18 January 2024 , 06:30
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Brits looking to escape the gloomy UK winter weather may want to consider an underrated city that not only boasts year-round sunshine, but also has some picture-perfect sandy beaches.
Durban in South Africa often gets overlooked as tourists flock to popular Cape Town, but it's definitely a city that you'll want on your radar. For a start it has glorious weather all year from its hot summer to the warm, dry winters - and in February and March you can expect balmy temperatures of around 29C. (As a bonus, according to Skyscanner the cheapest month to fly there is usually February).
That heat makes for ideal conditions to enjoy some of the gorgeous beaches to be found in the coastal city; think golden sands, swim-friendly waters and promenades lined with shops, restaurants and bars for a brilliant atmosphere.
Ushaka beach tends to be particularly popular with its large stretch of sand, and proximity to plenty of hotels and restaurants. The beach also has clean waters which are a hit with those wanting to cool off with a dip!
The palm-fringed beaches of Durban are well worth a visit (Getty Images)Want the Daily Mirror's top travel stories and best deals straight to your inbox? Sign up to our free weekly newsletter .
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One happy visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "Situated just outside the main complex, this is a lovely sandy beach. There were a few local families paddling and swimming here, not very crowded when we visited. Nice place to spend a few hours plus facilities in the Ushaka Village behind should you need them."
However it seems that timing is everything, as another holidaymaker said they had to deal with crowds on the day of their visit, explaining: "Beautiful beach with soft sand. Great views for pictures with coastal guard on duty. Only problem is overcrowding during peak season. Visitors comes with buses."
Another spot that most visitors add to their itinerary is the 'Golden Mile', which many visitors praised as being a lovely scenic stroll, especially around sunset. However, some tourists claimed locals warned them to remain vigilant when walking in the area, and to stick to the main promenade.
The Golden Mile is popular with people after a scenic stroll (Getty Images/iStockphoto)One person wrote: "We walked from Ushaka Marine Park along the promenade to South Beach which is very nice and easy for anyone in a wheelchair. The views of the beach were nice.
"However, we felt very uncomfortable at the number of locals in large groups sitting on the grass opposite the beach, watching us. In fairness we were not approached by them but the sheer numbers and police presence made us very wary and we did not walk the whole of the mile. In addition we didn't go on the beach until we got back to Ushaka where we felt safer."
Of course there's much more to Durban than just its gorgeous beaches. The city is full of fascinating museums and awe-inspiring temples, as well as boasting plenty of attractions such as botanic gardens, not to mention the plethora of restaurants and bars to explore.
Unfortunately currently there are no direct flights between the UK and Durban. On Skyscanner you can find return flights from £527 usually with one or two stops. Meanwhile Tripadvisor has a guide to some of the best Durban hotels including stays from £21 a night.