No.3 Barcelona, Spain
Body of water the city borders: Mediterranean Sea
Population: Around 1,605,602
Average temperature in winter: 50°F
Average temperature in summer: 75°F
While outsiders may see Barcelona as a cultural destination, the Spanish see the city as a fabulous beach resort, flocking to the Catalonian capital in droves as soon as summer hits. A heady mix of architecture, shopping and nightlife, Barcelona sits on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea and boasts over 2.5 miles of stunning white-sand beaches. Barcelona’s beachside position doesn’t just enable it to benefit from shade-wearing tourists; the city was chosen as the host for the 1992 Olympics, which saw billions driven into the restoration of its once-shabby seafront. What’s more, Port Vell, situated at the end of the famous Ramblas, grants the city access to cruise liners and cargo ships, meaning it’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to valuable trade and cruise tourism.
