BEST OF BOTH The best cities with beaches – and Barcelona isn’t on the list

WELCOME to our Tuesday travel special, where each week we bring you inspiration for your holidays at home and abroad.

With finances tight, getting yourself a two-in-one trip on a city break where you can still relax at a beautiful beach is a sensible choice. Here are five of the best options . . . 

NICE

THE Cote d’Azur gem has museums galore, including two dedicated to artists who were drawn to the French Riviera city — the Musee Matisse and Musee Marc Chagall.

There are plenty of urban delights as well as the fabulous seafront, bordered by the Promenade des Anglais.

The buzzing beach bars are a five- minute walk from the 4* Splendid Hotel and Spa, in the Musician’s District and close to all the sights.

There is a rooftop pool to relax in after a busy day exploring, as well as a restaurant, bar and spa.

Two nights’ B&B is from £327pp, including British Airways flights from Gatwick and 23kg luggage.

See britishairways.com/nice or call 0344 493 0125.

VALENCIA

THIS underrated city on Spain’s south eastern coast is one of my absolute favourites for a great-value city break that also delivers some stunning beaches.

Enjoy tapas in the Old Town and a spot of shopping before heading to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, with its many museums and attractions that include the largest aquarium in Europe.But then there are the beaches. Stunning Malvarrosa promises miles of soft golden sands, while El Saler and El Palmar have wilder landscapes.

Enjoy the winding gardens in the former Turia riverbed, with parks and pathways to explore.

Four nights’ room-only at the 4H Ilunion Aqua 4 Hotel is from £319pp, including flights from London on August 19.

See lastminute.com.

ATHENS

ANCIENT treasures combine with clear blue sea and soft-sand beaches in the Greek capital.

Spend days exploring the Acropolis and many other historic sites.

Then relax on the beaches of the southern and northeastern sides of the Attica peninsula.

Kalamaki is one of the most popular and in easy reach of the city centre. Stay at the Brown Acropol, a hotel with a contemporary take on mid-century modern decor.

It is close to the city metro and the hotel’s rooftop has a bar with views of the Acropolis.

Four nights’ B&B at the 4* Brown Acropol is from £417pp, including Gatwick flights on October 16.

See olympicholidays.com.

CHICAGO

AMERICA’S Windy City is known for skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza.

But the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan are among the most treasured parts of the city, stretching along the 28 miles of freshwater shoreline.

It is perfect for swimming, cycling, canoeing, jet skiing and paddleboarding.

The scenic lakefront includes parks and gardens, and more than two dozen free beaches that are open to the public every summer.

Oak Street Beach is one of the most popular places, as is Ohio Street Beach, a sheltered spot great for open water swimmers.

Five nights’ room-only at the 21c Museum Hotel is from £1,305pp, including return flights with British Airways from Heathrow on September 19.

For details and to book, see americaasyoulikeit.com or call 0208 742 8299.

TEL AVIV

HERE you will find nightlife that gives Ibiza a run for its money, ancient history, and architecture which beats Barcelona hands down.

Israel’s second city also has sandy beaches in walking distance of amazing bars and restaurants, providing the perfect city break and beach combination.

The skyscrapers of modern Tel Aviv sit alongside the ancient port city of Jaffa, with its cobbled streets and narrow archways.

Hit Carmel Market to pick up fruit, veg and freshly cooked falafel.

Then head down to one of the 13 strips of sand.

Hilton Beach is popular with the in-crowd, while Banana Beach offers a quieter vibe.

Seven nights’ room-only at the Montefiore 16 Urban Boutique Hotel is from £561pp, including flights from Luton on September 11.

See travelsupermarket.com.