Winter holidays can be a tough call. Beach breaks are ideal for soaking up some much-needed sunshine, but what about opting for a city break instead, for a spot of overseas Christmas shopping? Thankfully, some of the world's most exciting cities come complete with their own beach, offering the perfect solution.
Barcelona is a great example. Not only does it have some of the best shopping in Spain, along with stunning architecture and an internationally renowned foodie scene, but it also has a vast stretch of golden sand just ten minutes from the city centre. Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, which covers sales, long-term rentals and holiday lets, comments on its appeal for those looking to buy property,
"Many of our buyers are looking at second homes in Barcelona that they can use year-round. It's an ideal city for a winter break. When the sun is shining the beach is a fabulous retreat from city life and when the weather doesn't oblige then there are plenty of cultural activities to choose from and enough retail therapy to keep even the most dedicated shopaholic happy."
In neighbouring Portugal, Lisbon is another wonderful coastal city. From chic shopping streets to quaint cobbled alleys that twist and wind their way up and down the city's hills, it is a great place to explore. Lisbon is surrounded by beaches, all of which are easily reachable by a quick rail or road journey from the city centre. Costa da Caprica to the south is one of the most beautiful and has a lovely, relaxed vibe throughout the year. The beaches are Cascais are perfect for people-watching, while Guincho offers some world-class surf. For those looking for a second home from which to enjoy Lisbon and its beaches, a luxury two-bedroom townhouse looking out to sea at Guincho is available through Ideal Homes Portugal for €950,000.
Heading further south in search of some winter sunshine, Taylor Wimpey España offers a range of second homes perfectly positioned for enjoying the city and beaches at Marbella. La Floresta Sur, which offers spacious apartments with communal pool close to Elviria beach from €192,000, is ideally located for second home owners looking to enjoy both the bustling Marbella scene and the tranquillity that such a beautiful area provides.
Another excellent choice within Europe for a beach/city break is Paphos in Cyprus. The city is a delightful blend of ancient sites and modern convenience. Ancient tombs and fortresses provide fascinating glimpses of past millennia, while individual beach gazebos provide a wonderfully luxurious way to relax. Some of the best sea views can be appreciated from the Marina Sea View Villas, available through Ideal Homes International, with a three bedroom/three bathroom home with pool available for €307,000.
Chris White, Founding Director of Ideal Homes International, comments,
"It's a great time to buy in Cyprus right now as the properties there offer excellent value. Paphos is undoubtedly one of the best locations on the island for those who like to have it all. It blends the ease of having access to a modern city with the advantages of living by the sea - it's the perfect combination."
Heading to the outskirts of Europe, where East meets West, Istanbul offers a range of stunning beaches spread across the nine Princes' Islands, just a short ferry ride from the city. With no cars allowed, the islands offer a haven from the frenetic pace of city life, making Istanbul the perfect place to combine a hedonistic city break with a tranquil beach holiday.
Back on the mainland, the exclusive Alkent area also provides peaceful surroundings within easy reach of the city. The stunning Oceanic Bay View villas from specialist local property company Universal21 offer luxurious homes looking out over the Bay of Buyukcekmece, from TRY4,825,274 (£1,077,211). Ideal for use in all seasons, the villas include an organic winter garden as well as a summer garden. The open-plan, split-level accommodation also includes four bedrooms, maid quarters, an open dining room, a grand dining room, two sitting rooms, a cinema room, a sauna, a Jacuzzi room and much more. Five terraces provide fabulous views that are the perfect tonic after the pace of city life.
Continuing around the globe all the way to Brazil, the thriving city of Natal provides postcard-perfect sands backed by extensive dunes that are ideal for zooming across in a dune buggy. The bright lights and modern amenities of Natal include everything that one could wish for from city life, while exclusive beachfront communities offer a superior standard of living to second home owners.
Palm Springs, from award-winning developer Ritz-G5, is spread across 100 acres of prime beachfront land, with residents enjoying the best that nature has to offer in combination with all the delights of a modern tropical oasis, including natural springs, swimming pools, a spa, a hot tub, a sauna and football and beach volleyball courts.
With such an array of fabulous city beaches around the world, choosing the ideal winter sun location need no longer be a chore - travellers and second home owners alike can opt for the perfect blend of city living with beachfront relaxation.
For more information please contact:
Kyero.com: www.kyero.com
Ideal Homes Portugal: 0800 133 7644 | +351 289 513 434 | www.idealhomesportugal.com
Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 | www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.
Ideal Homes International: 02477 050 898 | www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk
Universal21: 0203 287 8700 | www.universal21.com
Ritz-G5: +44 207 183 7565 | www.ritz-g5.com
With such an array of fabulous city beaches around the world, choosing the ideal winter sun location need no longer be a chore - travellers and second home owners alike can opt for the perfect blend of city living with beachfront relaxation.
For more information please contact:
Kyero.com: www.kyero.com
Ideal Homes Portugal: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com
Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.
Ideal Homes International: 02477 050 898 or www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk
Universal21: 0203 287 8700 or www.universal21.com
Ritz-G5: +44 207 183 7565 or www.ritz-g5.com
