Ceuta

Forget swimming pools, overly chlorinated hotel lagoons, and crowded tourist beaches; in Ceuta, you're plunging into history itself-a salty, bracing splash between two continents at El Chorrillo Beach, the sweet spot where Africa and Europe share a flirtatious, watery embrace. Listen, this isn't your run-of-the-mill ocean dip; you're paddling through waters once crossed by Phoenician sailors, Moorish conquerors, and spice-laden medieval traders-all while casually noting you've achieved intercontinental travel wearing nothing but Speedos and goggles. Head down in the morning around 9am, before the beach gets commandeered by sunburned tourists and selfie-stick wielding influencers; swim conditions are calmer, and the light lends itself beautifully to capturing smug photographic evidence. With virtually zero planning needed beyond a towel and some sunscreen, budget only for a post-swim seafood feast and ice-cold drink along the promenade (€20 should cover your victory lunch). At the very least, do it for the bragging rights-the right to casually mention at parties, between sips of gin and tonic, "Oh, that reminds me of the time I swam from Europe to Africa. Did I mention that already?"