The great thing about a seashore city is multifaceted. On one hand, there are the entire pure parts—whether or not it’s the shimmering blue waters, the white-sand seashores, or the rocky shoreline. However, you could have the human-made options: the charming cottages, the boats bobbing within the harbor, and the boardwalks sandwiched between the ocean and the oceanfront buildings. This mix breeds an inherently relaxed ambiance, one the place you’ll be able to’t assist however decelerate and respect the splendor round you.
Whilst you’ll discover photogenic seashore cities worldwide, we wished to find those the place magnificence reigns supreme. As a part of our search, we tapped a number of journey consultants to share their picks for probably the most stunning seashore cities—uncover their solutions beneath.
Encinitas, California
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There’s no scarcity of laid-back seashore cities in California, however Brandon Berkson, the founding father of Lodges Above Par, says one particularly stands out. “Encinitas blends classic aptitude with surf tradition, providing every part from quirky thrift shops like Flashbacks to legendary surf outlets resembling Hansen’s and Idea Surf Store. Its farm-to-table eating places showcase the realm’s recent, coastal vibe, whereas Moonlight State Seaside is the proper spot to surf—or just watch the motion from the sand,” he tells Journey + Leisure. “With sun-drenched streets and a carefree vitality, Encinitas looks like a Seaside Boys’ track come to life: timeless, relaxed, and unmistakably Californian.”
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
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“This small, serene island off the coast of Southport, North Carolina, is the place I grew up spending my summers. It’s small, family-friendly, and also you solely get round by golf cart, which provides it such a novel vibe,” says Fora journey advisor Sarah Younger. A part of the Brunswick Islands, Bald Head Island is residence to the oldest still-standing lighthouse in North Carolina, “Previous Baldy,” and plenty of scenic alternatives for mountaineering, biking, kayaking, and enjoyable on the seashore. “It’s my go-to place each summer time, and it’ll at all times be my most particular seashore vacation spot,” provides Younger.
Praiano, Italy
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“Simply down the coast from the well-known Positano, Praiano is equally beautiful however far much less hectic,” says Alicia Walter, creator at The Passport Couple. “The small city hugs the cliffs with postcard views in each path, and close by seashores, just like the one underneath the Fiordo di Furore bridge, really feel like scenes from a film.” Berkson recommends staying at Casa Angelina, which he describes as an “exceedingly stylish, dreamy, white-on-white boutique resort perched excessive above the piercingly blue Tyrrhenian Sea.” Because the solar begins to go down, he suggests heading to Il Pirata, “a romantic restaurant carved into the rocks, excellent for celebrating birthdays and milestones.”
Nosara, Costa Rica
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“In the event you have been to shut your eyes and film a surf city, I imagine the picture that might come to thoughts is definitely Nosara,” says Fora journey advisor Nicole Campoy Jackson. “Nosara is the definition of a romantic barefoot seashore life; it’s that easygoing, wet-hair, jungle-meets-sand seashore city. Contemporary from a surf, you soar again in your 4×4 and hit the grime roads in the hunt for an iced espresso and a breakfast burrito. By evening, you’re sun-kissed at a bar with solely three partitions, having a citrusy tuna ceviche and a ardour fruit margarita.”
All saints, Mexico
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Berkson describes Todos Santos as Cabo’s “cooler, quieter, youthful sibling,” one that gives a “slower tempo and a real style of Baja California Sur.” Tucked between mountains, desert, and the ocean, the seashore city has all types of photogenic moments—however Berkson shares that it’s the gathering of “thoughtfully designed” boutique accommodations that basically shine. “In contrast to the sprawling resorts in Cabo, locations like boho-chic, four-key Desierto Azul supply serene escapes with a twist, turning off Wi-Fi on Sundays to encourage visitors to embrace the laid-back desert rhythm. Close by, Villa Santa Cruz options upmarket but unpretentious lodging, together with tented beachfront suites and warm-hued hacienda-revival structure. They actually have a few stables with horses for visitors to journey alongside the shore,” he explains.
Kiama, Australia
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It ought to come as no shock that Australia, a rustic well-known for its breathtaking coasts, has a few of the world’s most stunning seashore cities. Though there are greater than a handful of those relaxed, oceanfront locations to go to, it’s practically unimaginable to not point out Kiama. About an hour and 45 minutes south of Sydney, Kiama is greater than your traditional coastal village. Maybe most notably, it’s residence to the world’s largest blowhole; Kiama Blowhole shoots water practically 100 ft excessive. When not admiring this pure marvel, go online, discover the ocean swimming pools and volcanic rock formations, or admire the historic terrace homes from the Eighties.
Forio, Italy
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”For a quieter escape from the busy Amalfi Coast, Ischia is a should. It’s not as well-known as Positano or Sorrento, which makes it much more particular,” says Younger. She notes her favourite spot is the realm outdoors the Mezzatorre Resort, which is just some minutes from the seashore city of Forio. “The water is crystal-clear, and it’s your individual slice of heaven. I’ll at all times keep in mind floating within the water with my mother final summer time for hours—due to the excessive mineral content material, you’ll be able to actually float for hours,” she says. Once you’re not floating round, make some extent to go to Forio’s harbor and historic middle, and take a look at the Torrione, the spectacular coastal watchtower in-built 1480.
St. Ives, England
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Cornwall’s roster of gorgeous seashore cities is stacked. Many function pleasant white-washed cottages, winding cobblestone streets, and turquoise waters extra generally related to the Mediterranean or Caribbean. St. Ives is particularly beautiful. The coastal city, initially a fishing village, is thought for its turquoise ocean, rugged shoreline, and all issues maritime—recent seafood, fishing boats, and historic cottages and boathouses now transformed into galleries, studios, and trip properties.
Shimoda, japan
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“A quiet coastal city on the Izu Peninsula, Shimoda provides crystal-clear waters, gentle sand, and a peaceable ambiance,” says Walter. “We had no concept there have been seashore cities like this in Japan. You’ll be able to take a luxurious prepare journey from Tokyo and be browsing or using bikes alongside the coast in just some hours.” Enterprise to Shirahama Seaside, about 2.5 miles outdoors of central Shimoda, for that aforementioned gentle white sand and first rate browsing circumstances; there are additionally outlets the place you’ll be able to hire seashore gear and seize fast bites.
Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
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“Santa Margherita and its extra well-known neighbor Portofino are a few of the most picturesque stretches of Italian shoreline, maybe tied with the cliffside splendor of Amalfi,” says Jackson, who describes the realm as a ”mixture of sandy and rocky seashores with colourful umbrellas all lined up proper subsequent to charming cities, lush gardens, and hilltop wineries and olive groves.” “One way or the other, for those who look again at it from the water, it matches all of that into one excellent view,” she says, including that the scene is finest “paired with a sundown cocktail and a snack of blended fried.”
Bar Harbor, Maine
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A gateway city to Acadia Nationwide Park, Bar Harbor, Maine, is the proper instance of that mix of human-made and pure magnificence. To witness each concurrently, stroll alongside the Shore Path, which begins on the City Pier subsequent to Agamont Park, at dawn. Look out for the Bar Harbour Inn, the Porcupine Islands, and Egg Rock Mild, a lighthouse relationship again to the 1870s. Be sure you additionally take a drive down the 27-mile, very scenic Park Loop Street to absorb the views.
Deià, Spain
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“Mallorca is considered one of my favourite locations, and I at all times advocate doing a ship day to discover the island’s completely different seashores. Every one has its personal vibe, and there’s nothing like hopping between them whereas having fun with the beautiful shoreline,” says Younger, who additionally recommends having lunch at Sa Foradada, situated within the small coastal village of Deià. Mallorca’s “crown jewel,” Deià boasts cliffside ocean views, an idyllic city, and turquoise waters—you’ll positively need to take a dip in Cala Deià.
Careyes, Mexico
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“The tiny cities and beautiful, less-developed shoreline of Careyes, and its neighbor Manzanillo, simply south of Puerto Vallarta, are laborious to beat,” says Jackson. “This stretch of coast was purchased in 1968 by an Italian banker who got down to create a inventive group right here, with a great portion of its stunning panorama purposefully left untouched. The group and the shoreline are the draw, greater than the city itself, although it has a really welcoming, barefoot ambiance.”
Coral Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
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“St. John looks like stepping right into a postcard with seashores like Trunk Bay, Maho Bay, and Cinnamon Bay. The water is obvious, and the sand is gentle and white. The island has a laid-back, untouched vibe, making it excellent for rest,” says Younger. There are two most important cities on the island, Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, and the latter is on the quieter aspect. Although broken by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the village welcomes guests with its easy-going ambiance. Discover traditional seashore bars like Skinny Legs and unimaginable panoramic views from the very best level of elevation on the island.
Muizenberg, South Africa
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South Africa’s capital is perhaps a bit bigger than your typical seashore city, however, in keeping with Jackson, it ought to be on each beachgoer’s must-see record. “Cape City is my favourite seashore metropolis on the planet. Seeing the large, stunning peak of Desk Mountain, town middle at its base, and a very stunning shoreline simply past—it’s a humiliation of riches,” she says. “You’ll go for the penguins on Boulders Seaside and keep for the long-lasting Camps Bay, the windy Cape of Good Hope, the surfer vibes of Muizenberg, the cool, previous fishing village type of Kalk Bay, and the little seashores between.” Muizenberg’s historic and colourful altering cabins are particularly photogenic; plus, the water is heat and calm, excellent for anybody simply studying to surf.