5 Beautiful Coastal Towns Around the World

Let’s Explore The World’s Charming Coastal Towns!

Whether it’s sunny shores in warmer climates or rugged coasts near chilly waters, some of the world’s most beautiful small towns are located right by the water.

But from the fishing villages in North America to the clifftop towns in Europe, these places have one thing in common…they’re all jaw-droppingly beautiful.

They also offer something for everyone, including history, charm, stunning beaches, and tons of fantastic things to do. So, join us on a tour around the world as we explore 5 of the most beautiful coastal towns.

Who knows, you might just find your next bucket list-worthy dream vacation on our list!

Polperro, England

You wouldn’t know it by just looking at this coastal town, but this idyllic place in Cornwall has a pretty immoral past.

Sometime in the 18th century, Polperro’s remote coastline was a routine entry point for smugglers, who brought in tobacco, alcohol, and any other contraband of the time. They didn’t leave many traces behind.

Though there are a few traditional fishermen’s cottages that date back to the 16th century, which line the beautiful narrow streets, and the downtown area has a few charming boutiques and galleries.

But you can also learn about this small coastal town’s colorful history at the Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing. There are also a number of things to do here, including exploring the village, visiting the beach, and taking part in a variety of activities like fishing.

Camden, Maine

We obviously HAD to include one of our favorite coastal towns in the US on this list. If you were asked to muster up a vision of a typical New England town, chances are you’d probably picture Camden.

This former manufacturing town rests on the green shores of Penobscot Bay, close to the base of Mount Battie. Historic sailboats and dozens of other vessels bob up and down in this beautiful coastal town’s harbor.

The downtown area, which was rebuilt after a fire in 1892 and designated the Great Fire Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places, is filled with stunning brick buildings and white clapboard homes lining the residential streets.

All in all, it’s one of the most charming locations to visit in our country.

Manarola, Italy

We’re sure that no matter which coastal town you choose to visit in Italy, you won’t be disappointed. But we happen to love Manarola! This tiny Northwest village dates back to the Middle Ages and has a jumble of brightly colored cliff-side homes that overlook the sea.

The area is also well known for producing that delicious white wine and olive oil. Nestled in between some rocky coastal cliffs, Manarola is one of the 5 fishing villages that make up the picturesque Cinque Terre area in Italy.

But easily the most recognizable of the 5, this cliffside small coastal town has homes in shades of pastel blue, pink, yellow, and orange. Legend says the houses were painted this way so that returning fishermen would be able to spot their homes more easily.

Sunset is the most spectacular time to be here when the lowering sun washes the houses in magnificent hues of gold, even if it’s just for a few dramatic moments!

Nova Scotia, Canada

Nova Scotia has a lot to offer its passing visitors. First up, Lunenburg, on the area’s southern coast, is one of the few North American towns that was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded by the British in 1753, it still has a historic feel to it.

This shipbuilding and fishing coastal town’s structures used to be painted black and white, those being the most affordable paint colors.

But in recent years, people started choosing other colors to specifically make their homes and businesses stand out a bit more, giving historic Lunenburg an inviting look.

And since you’re already in the area, you might want to also check out Mahone Bay, which is also set on the picturesque south shore. It was first inhabited by the French sometime in the 17th century, and later, the British gave it the name we know today.

The coastal town has remained a small and charming community attracting visitors for years, hosting wholesome events like the Scarecrow Festival and the Antiques Fair every year.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

This beautiful coastal town has been around since the 7th century! Dubrovnik is an idyllic small town that overlooks the Adriatic Sea. And it’s been a major tourist attraction for quite some time.

But now more than ever, people gather in hordes to see where the Game of Thrones series was filmed. The Beautifully elaborate buildings and charming marbled streets only add to the charms of this seaside town.

If visiting the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” look around, and you’ll find plenty of medieval treasures, including panoramic restaurants and laid-back wine bars, with nothing but the sea beyond! Have you packed your bags yet?

Cadaques, Spain

This village on Spain’s Costa Brava is supposedly where surrealist artist Salvador Dali found inspiration. He would spend his time in Cadaques in his early years and later had his home and studio, which is now a museum, in nearby Port Lligat.

This charming coastal town has a rustic and easygoing atmosphere, and it boasts those adorable whitewashed houses with tiled roofs that line the rocky coast and gleam against the blue sea and its pebbled beaches.

The bohemian vibe synonymous with Dalí and his contemporaries, like Federico García Lorca, is still very much alive in the town’s vibrant cultural life as its art galleries continue to flourish.

Generally, you’ll be greeted by numerous parades, fairs, and festivals that take place all throughout the year, including the International Music Festival and the Cultural Week of Cadaqués.

Alesund, Norway

Alesund is considered a Nordic gem, so if you happen to be in “fjord” country, be sure to make a pit stop here! This coastal town is well-known for its art nouveau architecture, which gives the city its modern Scandinavian look.

And throughout the city, there’s no shortage of food, art, and culture, from New Age museums to the many live music venues. Another great thing is that the region’s natural sights are just a short drive away. You can rent a boat and take off into the fjords to explore.

We recommend visiting in early summer through early fall if you wish to stay away from the area’s cold temperatures. One of the best “Must-See” activities here includes visiting the Atlantic Sea Park.

It’s a world-class aquarium, just a short walk away from the city center’s many museums, cafes, and bars. We also recommend hiking up to the Fjellsta vista to get a spectacular view of the surrounding fjords…You might want to pack a camera for this one!

We hope you enjoyed reading about all of these fantastic coastal towns. But if you’ve been abroad and happened to discover another charming coastal town, be sure to leave us a comment to tell us about your experience!

And if you’re a big fan of visiting small towns, our country has an abundance of them! Check this out: 7 Breathtaking Small Towns to Visit in Winter