Flanked by hills, perfectly shell-shaped Playa de la Concha is one of the best city beaches in the world. Framed by an ornate 19th-century balustrade, the promenade curves around the bay with the tiny Isla de Santa Clara in the middle. The beach gets very crowded in summer but offers good swimming, and the views from the Paseo de la Concha are unforgettable. Playing on a perfect beach, gorging on fabulous pintxos.