string of pastel-coloured storefronts that decorate the blocks from Ocean Drive to Washington Avenue. The laid-back Iberostar Waves Miami Beach, over on the main strip, puts you front and centre for Miami Art Week in early December, where an estimated 20 fairs are held simultaneously across the city, including the local version of Art Basel.
In the Little Havana neighbourhood, guided food tours wander the streets that have long housed the city’s Cuban community. Tastings of mouthwatering guava pastries and croqueta de jamón, washed down with freshly roasted coffee, are not to be missed on the tours. And in vibrant Wynwood, elaborate murals and explosive street art decorate the walls. You can even have a go at some graffitiing. Spend a few nights at the laid-back Arlo Wynwood to explore this arty corner of the city. Diverse dining options showcase the best of Florida’s produce – the inspiring team at Dinners in Paradise in Homestead is a must, providing delicious farm-to-fork dining experiences sourced from regenerative Miami farms.
Athens, Greece
Yes, the Greek capital is celebrated for its unparalleled ancient landmarks, but did you know that its beaches are as cherished by locals as those in places like Mykonos and Paros? Even better, Athens’ warm spring and autumn climate means a trip to this under-recognised beach destination doesn’t have to be restricted to the summer.
With TUI-recommended hotels, Acropolis Hill and Wyndham Grand Athens as your base, you can almost stroll out of your room and on to a local walking tour. These tend to begin in Monastiraki, which sits in direct view of the Acropolis. This historic neighbourhood – actually, “historic” would be an understatement – is the place to trace some of Athens’ iconic sites from the Ancient Agora, once the focus of political, commercial and social activity, to the Tower of the Winds, an octagonal marble tower built in the 1st century BC.
Plaka, with its bougainvillea-lined paths and cosy cafe culture, is one of Athens’ most picturesque neighbourhoods, as well as being one of the best places to sample some traditional local delicacies. Try the crispy cod with garlic dip (skordalia bakaliaros) at one of the mysterious bakaliarzidikos (basement bars). If you feel like exploring the city’s more bohemian side, Exarcheia is home to a clutch of buzzing wine bars and tavernas serving up modern Greek fare for an all-hours crowd, while charming Kypseli is the current tip for Athens’ in-the-know foodies – perhaps because it is rumoured that some of the best souvlaki in town can be found there.
To the south of the city, Palace Hotel Glyfada holds a prime spot on picturesque Glyfada beach, with nearby Laodikis Street filled with stylish cafes and restaurants. The farmers’ market comes alive on Thursday mornings, as local producers set up shop with the Mediterranean’s most mouthwatering ingredients. Farther south, Kavouri beach – with its ample space and shallow waters – is ideal for younger families. And with a host of traditional fish tavernas overlooking the sea, it gives off small-town vibes despite being on the outskirts of the Greek capital. For an even more local feel, head to the Paleo Faliro seafront and Flisvos beach, a favourite with Athenians of all ages, loved for its string of sleek bars and seafood restaurants. The nearby promenade is the spot to watch the sunset, and it rarely feels busy.
theguardian.com
