16 Beautiful Coastal Towns Around the World

Traditional church in Oia village, Santorini island, Greece — Photo: Getty Images

With balmy sea breezes and beautiful scenery, charming coastal towns offer a winning formula for relaxation. While plenty of big cities are located right on the ocean, these destinations encourage a slower pace. Whether you want to lounge on a white-sand beach or dive into history and culture, there's no shortage of perfect seaside destinations to choose from.

From stunning Mediterranean shorelines to quaint communities in the United States, these communities beckon visitors from near and far. With populations under 25,000, these are some of the most beautiful coastal towns around the world.

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Polperro, England

The Cornish Fishing Village of Polperro in England at dawn — Michael Charles Sheridan/Getty Images

It may look idyllic, but this Cornwall village has a scandalous past. In the 18th century, Polperro’s secluded coastline was a frequent entry point for smugglers, who brought in alcohol, tobacco, and other contraband. Though the smugglers left few traces behind, traditional 16th-century fishing cottages still line the narrow streets. Visitors can learn about Polperro’s colorful history at the Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing before browsing the boutiques and galleries.

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Saint George’s, Bermuda

Colorful houses on old street in St. George's, Bermuda — Brian Bumby/Getty Images

Formally known as the Town of Saint George, this Bermuda community dates back to the early 17th century. Visit the oldest Anglican church in the Western Hemisphere, St. Peter's, built in 1612. Other buildings have a decidedly tropical feel, with white limestone roofs and exteriors painted in vibrant hues like pink, yellow, blue, and orange. For an immersive experience, visit Lili Bermuda Perfumery, housed in historic Stewart Hall, where you can create your signature perfume or enjoy tea in the gardens.

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Manarola, Italy

Italy has no shortage of pretty coastal towns, but Manarola, perched 230 feet above the sea, is a popular choice. The tiny Cinque Terre village dates back to the Middle Ages and consists of bright cliffside homes overlooking the lapis-colored waters. Manarola — and the rest of Cinque Terre — is also known for producing white wine and olive oil. Spend your days reading on the beach or cliff jumping for an adrenaline rush.

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Camden, Maine

If you were asked to think of a quintessential New England coastal town, chances are you’d picture Camden. The former manufacturing village sits on the green shores of Penobscot Bay, near the base of Mount Battie. Historic windjammers and dozens of other boats bob in Camden’s harbor. The downtown business area was rebuilt after an 1892 blaze and designated the Great Fire Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll the streets lined with handsome brick buildings — like the Richardson Romanesque Camden Opera House — and white clapboard homes.

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Kotor, Montenegro

At more than 2,000 years old, Kotor is Montenegro’s oldest town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its historic area has narrow streets, stone buildings, and churches built between the late 12th and 14th centuries, such as St. Luke's Church. Besides the impressive architecture, Kotor’s surroundings are breathtaking. The town of approximately 13,500 sits near the base of rugged Mount Lovcen in a quiet corner of the Bay of Kotor.

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Lunenburg, Canada

On Nova Scotia’s southern coast, Lunenburg is one of the few North American towns recognized by UNESCO. Founded by the British in 1753, the former shipbuilding and fishing port retains its historical feel. Lunenburg's trade buildings were traditionally painted black and white, which were known to be affordable colors. In recent years, people began choosing other shades to make their homes and businesses stand out, giving it a cheerier look.

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Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

It’s hard to believe Sidi Bou Said is just minutes outside Tunis, Tunisia’s capital and largest city. The picturesque Mediterranean town feels worlds away, with its winding stone streets and blue-accented, whitewashed buildings draped with bougainvillea. With a population of less than 6,000, Sidi Bou Said is known for its white-sand beaches and impressive harbor. Peruse art galleries, handicraft stalls, and shops selling jasmine products — Tunisia's national flower.

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Cadaqués, Spain

Rooftop view of white buildings and small boats docked along the shore of Cadaques, Spain — iStockphoto

Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí supposedly found inspiration in this village on Spain’s Costa Brava. Growing up, he spent time in Cadaqués and later had his home and studio (now a museum) in neighboring Port Lligat. Cadaqués has a rustic yet sophisticated charm. Whitewashed houses with tiled roofs line the rocky coast, and art galleries continue to flourish.

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Cua Van, Vietnam

Located in Vietnam’s dramatic Halong Bay with lush mountains in the background, this little village consists entirely of floating homes. The people of this traditional fishing community live in anchored houseboats, with children attending a floating school. Cua Van has become a popular tourist attraction for those who want to see this unique way of life. Visit the cultural center to learn about the village's history, or catch your own seafood with locals from the fishing industry.

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Ilulissat, Greenland

Brightly colored buildings dot the coastline of Greenland with icebergs in the bay. — iStockphoto

In the 1700s, Greenland began the tradition of color-coding its buildings: hospitals were yellow, police stations black, and fisheries blue. The colors were the same from town to town, though people eventually chose more varied hues for their homes. In this archetypal fishing village, the rainbow-painted buildings are in stark contrast to the Arctic landscape. Ilulissat is also home to its namesake ice fjord — a collection of giant icebergs visible from the streets.

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Oia, Greece

On the northern coast of Santorini, you can see why Oia appeals to so many travelers with just one glance. Perched on cliffs above the sea, this is one of the romantic white-and-blue Greek towns that has inspired many vacations. One notable distinction is that Oia overlooks Santorini's crescent-shaped bay, which hides a sunken caldera.

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Paternoster, South Africa

Waves crash over rocks along the shore dotted with white houses in Paternoster, Australia. — Ulrich Doering / Alamy

The maritime way of life is firmly rooted in Paternoster, located roughly 90 miles north of Cape Town. Most buildings are classic fishing cottages, which are white with dark roofs. The town, which has a population of around 2,000, enforces a strict architectural code to preserve its character. Fittingly, you can get great seafood here, too.

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Rovinj, Croatia

Croatia is home to many idyllic coastal spots — Trogir, Split, Dubrovnik — but this Istrian town's distinct layout sets it apart. Rovinj's historic center is completely contained within a small peninsula. It was once the island of Mons Albanus, but the channel between the island and the mainland was filled in 1763. As a result of the tight quarters, buildings are tall, narrow, and close-set, with red-tiled roofs. Towering above it all is St. Euphemia, a stately Baroque church and Rovinj’s main landmark.

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Reine, Norway

Within the Lofoten Islands, Reine is one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful villages and among Norway’s most photographed places. Despite the stunning scenery, little more than 300 people call Reine home year-round. Jaunty red wooden cabins (rorbuer) make up the town, set against the rugged mountains. Reine is also the jumping-off point for exploring Reinefjord, one of northern Norway’s pristine fjords.

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Port Fairy, Australia

Don’t drive Australia’s Great Ocean Road without pulling over at the southern town of Port Fairy. The seaside village resembles a 19th-century shipping port, and the National Trust of Australia has designated more than 50 buildings as historic. A stroll will take you past whitewashed fishing cottages and old stone churches.

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Sausalito, California

Homes built into the hillside and docked over the waters of Sausalito, CA — iStockphoto

With its stately hillside homes overlooking the water, this Bay Area town is an easy commute from San Francisco, whether you catch a ferry or drive (or bike) across the Golden Gate Bridge. Sausalito is known for its houseboats — more than 400 docked in five marinas — and artsy vibe, with galleries, boutiques, and fine restaurants. With just over 7,000 people residing here, visitors can enjoy the quaint atmosphere without traveling far from the city.

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