swimming – EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog EuroCheapo editors take on the world of budget travel. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:54:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.3 Best Beaches Near Barcelona https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/best-beaches-close-to-barcelona.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/best-beaches-close-to-barcelona.html#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2023 12:59:53 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=24078 I’ve said many times that I don’t swim in the waters splashing up on Barcelona’s beaches. I spend a lot of time along the city’s shoreline but rarely in a bathing suit. Some of my friends swim in Barcelona’s stretch of Med regularly and they think I’m overly concerned. Am I? When it comes down » Read more

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I’ve said many times that I don’t swim in the waters splashing up on Barcelona’s beaches. I spend a lot of time along the city’s shoreline but rarely in a bathing suit. Some of my friends swim in Barcelona’s stretch of Med regularly and they think I’m overly concerned.

Am I? When it comes down to it, I don’t like swimming with plastic bags and other things that I won’t describe here.

So, when I go to the beach to take the waters, I head out of Barcelona. Here are a few swim-friendly destinations I’d stick a big toe in:

Best beaches near Barcelona


Sitges

I’ll admit that Sitges beaches are a bit packed in the summer months, mostly with men (this is a gay getaway). It can be hard to find a plot of sand upon which to lay. Get a sun umbrella and a chair for €5-€10 a day and enjoy.

Garraf, Spain. Photo: Eduard Maluquer

Sitges also makes my list because it’s close to Barcelona (45 minutes to the south), easy to get to by Renfe train, and is basically just a really fun little city. Lots of choices here for eating out, bars, nightlife and cafes. Makes for an excellent day-trip or weekend away from Barcelona. Read more here.

Garraf

I looked at houses here and imagined moving to Garraf, a small village a couple train stops before Sitges, snug in the mountains and overlooking the Mediterranean.

Sigh. It’s lovely.

Alas, the issue with Garraf is that not all trains stop in this petite beach town, so be careful to get a Renfe train that hits all the stops or you might chug right on by. Also note that Garraf is a village, but also a region. In the village there are two main beaches: one which is large and more popular, and another which is much smaller on the other side of the port. It takes about 35 minutes to get to Garraf from Barcelona’s Pssg de Gracia station.

The beaches of Sant Pol de Mar. Photo: Olivier Bruchez

Sant Pol de Mar

About an hour north of Barcelona in the Maresme area of the Catalan coastline, Sant Pol is about as charming as Mediterranean fishing villages come.

Does it have all the boutiques and cafes that Sitges does? No, not even close. It’s tranquil, not crowded and I recall the sand being especially fluffy (that may just be me). An ideal day-trip for those who want to swim, read, nap and snack on a picnic lunch.

More beaches near Barcelona

Farther away from Barcelona and only accessed by bus and car, I recommend the Costa Brava, especially Cap de Creus, Tamariu and Begur. To the south try some of the many beaches around Tarragona. Tarragona, the city, also has an ample beach (Tarragona is reached by train).

Also in our guide: If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona and looking for the perfect affordable place to stay, make sure you check out our budget hotel recommendations. Our editors have scouted out the best deals on accommodation in the city’s historic center. Read more in our Barcelona guide.

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Berlin in summer: 5 easy ways to cool down https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/berlin-in-the-summer-five-ways-to-cool-down.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/berlin-in-the-summer-five-ways-to-cool-down.html#respond Wed, 26 Jun 2019 13:37:54 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=18880 Summer in Berlin is glorious, but the heat can really get to you when the temperatures really start to rise. Air conditioning is virtually unheard of (including in hotels in Berlin), and the subways and buses start feeling more like saunas. When the thermometer starts rising, try these popular ways to cool down, local style. » Read more

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Summer in Berlin is glorious, but the heat can really get to you when the temperatures really start to rise.

Air conditioning is virtually unheard of (including in hotels in Berlin), and the subways and buses start feeling more like saunas. When the thermometer starts rising, try these popular ways to cool down, local style.

1. Bathing: Au naturel

When summer rolls around, half the city heads to the lakes that dot Berlin and its surrounding area. Consult this Berlin swimming map and head out to nature.

And by “nature,” I mean that clothing is optional.

2. Bathing: To see and be seen

But if you’re more the type to lounge than lunge into the water, a quiet lake in a rustic forest just won’t do. Slip into something sexy and head to Badeschiff (pictured, top), a small bathing platform floating in the river smack in the middle of the city.

This is where “scenesters” come to strut their stuff and check out one another. Evening concerts and parties are especially popular. A ticket is only €8, but you have to reserve your time slot online in advance.

Ice cream truck Berlin

Look out for ice cream trucks. “Ice cream makes you happy.” Photo: Scottog

3. Ice cream

You can’t seem to walk a few blocks without walking past an ice cream parlor in the German capital. Homemade, all-natural ice cream is the norm, not the exception — there are countless independent shops that serve frozen treats in all shades and flavors. Here’s a list of some of the best.

Also, keep an eye out for ice cream trucks. On a hot day, you might just come across one for a quick and cheap cool down!

4. Fight fire with fire: Hot Currywurst

Sometimes you need to warm up to cool down. Case in point: currywurst. But where can you find currywurst in Berlin that really turns up the heat?

A glaring omission in my past post about currywurst was Curry & Chili, which has the hottest wieners in the city.

5. When all else fails: Street water pumps

Berlin sits on a huge underground water reserve, and until the 1930s Berliners used hand-operated pumps on the streets to clean, put out fires and even drink. Some 2,000 pumps remain functional today, and though they deliver untreated water straight from the ground underneath, 2/3 of them deliver drinkable quality water. (Berlin’s tap water, by the way, is excellent.)

So pump out some water, splash it on yourself and go on your merry way. It won’t cost you a thing.

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Rome: 4 beaches accessible by train for €10 or less https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/best-beaches-near-rome.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/best-beaches-near-rome.html#comments Thu, 30 May 2019 15:17:47 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=38124 Rome gets hot and crowded in the summer, and after a few days of walking around the city and seeing the sights, you’re likely to need some rest. Why not cool down and relax at one of the nearby beaches? There are several beaches within an hour of Rome by public transport, and they all » Read more

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Rome gets hot and crowded in the summer, and after a few days of walking around the city and seeing the sights, you’re likely to need some rest.

Why not cool down and relax at one of the nearby beaches? There are several beaches within an hour of Rome by public transport, and they all cost less than €10 to reach.

Related:
• 
Our favorite budget hotels
Search all Rome hotels
 Our favorite free parks in Rome


The best beaches near Rome

Sun, sand and the sparkling Mediterranean offer the perfect break from Vatican lines and Colosseum tours. Here are four favorites beaches close to Rome:

Anzio

The turquoise water and golden sand beaches of Anzio are some of the prettiest near Rome, and also the cleanest, as you can tell from their Blue Flag designation. The colorful port is packed with great seafood restaurants, and the entire place holds an old fishing-town atmosphere.

You can’t go anywhere in Italy without running into something of historical significance, and Anzio is no different. It was first used as the base for Coriolanus’s rebellion against Rome, and later as a vacation spot for emperors, who built theaters and luxurious villas. More recently, and the reason it probably sounds familiar, it was where British and US forces landed in 1944 to liberate Rome from German occupation. You can visit the 77-acre American Cemetary where nearly 8,000 Americans are buried.

Getting there: Anzio is about an hour south of Rome on a regional train from Termini, and a ticket will only cost you €3.

Hotels: Search more than 100 places to stay in Anzio


Santa Marinella

A convenient and beautiful beach, Santa Marinella is only an hour north of Rome and has been a bathing resort since the days of the Roman Empire. The light sand is soft and the water is clear, and there are both free and private beaches. The small resort town also has good seafood restaurants and a few bars and shops.

Getting there: Best of all, it’s only €4.60 on the regional trains leaving from Termini, Rome’s main station.

Hotels: Search more than 50 accommodations in Santa Marinella


Ostia

Ostia Lido isn’t the most beautiful beach near Rome, but it’s the closest and does the trick when you’re in need of sand and sun. The dark sand beaches are split into public and private areas, and for about €10 on the private beaches you get a chair, umbrella, and towel. If you brought your own towel and don’t mind crowds, find yourself a spot in the free public areas.

Getting there: Take the Metro Line B from the Piramide stop in Rome, then take the Ostia-Lido train toward Cristoforo Colombo. You use the same ticket for both. You’ll get off at either the Ostia Lido Centro stop or Ostia Stella Polare.

One of the best parts of Ostia Lido is its proximity to the ancient Roman ruins at Ostia Antica. To visit, get off two stops before Ostia Lido Centro.

Related: The Roman ruins at Ostia Antica, Italy’s best kept secret.


Sperlonga

Sperlonga is the most picturesque beach near Rome, but a bit of a hike. The whitewashed town is perched on a cliff over the sea, and the clear waters of the Blue Flag beach stretch below. The charming, narrow streets hold many shops, restaurants, and cafes, and the sandy beaches are exceptionally clean. Since ancient Roman times, Sperlonga has been a holiday favorite, and you can visit the old villa of Emperor Tiberius.

Getting there: Reaching Sperlonga is a bit of a commitment, but it’s worth it. Take a regional train from Rome’s Termini station to the Fondi-Sperlonga stop, about an hour away, then take the bus from outside the station to the beach, about half an hour. You can also take a taxi from the train station.

Hotels: Browse more than 200 properties in Sperlonga

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Paris here we come: 14 reasons to go in 2014 https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/14-reasons-to-visit-paris-in-2014.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/14-reasons-to-visit-paris-in-2014.html#comments Tue, 14 Jan 2014 17:13:27 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=35985 We know you don’t really need another excuse to visit Paris, but just in case you haven’t booked your ticket yet, maybe the thought of drinking at new hotspots along the Seine this summer or swimming under spectacular Art Deco ceilings will inspire you. Or how about the 125th birthday of that little tower you » Read more

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We know you don’t really need another excuse to visit Paris, but just in case you haven’t booked your ticket yet, maybe the thought of drinking at new hotspots along the Seine this summer or swimming under spectacular Art Deco ceilings will inspire you. Or how about the 125th birthday of that little tower you might have heard of? While annual events like Nuit Blanche, Paris Marathon and Bastille Day always attract droves to the City of Light, there are a few nouveautés to look forward to in 2014, if all goes well. Here are the 14 things to look forward to in the new year, with a little help from Paris.fr.

1. A brand new zoo experience

The zoo in the Parc de Vincennes will reopen this spring, offering modern facilities and a unique way to experience wildlife. Not far from the Chateau de Vincennes, the zoo will be the perfect addition to a day in the Bois de Vincennes for kids and adults alike.

2. Picasso comes back to life

The Picasso Museum will really re-open this June. It was slated for last year, as we so proudly announced in last year’s New Year recap. But this year we mean it. We hope.

3. Art all over town

Other exhibitions are a sure thing this year, from the Louvre to smaller galleries around town. Frank Gehry and Jeff Koons will have their turn at the Pompidou while Robert Mapplethorpe will show off at the Grand Palais. A part of the collection destined for the Louvre Abu Dhabi will be on show at the flagship location, where the Winged Victory will also be coming back after restorations. Welcome home!

4. Jump on the bus

Don’t forget the bus! Maybe 2014 will be the year of cheap weekend trips with the low-cost bus service called IdBus. For a few euros, you can select big destinations like Lyon, Milan, Amsterdam and London, or places where even the low-cost TGV Ouigo doesn’t go!

5. A new face in Hotel de Ville

Just like New York in 2013, municipal elections will usher in a new Paris mayor this year. Our dear Betrand Delanoe will not run again, having held the spot since 2001. It will be an exciting time for Paris this spring as a new leader takes his or her seat at the Hotel de Ville.

6. Guidebook expert advice

If we’re not convincing enough, maybe Lonely Planet’s endorsement will help. The popular guidebook chose Paris as the number one urban destination for this year. Surprised?

7. Les Halles revamp

All of that horrid construction in the center of the city around the historic Les Halles district will be shaping up—finally. The green canopy that will be the standout of the new construction project is set to be completed this year. Whether it’s as monstrous as it looks in images remains to be seen. The neighborhood, however, is sure to change drastically over the next few years, so visit it now while it’s in transition.

8. Swim in style

The Piscine Molitor and the Piscine at Butte aux Cailles will both reopen after years of renovation, allowing you to swim like a lady or chap from the 1920s under beautiful Art Deco ceilings and décor.

9. New event complex

The Carreau du Temple, on the site of the old Knights Templar complex, will also open this April. Another of our failed prediction from 2013 (Paris can move slow sometimes), this year the former market will host local sporting events, performance artists, and various events in a totally renovated structure.

10. Cool souvenirs

The official Paris boutique, already online, will open up a store at the Hotel de Ville—as if you needed more souvenirs? Check out the offerings on their site and stop by the shop once it opens later this year.

11. Sipping on the Seine

The Berges de Seine (opened last year) will have even more restaurants and bars this summer. It will be the new “it” spot for Parisians on the Rive Gauche, and others who dare cross the river. Head down to the 2.3 kilometers of renovated river bank to mingle with the locals at a variety of bars and cafés, including the Rosa Bonheur outpost.

12. Sainte Chapelle revealed

Sick of scaffolding? We are, too. Fortunately work will end on the Sainte Chapelle this autumn (probably December) meaning those gorgeous stained-glass windows that people wait in line for will finally be visible as King Louis IX intended back in the 1200s.

13. Food trucks on the rise

If all else fails, come for the food.  Sure, there are plenty of farm-fresh menus at high end bistros, but have you tried a gourmet burger out of a cart? Paris is bursting with food trucks right now, and 2014 is shaping up to be the year to eat on the street. And if you think you’ve eaten everything in Paris already, Burger King has come back to the French capital, so why not try a Whopper à la francaise?

14. Eiffel Tower turns the big 125

Last year Notre Dame celebrated the big 8-5-0. This year, Paris’s Iron Lady, the Eiffel Tower will celebrate its 125th birthday. Renovations will be finished on the first floor, after two years of construction, featuring a glass floor, new exhibits, refurbished pavilions, and a more eco-friendly approach to running one of the world’s most famous monuments. So far no special party is planned, but the lights will shimmer each night, while fireworks will illuminate the landmark on July 14th, as if she needs any more pomp.

Do you have anything special on your Paris list for 2014? Drop us a tweet, find us on Facebook or just leave a comment below.

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Swimming in Berlin: Our Favorite Pools and Beaches https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/swimming-in-berlin-where-to-cool-off-and-take-a-dip.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/swimming-in-berlin-where-to-cool-off-and-take-a-dip.html#respond Mon, 15 Jul 2013 19:50:15 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=30365 As there are just a handful of days every summer when Berlin’s temperatures surpass the 30° C / 85° F mark, air conditioning is virtually non-existent. If you’re not content to sweat it out like the locals, you have two options: dark and cool (movies and museum visits), or sunny and wet. Thankfully, a large » Read more

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As there are just a handful of days every summer when Berlin’s temperatures surpass the 30° C / 85° F mark, air conditioning is virtually non-existent. If you’re not content to sweat it out like the locals, you have two options: dark and cool (movies and museum visits), or sunny and wet.

Thankfully, a large city like Berlin offers ample opportunities for both types of escapes. If you’re in the mood for the latter, here are three of Berlin’s best summer oases.

Strandbad Wannsee

A 30-minute S-Bahn ride from the center transports you out to the green edges of the city, where you’ll find numerous small lakes offering reprieve on hot days. The Strandbad offers nearly 1.3 km of well-managed (and popular) sandy beach on the lovely, clean Wannsee.

After hours of fabulous people- or sailboat-watching, listening to the sounds of the waves, or alternately swimming in the lake then drying in the sunshine, your mind should be clear enough to choose between the many, many types of popsicles and ice cream bars available at the snack bar. (Read more about the Wannsee and other fabulous lakes and parks in Berlin.)

S1-/S7-Nikolassee
Admission: €4.50
Open everyday, check website for hours

Stadtbad Neukölln

By far the most beautiful of Berlin’s public pools, the Stadtbad Neukölln, built in 1914 in classical style, retains its original character despite modern renovations, with tall marble columns leading upwards past mosaics to an arched ceiling. The experience rivals the famous baths of cities such as Budapest.

With both lane swimming in its 25m pool and a relaxing space for bathing in a separate 19m pool, the Stadtbad attracts young and old alike for a regal dip.

(And if you’re heading to Neukölln, check out these suggestions for delicious cheap eats.)

U7-Rathaus Neukölln
Admission: €4.50; sauna entrance extra (€10)
Open everyday, check website for hours

Liquidrom

Modern and upscale, Berlin’s Liquidrom offers a spa-like experience right in the center of the city. Spend a relaxing afternoon and evening floating in the saltwater pool, known for its underwater sound system. If that isn’t special enough in itself, check the schedule of regular live music performances on their website.

And 30° C will seem downright refreshing after a 80° C turn through the Liquidrom’s four saunas, running the gamut from salt to steam. Infusions and basic skin treatments are scheduled throughout the day and are included in your entry.

S1-Anhalter Bahnhof
Admission: between €19.50 and €29.50, depending on length of stay
Open everyday from 10 a.m. till midnight, Fridays and Saturdays till 1 a.m.

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The best beaches near Dublin https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/the-best-beaches-near-dublin.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/the-best-beaches-near-dublin.html#comments Mon, 23 Jul 2012 18:02:40 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=24218 Perfect pints and traditional music, sure—but beaches? In Dublin? While Ireland isn’t known beyond its borders for beaches, the country is actually home to lovely stretches of sand and world-class surfing spots. While the best surfing is found on the west coast of Ireland, there are several beaches near Dublin that are ideal for a » Read more

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Perfect pints and traditional music, sure—but beaches? In Dublin? While Ireland isn’t known beyond its borders for beaches, the country is actually home to lovely stretches of sand and world-class surfing spots.

While the best surfing is found on the west coast of Ireland, there are several beaches near Dublin that are ideal for a picnic and lazy afternoon of splashing through tidal pools. If you’re brave, bring along a bathing suit and join the locals for a swim in the Irish Sea. Here are a few of my favorite Dublin beaches, both north and south of the city center.

1. Sandymount Strand

Located south of the city center flanking Strand Road is Sandymount Strand. This stretch of beach is subject to dramatic tides. When the tide is out, you can walk barefoot along the cool sand out towards the sea. Bring a picnic and see locals flying kites, wind surfing, and walking their dogs.

2. Killiney Beach

Further south from Sandymount is Killiney Beach, one of the most striking areas of the coastline around Dublin. This region is quite hilly, and surrounded by some of the best real estate in the county. Expect a sandy beach, chilly but clear water, and views of kayaks and sailboats out in the Irish Sea.

3. North Bull Island

Located on the northern section of Dublin Bay is North Bull Island, a 5-kilometer island home to a sandy beach known as Dollymount Strand. This is a spectacular place for a picnic, hike, and bird watching. Known for wildlife, seals are often seen here during low tide.

4. Portmarnock Beach

Also north of Dublin is the seaside village of Portmarnock, home to Portmarnock Strand. This beach is nicknamed “the Velvet Strand” for its lovely, smooth sand. This is one of the most popular beaches for windsurfers and kitesurfers. They provide excellent entertainment for a picnic and some sunbathing on the beach.

5. Sandycove

One final option is located south of Dublin city center, near the village of Dun Laoghaire. Despite its name, Sandycove doesn’t offer the same uninterrupted stretches of sandy shores, but it is a great place to scramble over the rocks on the water’s edge and go for a swim. Join the locals who will swim on a sunny day despite the usually chilly temperature of the water.

During a summer trip to Dublin, add a visit to one of these beaches. The convenient commuter train, the DART, offers easy access. You will not only be surrounded by locals, but will witness a whole different side to Dublin that many visitors never get to see.

Further reading: If you’re planning a trip now to Dublin, be sure to swing by our Dublin guide to read our suggestions for budget hotels in the city center. For more on swimming around Dublin, read Jessica’s recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle.

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4 major tourist mistakes to avoid in Florence https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/worst-idea-things-not-to-do-in-florence.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/worst-idea-things-not-to-do-in-florence.html#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:25:29 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=19794 Instead of my usual banter about the best things to do in Florence, I’m going to try something different. No recommendations this time. At least, not the usual kind. Instead, here are some activities to avoid – expensive bad ideas, hence the crummiest things to do in my city. 1. Eat Near the Duomo It » Read more

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Instead of my usual banter about the best things to do in Florence, I’m going to try something different. No recommendations this time. At least, not the usual kind.

Instead, here are some activities to avoid – expensive bad ideas, hence the crummiest things to do in my city.

1. Eat Near the Duomo

It might seem like a good idea at the time. You are walking arm in arm with a your partner who has taken on a Casanova-like persona since landing in Italy. You see the Duomo shining into the night like Pegasus and notice a quaint little restaurant with a menu posted in the window. Even better, it’s entirely in English. What next? You sit down, you order a pizza that tastes like a shoe and when you get the bill you end up leaving your Rolex for collateral.

2. Forget to Validate Your Train Ticket

So far, everything has gone to perfection. You’ve made it to the train station, you’ve figured out the electronic ticket distributor, you’ve purchased the right ticket (you think) and you’ve found the track where your train is departing. You are a champion. As an added bonus, you not only score two seats on the train, but they are even facing each other. You begin to imagine scenes of barefoot frolics on the shores of the Mediterranean.

Then the controller appears and you proudly present him your tickets which you have forgotten to validate in one of the little yellow boxes on the platform. You pay him almost 200 Euros as a fine. You feel shame. You feel alone. And cold.

3. Go Shopping for Counterfeit Goods

You are at San Lorenzo Market after reading one of my previous recommendations. You see a table of “Gucci” bags and “Swiss” watches. You pay an unbelievably low price for the same purse you once saw in movie staring George Clooney. You can’t believe the savings and buy another one for your sister back home. You figure what the heck and buy one for each of your colleagues and relatives. You high five the merchant and go on your merry way.

You are stopped by the foot-patrolling police squad with twenty counterfeit bags over your shoulder. You pay a very hefty fine. You are out of money and must return to the homeland. You are traumatized from the experience and develop an extreme fear of Italian accessories.

4. Go Swimming in the Arno

It is a 110 degrees and Florence is an inferno. This wasn’t in the travel guide. Neither was anything stating that you were not supposed to dive into the brown goodness of the Arno river. You find a nice spot and dunk your toe to test the temperature. The water is surprisingly warm. You slip down to your trunks and cannonball into the water.

When you emerge your skin feels like Tabasco Sauce. A local fisherman drags you onto his boat and brings to you to the Santa Maria Novella Hospital. You dish out lots and lots of money for a translator. You call your insurance company and they laugh at you. You count your change and use your last three Euros to buy yourself a shower.

Your advice?

Have a touristic temptation to add to our list of activities NOT to do in Florence? Add yours to the list by leaving a comment.

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Dublin: Three scenic spots to go swimming https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-three-scenic-spots-to-go-swimming.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/dublin-three-scenic-spots-to-go-swimming.html#respond Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:15:51 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=19871 When it comes to “not to miss” activities in Dublin, swimming might not be at the top of your list. While many locals make it their business to take the plunge into the icy Irish Sea at any time of year, visitors generally limit taking a dip to random sunny days in the summer. Many » Read more

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When it comes to “not to miss” activities in Dublin, swimming might not be at the top of your list. While many locals make it their business to take the plunge into the icy Irish Sea at any time of year, visitors generally limit taking a dip to random sunny days in the summer.

Many travelers don’t associate Dublin with water. There’s the River Liffey that runs through the center of Dublin (I wouldn’t recommend swimming here) but there’s also a stunning coastline with plenty of swimming holes. It’s perfect if you’re adventurous enough to dip your toes in or dive right in.

Here are three of my favorite places to swim in Dublin. They all offer gorgeous scenery along with the chance to splash around – if you dare.

The South Wall – Ringsend
Web site

Rent a bike for the afternoon (check out the affordable Dublin Bikes rental program) and pedal outside the city center to the South Wall in Ringsend. Here you will find a pier that juts out into Dublin Bay with a charming little red lighthouse at the end. It is one of my favorite places in the city to go for an evening stroll, when boats are out for a sunset sail and kiteboarders are showing off their skills.

It is also a great place to swim. About half way up the pier there is a designated swimming spot. You can’t miss it – stairs lead right off the pier and into Dublin Bay. Currents change here often, so during your walk take the time to observe the currents before diving in.

The Forty Foot – Sandycove
Web site

One of the most legendary places for a swim in Dublin is called the Forty Foot. Locals have been diving into the water here for over 250 years. This is an example of a swimming hole that attracts sporty types all year long, regardless of the weather. On a sunny day it is a popular place to swim, and many local children will launch themselves off the rocks right into the water.

If you would rather soak up the sun, there are areas here for watching everyone else take the leap into the Irish Sea. Although it’s summer, the temperature of the water here never rises too high – be prepared for a chilly dip.

Killiney Beach – Killiney
Web site

Cheapos might be looking for a proper beach during their trip to Dublin. One of the best is Killiney Beach, easily accessed by taking the DART train south of Dublin City Center to Killiney. Once you arrive at this sandy and pebbly beach, you will hardly believe you are still in Ireland.

This beach is a great place for afternoon picnics, a refreshing swim, or simply admiring the surrounding scenery. And the best part? It’s all free – no entrance fee required.

Ready to dive in?

Sometimes our favorite destinations can surprise us. No matter what you’ve read about Dublin before, be sure to pack your bathing suit if you’re planning a summer trip to the Irish capital. Have you gone swimming in Dublin? Tell us about your experience in our comments section.

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Paris: Hit the beach at the “Paris Plages” https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-hit-the-beach-at-the-paris-plages.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-hit-the-beach-at-the-paris-plages.html#respond Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:47:45 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=19706 When summertime hits in Paris, the locals feel the pressure to go on vacation. The city traditionally empties out in August, but that tradition is no longer steadfast. Plenty of Parisians stay behind in August while tourists flock from all over the world to experience the City of Light. In addition to all of the » Read more

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When summertime hits in Paris, the locals feel the pressure to go on vacation. The city traditionally empties out in August, but that tradition is no longer steadfast. Plenty of Parisians stay behind in August while tourists flock from all over the world to experience the City of Light.

In addition to all of the festivals and concerts, there is a little beachy oasis in the center of the city called “Paris Plages” that is not to be missed.

Paris Plages

Starting in July and running through August or September, the Paris Plages season turns the banks of the Seine and the Canal into beach (plage) havens. Paris Plages launched in 2002.  It seems just like yesterday…

On the banks of the river by the Hotel de Ville, cars are forbidden and visitors can sunbathe in a lounge chair, build castles in the temporary sand pits, play pétanque as crowds watch on, and stroll along the river as palm trees sway overhead and music floats through the air.

It’s just enough to make you feel like you’ve made it to the Mediterranean.

More plages: Bassin de la Villette

But this town has more than one plage. Along the Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement, you’ll find a more relaxed scene, as fewer tourists make the trek. There are various water-themed activities for children, in addition to outdoor concerts and even country line dancing. Locals line the vast stretches of both banks, the Quai de la Loire and the Quai de la Seine, with picnics late into the night.

For the kids…

There are plenty of events geared towards children at the “beaches.” There are small workshops and educational stands along the Seine teaching children about recycling, water and even eclipses. Once the children are bored with that, they can hop in the water and start having some fun.

Along the Seine there are paddleboats by Pont Sully, water bars to rehydrate and volleyball courts. At the Villette beach, there are various kayaks, even more paddle boats, and other nautical experiences for children and adults, including an inflatable water-bound hamster wheel that small children seem to enjoy. For those with little ones we’ve got another post on things to do with kids in Paris.

…and for the adults

For the older set, there is the ritualistic sunbathing, but also foosball tables – “babyfoot” in French – and a stage offering dance performances, from classic waltz to country ho-down.

The best part? It’s all free.

Check out the city’s Web site in English and in French for even more information on the Paris Plages, including maps of both beaches with the various activities.

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Prague Pools: Where to go swimming this summer https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/prague-pools-cool-off-in-these-swimming-pools.html https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/prague-pools-cool-off-in-these-swimming-pools.html#respond Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:14:20 +0000 http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/?p=19456 Summer is in full swing in Prague. On those days when the city sizzles, it’s great to plunge into one of the city’s public pools. Along with being a pleasant way to keep cool, spending time at Prague’s pools offers the opportunity to see areas of the city that you might not get to otherwise. » Read more

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Summer is in full swing in Prague. On those days when the city sizzles, it’s great to plunge into one of the city’s public pools. Along with being a pleasant way to keep cool, spending time at Prague’s pools offers the opportunity to see areas of the city that you might not get to otherwise.

Here’s a list of some of the city’s top outdoor spots to take a dip.

1. Podolí
Podolská 74, 147 50, Prague 4
Tel: 241 433 952

Plavecký Stadion Podolí, or just “Podolí” as it’s most often referred to, is located just off a main tramline street running alongside the river in Prague 4. Comprised of an indoor pool and two outdoor pools, Podolí was built over 50 years ago as one of Czechoslovakia’s preeminent grounds for swim competitions.

Today visitors sunbathe on towels on the metal bleachers bordering the pools, directly on the concrete or in a large grassy area, which is bordered by the base of a rocky hill. As with many of the public pools, it does get crowded during the summer, but Podolí is one place where you can actually get in a few laps.

Open daily 6 a.m – 9:45 p.m. A full day ticket costs 150 Kc for adults. Head there after 3 p.m. and the price is reduced to 110 Kc.

2. Pražacka
Sportovní a rekreacní areál Pražacka
Za Žižkovskou vozovnou 19/2716
CZ-130 00, Prague 3 – Žižkov
Web site

For a truly neighborhood feel, head to Prague 3’s Pražacka in the Žižkov neighborhood. Open from June through September, Pražacka’s outdoor pool measures 25 x 12.5 meters and is heated. Hang out on the newly built terrace, or lay on the grounds bordering the pool or the grassy lot. After a dip, enjoy a cold beer and klobasa.

During the week, the pool is open from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., but then closes for two hours before opening back up at 10 a.m. until 6:45 p.m. The cost for the full day is 100 Kc. Reduced admissions (60 Kc) applies after 5 p.m. (You can get in an additional 90 minutes in from 8 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.).

3. Slavia
Vladivostocká 1460/10, Praha 10
Tel: (+420) 267 311 062
Web site

Located in a residential area of Prague’s Vršovice district, Plavecký Stadion Slavia has one of the city’s largest outdoor pools at 50 meters long. As with Podolí, the center features metal bleachers and lots of Communist-era concrete architecture. Grab an ice cream or beer at one of several kiosks. Find a spot on the grounds surrounding the pool or in the grassy areas.

For those who wish to fully catch some rays, Slavia features an area for nudists (as does Podolí).

4. Divoká Šárka
Šárka Nature Reserve, Praha 6
Tram 20, 26 to the “Divoká Šárka” stop

An exceptional forest location makes this Prague pool the most enchanting. Follow a path through the trees to this swimming area, which features two large pools, including an exceptional invigorating one (due to its very cold temperatures) that is stream fed. Play ping-pong, grab a snack at the obcerstvení (snack/refreshment seller) or just dream away the day on the large grassy area while looking into the forest surrounding you.

The price is 60 kc before 4 p.m. when the price drops to 40 kc.

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