Coastal Cities That Will Steal Your Breath Away
What's better than a seaside getaway? Balmy weather, salty sea breeze, all that brilliant blue—few things in the world feel as opulent. Even if you're not up for dipping your toes in or soaking up the sun at the beach, you can admire the view from elsewhere or explore other gems. Either way, you're bound to be awestruck. From the Amalfi Coast to Rio de Janeiro, here are 20 mesmerizing coastal cities that should be on your bucket list.
1. Oia, Greece
Perched on the northwestern tip of Santorini and facing the Aegean Sea, Oia is a charming village carved into the island's famous bluff—the caldera. Golden hour here is truly one of a kind, and if you're not spending your evenings admiring the view from the clifftops, you're doing it wrong.
2. Amalfi, Italy
At first glance, Amalfi might just seem like every other gorgeous seaside town, but the coastline here is world-famous. A drive down the iconic scenic spot is a must, but it might take hours to get through due to traffic, so tour the rest of the town's attractions before hitting the Amalfi Coast.
3. Reine, Norway
Don't underestimate this quaint fishing village—Reine is a must-stop on the Lofoten archipelago. Though it's home to little more than 300 people, the red-and-white huts dotting the shoreline below the jagged Lofoten peaks offer a breathtaking sight.
4. Honolulu, USA
Taking up the southern shore of Oahu, Honolulu is one of Hawaii's absolute must-sees. Blue skies, sparkling waters, lush greenery—this is the land of paradise. The beaches here are the obvious hotspots, where you can swim or soak up the sun to your heart's content, but the rest of the city is just as inviting for exploration.
5. Phuket, Thailand
King of its namesake island, Phuket is known for its white sand beaches and stunning teal waters, with Patong Beach being the most famous. This is the perfect destination to weave through bays and lagoons on a boat ride, where the mountainous landscape will greet you as you pass.
6. Barcelona, Spain
With so much of the city focused on art and architecture, it's sometimes easy to forget that Barcelona borders the Mediterranean Sea. Museums, markets, cathedrals, and lush avenues encapsulate the Catalonian capital, where your days begin with sightseeing and end with a glass of cava.
7. Camden, USA
It only takes one glance to understand why Camden is such a coveted spot for film projects; Peyton Place, Casper, Forest Gump, and more have been shot here. But away from the big screen, Camden is an intimate village where most days are spent either out on the harbor, or exploring colorful boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
8. Venice, Italy
A criss-cross labyrinth of canals and bridges connecting 118 islands, Venice isn't your typical city. Anyone who has been here would know that there are few destinations like this anywhere else in the world. And though other picturesque canal cities exist, Venice has a kind of charm that will linger with you long after you've left.
9. Istanbul, Turkey
The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is enveloped by three bodies of water: the Golden Horn, the Bosporus, and the Marmara Sea. But beyond its coastline, this is a peninsula steeped in rich history, where much of its architecture is owed to its imperial past.
10. Sydney, Australia
As one of Australia's largest and most iconic cities, it's hard to believe that Sydney isn't the country's capital. Food is prominent here, as are its numerous beaches, but it's the Sydney Opera House and the sparkling Harbour Bridge that will steal your breath away.
11. Nice, France
Facing the Mediterranean Sea, Nice is the crown jewel of the French Riviera. Numerous beaches dot its coastline, where large, round pebbles (called galets) make up the face of the shore. If you tire of dipping your toes in the sand and sea, though, head to the city's Old Town for a lunch break or tour through the many museums.
12. Dubrovnik, Croatia
There's a reason why Dubrovnik is nicknamed "The Pearl of the Adriatic." Perched on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, visiting this stunning city is akin to leaping back in time: Baroque architecture, cobblestoned streets, and terracotta rooftops line the city's Old Town. Everything Dubrovnik has to offer is sure to leave you stunned.
13. Auckland, New Zealand
Māori culture seeps into every nook of Auckland—better known as Tāmaki Makaurau—and gives this beloved city its striking, distinctive charm. Abundant with beaches, museums, art galleries, and restaurants run by world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs, this is the destination you've been waiting for.
14. Reykjavik, Iceland
Despite the country's name, Iceland isn't the coldest place on earth—though weather here is often erratic and characterized by sharp winds. Don't let that deter you from visiting its capital; there's a reason most of Iceland's population lives here. The northern lights might be the main draw, but so are the glaciers and geothermal spas.
Nicolas J Leclercq on Unsplash
15. Vancouver, Canada
Nestled in one of Canada's most stunning provinces, Vancouver isn't just known for its rocky mountains and striking blue beaches. This is also a city brimming with iconic restaurants, lush parks, cultural centers, and so much more—plus a food market perched atop a tiny peninsula that was once a mud flat.
16. Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Situated at the mouth of Kotor Bay, Herceg Novi is one of Montenegro's hidden gems. The Old Town is quaint, with cobbled pathways, ancient churches, and small boutiques. But if the view of the Adriatic is what you're searching for, head up Forte Mare (Sea Fortress) to soak in the brilliant blue.
17. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town truly earns its title as the capital of South Africa. The sights here are jaw-dropping: from the sweeping slopes of Table Mountain to the gorgeous waterfront, everything about this city will leave you breathless. Beyond the scenery, though, thrilling outdoor adventures like paragliding and zip-lining await.
Finding Dan | Dan Grinwis on Unsplash
18. Brighton, UK
Brighton perfectly embodies its name in every sense of the word. This vibrant city is lined with bustling neighborhoods and colorful shops, everything proudly queer. Sunset is when the iconic Palace Pier comes alive, where you can grab a bite to eat or hop on a rollercoaster overlooking the English Channel.
19. Tokyo, Japan
It might seem odd that this metropolis, known primarily for its futuristic skyscrapers and neon-lit districts, would be on this list of seaside cities. Yet, beyond the buzz of entertainment, nightlife, and culture, Tokyo offers a fair share of attractions around its bay. Amusement parks and shopping centers perched on artificial islands are just a few examples.
20. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Aside from the city's signature landmarks, like Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer monument, Rio de Janeiro is home to majestic green peaks and dazzling beaches—making it easily one of the most beautiful places on earth. And that's not all: football fans and samba enthusiasts will also be thrilled to spend a lifetime here.
