Cape Town has placed second in a global ranking of beach destinations offering the most activities beyond the shoreline, according to a May 2026 report from cruise operator Sail Croatia that scored more than 40 locations worldwide. Italy’s Sardinia took the top spot with a perfect score, praised for its blend of beaches, ancient sites, and outdoor adventures. Cape Town followed closely, standing out for nearly 700 adventure and extreme sports options, from paragliding off Lion’s Head to shark cage diving, plus more than 1,400 nearby day trips, including the Cape Winelands and penguin colonies. Greece’s Crete, Mexico’s Cancún, and Thailand’s Phuket rounded out the top five. Sail Croatia said the rankings reflect rising traveler demand for trips combining beach relaxation with culture, adventure, and exploration rather than time confined to a single resort.
Getaway