As Britons continue to favour both beach escapes and city breaks - recent figures show 60 per cent opt for beach holidays, while 48 per cent seek out culture-filled city breaks - the search is on for destinations that combine the best of both worlds.
Luckily, some of Europe’s most popular city break spots come with a secret: golden beaches just moments from the urban bustle.
This is according to head of product at Citalia, Heather Green, who shared three top picks for city lovers who want a quick route to sea and sand.
Her highlights focused on popular city holiday options in Italy and Greece.
Florence is a beautiful city, popular with tourists
| GETTYFlorence, Italy - Viareggio beaches
Distance to the beach: 1 hour 20 minutes by train
Florence is a historical city that is a firm favourite for Britons looking for an Italian city break. It is known for its art - think the Uffizi Gallery for Renaissance Art and seeing Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery.
Like many parts of Italy, it also has access to great wines, with more than 285 ‘wine windows’ hidden throughout the city region. But beyond the galleries and nearby vineyards are some great nearby beaches.
Viareggio is just 99km from Florence, located on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The area has 10 kilometres of sandy beaches and the perfect mix of private bathing, as well as free public swimming.
Ms Green added: "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 to €19 (around £6 to £16)."
Viareggio beaches can be easily reached from Florence
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Heraklion, Greece - Ammoudara
Distance to the beach: 30 minutes by bus
In Greece, the travel pro recommended Keraklion, which has a mix of stunning architecture and must-see beaches.
Ms Green added: "The Palace of Knossos and the Venetian Walls are two archaeological sites demonstrating the best of ancient Greek 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 around seven kilometres west of Heraklion and is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It has calm and shallow waters, making it great for families. It is also praised for its cleanliness.
Ms Green added: "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 (90p to £1.80)."
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Heraklion in Crete, Greece, was another expert recommendation
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Naples, Italy - Gaiola beach
Distance to the beach: 10 minutes by train
The final recommendation is another Italian spot - the scenic city of Naples. The closest beaches are just 10 minutes away, making it the perfect spot for a city-to-beach break.
The expert said: "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.
"The fastest way to get to Gaiola beach is by train, the L9 train from Napoli Montesanto station to Fuorigrotta, the journey takes approximately seven minutes, and the beach is about a 20-minute walk from the park entrance.
“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.”