11 Adorable Coastal Towns to Visit Around the World

There’s just something about a coastal town. The fresh air, those wide-open views, and lively local spots make these places fun and, honestly, the kind of relaxing you can’t get in a big city.

If you’re craving a getaway with real charm, a small beach town might be exactly what you need. These towns slow things down and let you hang out by the water, far from the crowds and noise.

11. Cadaques, Spain

In the province of Girona, and in a coastal region known as the Costa Brava, is the beachfront town of Cadaques. This town is perhaps best known for being the home of painter Salvador Dali, and art fans can still visit Dali’s House, which is now transformed into a museum.

The tiled walkways of Cadaques lead you between charming seafood restaurants and local boutiques, but the main draw to the town is the gorgeous beach and the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

10. St Ives, England

Narrow lanes, fresh seafood, pubs galore, Cornish pasties and cream tea all add up to make this town on the north Cornwall coast a must-visit destination. When you’re not wandering around with an ice cream or sitting on one of the town’s two beaches, you might want to check out the Tate St Ives, a comprehensive art gallery.

Art plays a huge part in St Ives, and everyone from casual visitor to art buff will take an interest in the selection of art on sale in the town’s varied art galleries, ranging from the whole interiors of old churches to rooms in centuries-old, wood-beam houses.

9. Sayulita, Meixco

The crown jewel of the Riviera Nayarit, Sayulita was once a quiet fishing town. You’ll still hear locals describe this surfer town that way, but a Sayulita has been overrun by tourists since the late-1990’s.

The tourist infrastructure is strong with nice hotels and B&B’s, restaurants and low-key bars, but you may find the beach a little cluttered. The town is still a pleasant visit and the rideable waves call to hipster-surfers from all over the world during peak season.

8. Domburg, Netherlands

Domburg, an ancient village in Zeeland on the North Sea, has been attracting tourists since the 17th century and a seaside resort since the 19th century. It’s famous for 40 stores with Latin inscriptions and drawings of gods washed up on shore after a fierce storm in 1647. Domburg was an artist colony, hosting such painters as Mondrian and America’s James Whistler. Domburg offers typical resort activities, including beaches, biking, sports fishing, surfing and horseback riding, and is perfect for travelers wanting a break from historic sites.

7. Zapallar, Chile

A seaside resort located around an hour’s drive north of Valparaíso, Zapallar is the destination of choice in Chile for luxury beach vacations. In 1893, a wealthy Chilean aristocrat named Olegario Ovalle purchased the area to create the most exclusive beach resort in the country. Perched on the steep hills surrounding a crescent-shaped cove are an impressive assortment of European-style villas and mansions. The beach itself is a picture of golden sand, crystal-clear water and tumbling rock formations. A hilltop park called the Plaza del Mar Bravo offers stunning ocean views.

6. Peggy’s Cove, Canada

This tiny settlement on the Atlantic Coast has a long history of being a fishery, but since the end of World War II, Peggy’s Cove has been reliant more on tourism than catching fish. Today it is known for its picturesque coastal beauty.

Founded in 1811 when 6 families of German descent were granted permission to build here, the town is awash with quaint wooden fishing sheds that are characteristic of the town. Set amidst its sparse rocky coastline with the Atlantic stretching out from it as far as the eye can see, Peggy’s Cove is a postcard-perfect fishing village.

5. Mangawhai, New Zealand

Though only a hundred kilometers from Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city, Mangawhai seems like an entire world away from the hustle and bustle of such a huge urban area. When visiting this town, enjoy surfing at the Pacific beaches or cherish a pleasant swimming and kayaking experience through its tranquil harbor which is fringed by sand dunes.

Additionally, these sand dunes are your perfect chance to admire the range of exceptional tree and bird species found in the area. And, you must experience the great Mangawhai Walkways.

4. Binz, Germany

Dating back to the 14th century, Binz is a seaside report located on the island of Rugen in the Baltic Sea. It’s best known for its historic resort architecture. The former fishing and farming town has been a resort draw since 1875 when the first tourists arrived to swim in the sea. The first hotel was built in 1880 and the rest is history, with old hotels and villas filling the town center and beachfront. Binz is noted for its 370 meter (1,213 foot) pier that extends into the water.

3. Symi Town, Greece

Symi used to be a center for shipbuilding and sponging, but today it is a magnet for travelers. With waterfront cafes and benches overlooking the water, Symi has a cosmopolitan feel as homes climb the hillside on this mountainous island. Since it’s built on a hill, pace yourself as you go from one site to another. Top attractions include an 18th century Greek Orthodox monastery, a castle overlooking the city that was built by the Knights of St. John, and numerous churches and chapels, some built by the Byzantines.

2. Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil

You may be fooled into thinking that Morro de Sao Paulo is a picturesque village sitting on the coast of the Mediterranean. The splendid beauty of this coastal town brings in thousands of tourists every year. It’s easy to see why as you traverse sand covered streets, calm clear waters and an easy-going nightlife. The small town is actually situated on a tiny island where no cars are allowed. Jungle covers the three hilltops that make up Morro de Sao Paulo and it is surrounded by shallow Atlantic waters. Every day is a holiday here where vendors are eager to mix you caipirinha and live music gets everybody dancing on the beach.

1. Mazunte, Mexico

Sea turtles, not colonial relics, are what bring the tourists to Mazunte, a small town on the southwestern coast of Mexico. At one time, Mazunte was the center for hunting sea turtles, prized for their meat and eggs. Due to their decline, turtles were banned as food and soon became a tourist magnet.

You can learn more about sea turtles at the Mexican National Tourist Center here. Mazunte has some nice beaches; you should be prepared to share them with turtles who come to lay their eggs. Mazunte itself has a hippie feel. Somebody in town is always eager to give you yoga or meditation classes, massages or tattoos.