Top 10 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Europe
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| Illustrated picture. Photo: Mixi |
For a holiday with a bit of surprise and originality here are some under the radar coastal towns of Europe which still have plenty of local character and culture to offer. We know it is difficult to match the thrum of the city and the throb of the nightlife, but sometimes you need to throw cities aside and venture towards areas where the air is fresher, where there are fewer tourists, and where you can – more often than not – see the wood for the trees. Welcome, then, to the coast, where you can feel the warm breeze on your face as you drift from one small town or village to the next.
List of 10 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Europe
1. Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy
2. Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza, Spain
3. Carvoeiro, Portugal
4. Naoussa, Paros, Greece
5. Šibenik, Croatia
6. San José, Almería, Spain
7. Antibes, France
8. Furore, Italy
9. Polperro, Cornwall, UK
10. Reine, Norway
Which of the Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Europe?
1. Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy
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| Photo: Road Affair |
Of the five coastal villages that make up Italy's Cinque Terre, there’s none more romantic than Vernazza, a colorful cliffside town that dates back to around 1,000 A.D. Its vibrant buildings, in hues of coral, sun yellow, brick red, and sky blue, border a small harbor on one side; on the other, the 11th-century tower of Doria Castle looks out over the sea.
Take a stroll along the shore with a slice of focaccia bread or a paper cone filled with calamari and frites from Batti Batti, then skip the touristy harborside restaurants for Ligurian specialties (stuffed anchovies; minestrone Genovese) at the trattoria inside Hotel Gianni Franzi, located off the main piazza. For even better views, head to Belforte, located inside Doria Castle on an open stone terrace, which has remained one of the region's most elegant places to eat for more than 50 years.
By the end of the afternoon, after the tourist throngs have departed for the day, the quiet streets left behind feel like an old Italian film set à la La Dolce Vita.
2. Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Ibiza, Spain
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| Photo: Sirenis Hotels & Resorts |
Most visitors to Ibiza tend to stay in Ibiza town and the resorts on the isle's more developed eastern coast, but the western side of the island has some of the best under-the-radar beaches. 7Pines Resort, which just opened this summer, has made that part of Ibiza more accessible.
From the glass-fronted infinity pool, you can gaze out at Es Vedra, the mystical island believed to be the home of the sirens who tried to lure Odysseus from his ship. Just a short walk away is Cala Codolar, a small hidden cove with sparkling turquoise water and a tiny beach shack that rents out lounge chairs.
3. Carvoeiro, Portugal
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| Photo: Iberian Escapes |
This town in the Algarve lies along the Seven Hanging Valleys, a hiking trail that offers spectacular views from the top of the area’s high rocky cliffs. At the bottom, you’ll find secluded coves and majestic cave formations, including one at Benagil Beach that appears to have a skylight.
The best place to stay in this area is the recently renovated Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, which overlooks the sea. Book a massage at the fantastic spa, where treatments incorporate local honey, olive oil, and herbs.
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4. Naoussa, Paros, Greece
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| Photo: Paros Luxury Hotels |
Forget Mykonos and Santorini—to experience Greece's more authentic side, you need to get off the beaten path and explore the other islands of the Cyclades. Whitewashed Paros is a great place to start. Naoussa, its main port city, comes alive in summer with outdoor restaurants, quaint local bars, and plenty of shops where you can buy white linen clothes and other beach essentials.
There aren’t a lot of hotels on the island, so if you go, consider renting one of the luxury villas managed by White Key Villas, which has access to some of the island's most beautiful homes and can arrange excursions, guided tours, and just about anything else your heart desires.
5. Šibenik, Croatia
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| Photo: Travel East and Central Europe |
It’s known as the gateway to Krka national park and the Kornati islands, but this 1,000-year-old city has enough in itself to keep visitors happily busy for days. A slow amble along its waterfront goes past bars, restaurants and the 15th-century Cathedral of St James, a Unesco world heritage site with a blend of gothic and renaissance architecture. In the labyrinthine old town are several of Šibenik’s fortresses, including Sveti Mihovila, a magical spot for outdoor concerts in summer.
There’s also the newly renovated Barone fortress, which has stunning views. Cool off at Plaža Banj, a pebbly blue-flag beach north of the old town.
Where to eat/drink Enjoy harbour views from Tomaseo (mains from £12). Start with octopus carpaccio before a main of slow-cooked lamb. For an introduction to Croatian wines, check out Vino & Ino in the old town.
6. San José, Almería, Spain
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| Photo: Wikimedia Commons |
The white buildings and arid hills are reminiscent of Greece. It’s backed by the cactus desert landscapes of spaghetti westerns and, in summer, is swelled by the cool and bohemian from across Europe, yet this remains a quintessentially Spanish seaside destination. It’s the place to go in Almería with the kids in July or August. San José bustles but is sweet and easy.
Rent umbrellas, loungers, pedalos and kayaks from the man on the sand; or explore the crystalline marine park by kayak (adult from €25, child from €15, happykayak.com) or go below (snorkelling from €25, diving from €30, isubsanjose.com). The main beach is wide and white, there are smaller bays east beyond the marina, and the famous protected beaches of Genoveses and Mónsul start 1km to the west (accessible by shuttle bus).
7. Antibes, France
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| Photo: Adventure Travel |
You can leave the binoculars at home, there’s no celeb spotting in this Côte d’Azur town. Instead, there is a local market, flower-filled lanes for walks, and several beach options. The old town is enclosed by 16th-century ramparts that allow for panoramic sea vistas and nearby there is the dramatic star-shaped Fort Carré.
Where to eat: Go to the Marché provençal in Cours Masséna and make up a picnic from fresh produce — bread, red pepper paste, goats’ cheese, tomatoes, olives and ripe peaches to finish. Take it to the beach 5 minutes’ walk away.
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8. Biarritz, France
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| Photo: YouTube |
Whether you’re coming for the waves or the glitz—you'll find plenty of both here—Biarritz is one of France’s most swoon-worthy gems. If you love long walks on the beach, there's no better place to go for a romantic stroll than the town's sandy stretches, which are lined with eye-popping Belle Époque villas.
Spend an afternoon at the charming Plage Port Vieux beach, popular with locals, and learn to master the waves with Hastea Surf School. Other must-dos: a tour of Planète Musée du Chocolat Biarritz, whose exhibits celebrate Basque Country's chocolate-making heritage, and dinner at La Cabane à Huîtres for standout oysters on the half shell.
9. Polperro, Cornwall, UK
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| Photo: The Sun |
It is almost unfair to many other coastal places in Cornwall to choose Polperro (population of about 1,600) over them, as there isn’t one port village in the region that doesn’t elicit the words “charming” and “gorgeous”. We are plumping for Polperro, however, because the streets are so narrow that cars are banned (parking is at the nearby hamlet of Crumplehorn).
If you’re looking for the definition of quaint and picture-postcard, then this is the place: pretty, flower-adorned cottages, independent shops selling art, pottery, and jewellery, several restaurants, and about seven gloriously distinctive pubs.
10. Reine, Norway
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| Photo: TripAdvisor |
A fishing village in the municipality of Moskenes is as small and incredible as you could ever imagine. With a population of less than 350, Reine is located 125km west of Svolvaer Airport, and situated on the island of Moskenesøya, on northern Norway’s Lofoten archipelago, above the Arctic Circle While it is – inevitably – a quiet place to visit, Reine’s natural scenery and location take some beating.
Fishermen’s huts and cabins (some of which have been converted into visitor accommodation) dot the small section of coast it inhabits, but you’re here for the truly awe-inspiring landscape and very little else. A hiker’s paradise? Or just, simply, paradise?
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