Surf and Turf

Surf n Turf

With a third of Europe's Famous Hostels within easy striking distance of the beach, it's easy to surf some waves and soak up some rays. Rob Savage explores the best seaside attractions and a line up of alternative options for the land lovers out there.

1. Corfu

   Surf: If you have a soft spot for sailing then check out the Boat Trips organised by the Pink Palace hostel. These are fantastic days full of adventure as you enjoy the scenery, soak up the sun, meet new people, cliff jump, explore bat caves, snorkel and visit secluded beaches! If you're after a more active itinerary, ask after the Kayak Safari. This is a top sightseeing event on the high seas with the option to rent your own, and explore independently.

   Turf: Join the 4-Wheeler Quad Bike Safari for an action packed day of off-roading through olive groves, remote villages and mountain passes. You can also head out hiking and trail-walking in the mountains surrounding the hostel!

2. Athens

   Surf: For the best view of the beaches explore the bike routes along the Athenian coast between Paleo Faliro and Sounion. It's a fair 70km between the two but even a small stretch is worth the effort. Alternatively take a bus to Vouliagmeni and head on to the best beaches at Lagonisi and Sounion.

   Turf: You can't visit Athens without visiting the Acropolis. Make your way up to the Parthenon via the Dromos and the Philosopher's Path, hitting Hadrian's Library and the Ancient Agora on the way. You should also check out the new state of the art Acropolis Museum, built on top of an ancient village.

3. Cardiff

   Surf: Speed-boating around Cardiff Bay is a superb way to get your bearings in the city. Tours pick up from Mermaid Quay and when you clear the river, the skipper let's the twin, 250 horsepower engines roar into Cardiff Bay. This thrash about might soak you through to the britches but it's a great introduction to the city, the set of British science fiction smash hit - Doctor Who and the manmade freshwater bay.

   Turf: A must do in Cardiff is The National Museum and Gallery. It's free and inside you'll find the second largest collection of Impressionist art - after Paris. Pieces on show include The Kiss by Rodin and Dressed Dancer by Degas. Unsurprisingly the museum is very popular, so avoid the school groups by visiting in the late afternoon. The museum is just north of the city centre in the University district, near Museum Avenue.

4. Lisbon

   Surf: You'll find a fair share of beaches along the railway line between Lisbon and Cascais, but if you're after the top picks, make sure you single out Carcavelos and Tamariz. They get super popular in the summer so make sure you head out there early. The beaches are less than half an hour from the Lisbon and come to an end at Guincho - a top spot for surfing.

   Turf: If you'd like an insight into Lisbon's history take some time to explore the Alfama neighbourhood. This is the birthplace of Fado and the locality where the art of grilling sardines was perfected. There are plenty of suggested walking routes through the Alfama neighbourhood so pick up a selection from the tourism offices, throughout the city.

5. Barcelona

   Surf: There are over 4km of beautiful beaches just 10 minutes from the city centre. The first one you come to is Barceloneta where you can enjoy windsurfing, kite surfing and swimming galore. Catch the yellow line metro from the centre and jump off at the Barceloneta stop, or enjoy the 20-minute journey on foot.

   Turf: It would be criminal to bounce through Barcelona without taking the time to see Gaudi's cathedral - Sagrada Familia, not to mention his designs at La Pedrera, an awesome building at the Passeig de Gracia. Other top, land-locked spots include gothic church Santa Maria del Mar, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona (MACBA) and the Picasso Museum.

6. Nice

   Surf: You're spoilt for aquatic choice when you check in at Nice with daily scuba diving trips that don't require certificates, surfing with wetsuits and boards for rent, wakeboarding everyday from 7.30am and sailing on the hostel's special yacht, with lunch thrown in too!

   Turf: Away from Nice harbour you can enjoy canyoning and rock climbing in the alpine gorges surrounding the city. Jump, slide and abseil your way down through the mountains with an expert guide, top notch equipment, a recharging lunch and transport - all thrown in when you book through the Villa Saint Exupery hostel.

7. Naples and Sorrento

   Surf: Nested in a beautiful bay, 200km south of Rome, Naples is the perfect point of entry on the Italian Riviera for a little coastal exploration. Nearby in Sorrento the seaside attractions include the lively vibe on the beaches and piers, and the mega-yachts in the harbour!

   Turf: Naples is also the gateway to the active volcano Vesuvius, the Roman remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Just down the coast in Sorrento not only will you find easy access to the famed island of Capri but also the magnificent Museo Correale de Terranova – home to ancient archaeological discoveries from the area!

8. Riga

   Surf: If you have time to factor some beach time into your break, then take a train from the station on MARIJAS SATEKLES IELA to Majori or Dzintari. These beaches are less than forty minutes away and if you jump on a train with Sloka as the final destination, you're definitely on the right track.

   Turf: Something unique to Riga is the chance to let rip with an AK47, a Glock 17 Pistol and a Benelli M3 Shotgun. Just to be clear you do this in an underground shooting range next to Latvian police officers who are training for their day to day duties! Eight live rounds with each weapon, transport to and from the range and an adrenaline calming beer at the hostel afterwards, will cost you 35 Lats - so approximately 50 Euros.

9. Amsterdam

   Surf: The Flying Pig Noordwijk is a very short journey from The Flying Pig Uptown in the centre of Amsterdam. Situated in the centre of popular beach town Noordwijk, this seaside hostel is only 50m from the beach and 13km of pristine shorelines. On Noordwijk beach you can enjoy all the big water sports, including kite surfing and board surfing.

   Turf: Back in Amsterdam make sure you take the time to see the Sex Museum on Damrak, the Rijksmuseum on Jan Luijkenstraat, the Waterlooplein Flea Market, the coffee shops around town and of course, the infamous alleyways of the city's biggest tourist attraction - The Red Light District!