25 adorable coastal towns to visit around the world

Next time you head south of the border, skip Cancun and Cabo and head straight for Sayulita. This colorful surfer’s village on the Pacific Ocean is flanked on the other side by the Sierra Madre Mountains. It’s a great place to catch (or learn to catch) a wave and shop for local artwork.

A favorite among Aussies but still relatively unknown to international tourists, Byron is exactly what you imagine an Australian surf town to be. The white sandy beach and cute, walkable village make the ideal getaway just up the coast from Sydney.

Pacific Northwesterners have been vacationing here for decades, but only recently has the Oregon Coast been recognized on a larger scale. Cannon Beach is home to the Insta-famous Haystack Rock, where, during the right season, you can see numerous bird species. Additionally, the town is known to be super dog-friendly!

Next time you’re craving some time on the Adriatic, skip Dubrovnik and Split and head northwest toward Italy. The Istria Peninsula, particularly the colorful town of Rovinj, is much quieter and has a totally different vibe from the rest of the country.

Most visitors to Morocco hit Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen but often miss the amazing coast! Don’t make that mistake. Make sure to include the beautiful town of Essaouira on your itinerary, perfect for swimming or taking a horse ride on the beach!

This adorable cliffside UNESCO World Heritage Site will delight visitors from all over. The buildings are built into rock, and the handy funiculars ensure that you’ll only need to hike around if you want to. 

If you’re looking for a smaller, more laidback stop on the Côte d’Azur, keep going further east past Nice. Just before the Italian border, you’ll find Menton, a smaller, calmer town but still quintessentially southern French! It also hosts a wonderful Lemon Festival each February. 

If you’re looking for a unique stop along the Caribbean, look no further than San Andrés. Bright blue water that looks like a social media filter (but is all natural), endless white sand, and swaying palm trees await you. 

Everyone heads to southern Spain when they’re in need of a beach vacation. However, if you want something a bit more off-beat, head north to Costa Brava. Whitewashed cliffs and stunning coastline welcome visitors, and Cadaqués is the best base.

Best known as a yoga hub, Nosara also has no shortage of beautiful beaches. It’s also great for surfing and is home to a monkey sanctuary. 

Tanzania might be most famous for hiking and safari, but the archipelago of Zanzibar is where those in the know go for a bit of beach time. The electric blue water and relaxed feel of all the towns and beaches make it the perfect coastal getaway.

Technically, it is an island, but one that feels like a small village. Located just an easy ferry ride from the mainland, world-class beach hikes, scuba diving, and a laid-back vibe await you!

The Maldives are a once-in-a-lifetime destination, the ultimate “treat yourself” experience. So, you might as well select the best base possible. Gulhi is popular amongst travelers thanks to clear water, close reefs for snorkeling, and great amenities.

Massachusetts is full of well-known beach spots such as Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. But if you’re looking to skip the crowds, look no further than Rockport. Just outside of Boston, it’s less busy and more refreshing than other more popular locations.

Tamarin is widely considered to be one of the best bases in Mauritius. Look at the photos, and it’s easy to see why! The adorable village has a bit of something for everyone: Waves for surfers, nightlife for those looking to party, and endless stretches of sand for those wanting to relax.

Japan probably isn’t your first thought when it comes to a beach vacation, but don’t sleep on the country! It does have beachy areas, just head to Okinawa — a prefecture with over a hundred islands that could be mistaken for the Maldives with the color of the water.

Cape Town is world-famous for a reason, but if you’re looking for less city and more beach, head east! Jeffreys Bay provides wonderful sand and great waves if you’re a surfer.

There are so many wonderful beach towns in Vietnam that choosing can be difficult. However, if you only have time for one, make it Da Nang. The northern town receives fewer sun tourists than the southern part of the country, but the sand is just as relaxing!

No, Canada isn’t just all snow and cold. Vancouver Island, off the west coast of British Columbia, is one of the most attractive coastal destinations in North America. Tofino, on the west side of the island, is a fantastic place to surf or relax, whichever you prefer.

As part of the “Albanian Riviera,” the secret is about to get out on Ksamil, so go now! You’ll enjoy beautiful water, affordable beach clubs, and none of the crowds of nearby Sarande!

This Kiwi gem is full of black sand and a great surf scene. It’s also near some fantastic hiking and is just a couple of hours from Auckland.

It’s been years since Bali blew up online, and it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. However, visitors will be rewarded with one of the most built-up coastal destinations, complete with cute cafes and coworking spots.

The Algarve is one of Portugal’s premiere destinations, thanks to pristine water and beaches. Lagos is one of the best bases, thanks to a great array of accommodations, activities, and restaurants.

Uruguay isn’t at the top of most visitor lists, but the country is full of great, affordable coastal spots. La Paloma is a quieter alternative to Punta del Este but still has great amenities. 

We’ll end this list with one of the most quintessential European coastal towns, an Amalfi favorite. Unless you visit in the dead of winter (not recommended), you’ll have to share Positano with many other visitors, but the views are absolutely worth it!