Traditionally the short break has focused more on cities – with time spent soaking up the culture and enjoying the cuisine rather than spending lazy days on a beach.
But as the trend for more regular, shorter holidays grows, the two-week beach stint no longer dominates when it comes to coastal breaks. With increasing access, and more people wanting to spend a few precious days simply relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of a city,
the beach is increasingly in demand in the short-break market.
Superbreak Mini-Holidays sales director Ian Mounser said: “We’re seeing a growth in sales for beach areas. It’s now easy to go for a shorter time and more people want just a few days on the coast.”
Travel Weekly pinpoints five destinations close to home where clients can get the most flop out of the least fly.
1. Copenhagen |
Why? It’s not the first place you’d think of for a seaside break, but there are plenty of great beaches within striking distance of Copenhagen. Bellevue Beach in the northern suburb of Klampenborg is where the beautiful people hang out. This being Denmark, if you want to bathe au naturel then feel free. The upmarket suburb of Charlottenlund has well-kept beaches too. The island of Amager, an easy walk from town, boasts popular beaches on its eastern coast, which are less crowded than those to the north. There’s a public bathing pier at the northern end with changing rooms and showers. A mix of soft sand and pebbled stretches, the water is shallow here – good for paddling. |
2. Valencia |
Why? Spain’s third largest city not only boasts some of the best nightlife and cuisine in the country, but there are some beautiful – if a little lively – beaches right at its heart. Malvarrosa and Arenas beaches, closest to the centre, might get crowded in the summer, but the facilities are good. There are water sports on offer and lifeguards keep a watchful eye on bathers. Rollerskaters and joggers frequent the Paseo Maritimo – a promenade running the length of the two beaches – and back in the city centre are dozens of bars and restaurants. For peace and quiet it’s best to head further out. Within La Albufera National Park, El Saler beach is a four-mile swath of sand, and while there are basic facilities it has a more undiscovered feel. Close by, but more isolated still, is Playa la Devesa. Who would it suit? Couples and groups of friends wanting to combine the buzz of city life with beach time. Sample product: Bridge Travel offers two nights’ bed and breakfast at the Catalonia Excelsior for £234 per person from October 1 to December 17, including British Airways flights. |
3. Lisbon (Estoril) |
Why? Lisbon itself is one of Europe’s most pleasant cities, but clients should head a few miles west to hit the beach. The Estoril Coast has a string of beaches with fine sand and calm waters. The resort of Estoril, 16 miles from the capital, is a favoured haunt of the rich and famous, with its vast casino and nightly cabarets. Cascais, once a quiet fishing village, is a lively resort, attracting a young, international crowd, with its picturesque harbour and unspoilt old town. There are some pretty beaches around the town itself, with good facilities and yachts bobbing on the water, but they can get crowded. For a wilder touch, Guincho, three miles away, fits the bill – a long undeveloped stretch backed by pine trees – it’s great for water sports. Who would it suit? There’s something for all budgets, from windsurfer types to couples looking for a glamorous retreat, or groups of friends. Sample product: Cresta offers the three-star Hotel Inglaterra in Estoril from £36 per night, room-only. |
4. Scilly Isles |
Why? Glorious beaches a-plenty and no passport required. This is the place to head for back-to-basics beach time on largely undeveloped coastlines. There are more bicycles than cars and life is laid-back. Among beaches that stand out is Great Bay on St Martin’s, a crescent of white sand which can only be reached on foot. Pentle Beach on Tresco is popular with families. On St Mary’s, Pelistry Bay is a secluded cove. In the summer there are regular inter-island ferries and boat trips to see colonies of Atlantic seals and puffins. Who would it suit? With shallow, clear waters it’s a good choice for families and those who want a simple beach break. Sample product: three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Lynwood Guest House on St Mary’s start at £387 per person, including flights from Bristol, with Isles of Scilly Inclusive Holidays. |
5. Brittany |
Why? Just a short hop across the Channel, the wild northwest coast of France is a patchwork of rocky coves heath-clad cliffs, unspoilt white sand beaches and pretty seaside villages. Some of the best beaches are found at Carnac, Quiberon, Saint Malo and Dinard, while the coastline around Brest is spectacularly rugged. To the west of Dinard, the Cote d’Emeraude is one of the most traditional family resort areas, with safe beaches and sheltered bays. The more isolated western tip of Finistère boasts a ragged shoreline with tiny harbours. Flights to Dinard and Brest from London take less than an hour and a half. |
