SWIMMING


NOVA I CÀ R I A B E ACH BARCELONA, SPAIN


Barcelona has an astonishing nine beaches within easy reach and on sunbaked days it can feel like the whole of the city has decamped from its grand boulevards and palm-dotted plazas to them. Nova Icària, north of the atmospheric Gothic Quarter, is a fine pick. Families and small groups of friends lounge on the long swathe of golden sand that gently dips into the clean, clear waters of the Mediterranean. The more active throw themselves about on the beach volleyball courts or play basketball, but many are content to grab a beer and some paella, and doze, post-swim, in the sunshine. barcelonaturisme.com


THE HARBOUR BATH ÅRHUS, DENMARK


It’s little wonder that Denmark’s second city has soared in popularity in recent years. Visitors can expect an ever-evolving food scene to rival capital Copenhagen’s, impressive cultural venues including a showstopping art gallery, ARoS, and a packed festival calendar. But it’s also home to the biggest seawater bath of its kind in the world. The striking triangular structure of The Harbour Bath juts into the water of Århus Bay and contains a lap pool, unusual circular diving pool and a kid’s pool, plus two saunas. Swimming done, there are plenty of spots for sunbathing on the wooden decks. aarhus.dk/havnebadet aros.dk visitaarhus.com


L E PAVONIE RE FLORENCE, ITALY


The story of Florence is the story of the Medicis — the city seems to bear traces of the family’s influence on every corner. And Italy’s most famous political and banking dynasty was also responsible for the Parco delle Cascina, originally used as the Medicis’ hunting ground. Today, the park is still home to Le Pavoniere (The Peacocks), a delightful open-air pool surrounded by greenery and topped by two small temples. Looking out over the water is a seafood and pizza restaurant in an elegant, faded-yellow villa; come nightfall, the mood changes with live music, cocktails and DJ sets. lepavoniere.it visitflorence.com


National Geographic Traveller – European Cities Collection 13


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