'I'm a travel expert and these beaches are perfect for a last-minute September trip'

Beach holidays and cultural city breaks are top travel priorities for UK holidaymakers in 2025.

For travellers looking to combine sand and city for a last-minute getaway, there are plenty of European cities that make for the perfect destination this September. Heather Green, Head of Product at Citalia, has shared her pick of European cities with golden sands just a short train or bus ride away. Her list includes a hidden beach just 10 minutes from Naples city centre and a Blue Flag shore only a half-hour from Heraklion.

Heather says: “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.”

One hour and 20 minutes by train away from the beach, the historic city of Florence is a great spot for a last-minute getaway for Brits— especially art enthusiasts.

"Viareggio is just 99km from Florence and is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea,” Heather shares. “The area offers 10 kilometres of sandy beaches and offers the perfect mix of private bathing, as well as free public swimming.

The town’s scenic promenade, the Passeggiata Margherita, is also known for its shopping and range of dining establishments. Heather recommends taking the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Viareggio.

Funchal in São Martinho, is one of Portugal’s main tourist attractions and ideal for nature lovers—home to the Jardim Monte Palace Maderia and the Maderia Botanical Garden.

Heather says: "If you want to break up a day of exploring with a day at the beach, Praia Formosa stretches approximately 2 kilometres.” To get to Praia Formosa, you can take the Horários do Funchal's Line 12 bus from Antes da Quinta which takes around 50 minutes.

Heraklion is popular for its impressive architecture and the town is packed with restaurants offering the best of Cretan cuisine. But the best part? Ammoudara, one of the island's most famed beaches, is only about 7 kilometres away.

"The easiest way to get to Ammoudara is from the Line 6 Bus, which operates daily and departs every 30 minutes from Heraklion,” says Heather.

Brit holidaymakers are intimately familiar with the beauty of Palma, and the proximity to Illetas Beach is just one of its best features.

The coastal region is famed for its sandy beach and rugged cliff line, which are covered with pine trees. "The most affordable way to travel from Palma to Illetas is by the EMT Bus Line 4 from Palma City Centre to Illetas. Buses are every 15 minutes.”

"Gaiola beach in Parco Sommerso di Giaola, part of Naples' Posillipo district, offers holidaymakers a natural beauty and history all in one destination,” says Heather. “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 best way to get to the beach is by train, specifically the L9 train from Napoli Montesanto station to Fuorigrotta which takes approximately 7 minutes. The beach is only about a 20-minute walk from the park entrance.