12 Charming Coastal Villages to Explore

Coastal villages are often the hidden treasures of any journey overseas. Their small and scenic harbors or bays provide a refreshing change from the modernity and size of more well-known ports. Some of the finest among them lie along breathtaking and often untouched stretches of coastline. Here is a list of the most stunning coastal villages.

Marsaxlokk, Malta

More than just a high-scoring word in Scrabble Marsaxlokk is a relaxed fishing village situated on the southern tip of Malta. Its earth-colored buildings curve around the calm waters of Marsaxlokk Bay and the traditional luzzu boats that brighten the harbor are a sign of a way of life that has been followed since ancient times.

Even though this must-see destination has become a favorite with travelers to the country the attention has not taken away from the village’s authentic feel. It is at its most lively on Sundays when the fish market Malta’s largest draws crowds looking for the fresh catch of the day for their dinner.

If you are a seafood lover you will want to spend all your time moving from one restaurant to another in Marsaxlokk. Try traditional dishes such as mahi-mahi or ‘Lampuka’ in Malta which is traditionally served fried or in a pie (Torta tal-Lampuk) or a swordfish steak fried in olive oil and enhanced with lemon. Capol Mulini a restaurant located along the harbor’s light-kissed edge is rightly praised.

Beyond the ocean the impressive Fort San Lucian the second-largest watchtower in Malta towers over the village. It is a 17th-century structure well worth a closer look although it is hard to get away from the sea here the watchtower has since become an Aquatic Research Centre Facility.

Positano, Italy

The crown jewel of Italy’s timeless Amalfi Coast Positano shows how with a touch of Italian spirit and a beautiful natural setting a coastal village can represent the idea of glamour for nearly a decade.

While Positano’s fishing families have long since put down their nets and entered the tourism industry the village’s authenticity remains clearly marked in its baroque architecture.

The narrow lanes that twist and turn down to a gray-shingle beach filled with stylishly dressed couples are in the warmer months a labyrinth covered with wisteria and bougainvillea with overflowing window boxes and ancient (and very sturdy-looking) oak doors at the end of uneven stone steps.

The restaurants try to position themselves so you can eat outside with a view of the sapphire Tyrrhenian Sea. And while it is understandably tempting to eat as close to the water’s edge as possible a table higher up will let you see the sunset lighting up the pastel walls.

Mahahual Village, Costa Maya

Mexico’s Mahahual Village combines Caribbean relaxation with the spectacular coastline of Costa Maya.

Quiet beaches with sand as soft and white as fresh powder slope into shallow warm waters. Mexico’s largest coral atoll the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve is located just a twenty-minute boat ride from the shore and attracts divers with its impressive variety of life including manatees crocodiles and turtles.

Back on the sun-baked shore the wide Malecon boardwalk provides over a mile of relaxed walking with shade from palms or bright neon umbrellas at margarita beach bars. Cycle along the route feeling the breeze under your flip flops or enjoy lobster before spending the afternoon in a hammock on one of Costa Maya’s beaches.

Molunat, Dubrovnik, Croatia

About 25 miles south of Dubrovnik Molunat is a coastal village so surrounded by nature that its pink-tiled rooftops seem to rest against large cushions of green. Clear waters do little to disturb the peaceful atmosphere while stands of tall cypress trees seem to have been planted just to remind swimmers to check if night has fallen while they were relaxing.

Here you can arrange to buy fresh fish in the bluish-orange light of morning from the few boats floating in the harbor. Either cook it yourself or try it prepared in Croatian style at one of the two restaurants in the village.

While Dubrovnik is a must-see going to Molunat as the sky turns pink over the sun-warmed sea feels like escaping to an intimate hideaway in one of the most beautiful places in Croatia.

Peggy’s Cove, Canada

On Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast is Peggy’s Cove a charming coastal village perhaps best known for its iconic red-capped lighthouse.

While the lighthouse and the smooth boulders it sits on are well worth the walk do not forget about the town’s famous lobster fleet. Try several versions of this seafood favorite in one of its cozy restaurants which has a harbor view at Shaw’s Landing.

While the lobsters lighthouse and beautiful sea views would easily make Peggy’s Cove worthy of a place on a list of top coastal villages the town just under an hour’s drive west from Halifax also has an interesting artistic and historic background to explore.

Its name which some say comes from the sole survivor of a shipwreck in the 1800s is explored in the local museum which is visually hard to miss because of the mural of the lighthouse on its clapboard front.

The mural is just one of the striking outdoor artworks found in the village. The William E. deGarthe Memorial Monument is on a different level entirely. A 100-foot granite carving showing the founding of the village this local treasure is kept in the backyard of the former resident artist. It is one of those coastal villages where it feels like there is something to discover around every corner.

Cane Garden Bay, British Virgin Islands

Located on the north shore of the island of Tortola the largest of the British Virgin Islands Cane Garden Bay is where the natural beauty of the archipelago is at its peak.

A gentle curve of sugary sand within a circular sweep of lush tropical hills this calm bay protected by barrier reefs offers excellent snorkeling and swimming opportunities. Catamarans float on the clear waters while fish swim in large numbers over the wavy sand seabed.

Mali Ston, Croatia

Perhaps the most fortified of the coastal villages on this list attractive Mali Ston is part of a medieval defensive network that is second only to China’s Great Wall in length.

These walkable defensive walls connect to its neighbor Ston and the 15th-century fortress of Koruna (its construction is similar to Dubrovnik) which overlooks the small port and makes for interesting trips during a stay in Croatia.

However you may be too busy eating oysters to care. It is possible that the world’s tastiest oysters are harvested from Mali Ston Bay where a mix of salt and freshwater helps bivalves grow in a delicious way.

Eat them among the old stone houses of Mali Ston or take a tour of the nearby Elafiti Islands a sparkling Adriatic archipelago of peaceful natural beauty and memorable beachside fish restaurants.

Meanwhile just to the north is the Peljesac Peninsula the source of some of the finest Croatian wines and the perfect complement to your seafood journey in and around Mali Ston. Once you visit you will understand why the medieval people living here were so eager to fortify this stretch of coast.

Georgioupolis, Crete, Greece

Georgioupolis is one of those coastal villages that always seem to have something happening. While the people of this gem in Crete focus more on tourism today than casting nets into the shining depths of the Sea of Crete it remains a great place for fresh-off-the-boat fish dishes served at waterside tavernas with table legs almost in the sea.

Backed by rolling hills and the distant peaks of the White Mountains the entrance to Georgioupolis one of Crete’s most beautiful villages is lined with tall eucalyptus trees. Their scent fills the town and shades the tavernas and attractive small squares.

The trees are important because they helped soak up the water around the village Kournas Crete’s only freshwater lake is behind Georgioupolis and set among the inland olive groves. A significant wetland put on your bird-watching gear and take photos of the endangered species that call this piece of Grecian paradise home.

Back on the beaches you might see baby loggerhead turtles making their way to the waves like new tourists. If you have come at the wrong time of year cheer yourself up with a walk to the striking Church of Agios Nikolaos. This shrine to the patron saint of sailors is a simple white structure set in the bay just do not go when the waves are high or you will get wet.

Anse la Raye, St. Lucia

Hidden a little way south of popular Marigot Bay in St. Lucia Anse la Raye is one of St. Lucia’s most authentic fishing villages located at the end of a road that winds through large banana plantations.

Sheltered by high forested headlands colorful boats float in a bay named for the many rays found under the waves. Hidden in the surrounding countryside roughly marked paths lead to waterfalls that flow into inviting green pools.

By day the village’s architecture has colonial-era charm best enjoyed with a freshly baked coconut turnover in hand.

Agioi Apostoloi, Crete, Greece

While just over a mile from Chania’s city center the coastal village of Agioi Apostoloi feels far away from the hustle and bustle of this small and attractive city.

Situated where two beautiful sun-filled bays meet Agioi Apostoloi is a Grecian retreat with little to interfere with a sun-filled vacation. Surrounded by scented pine forest brightened with oleander the series of coves offer slightly different styles of beach allowing you to find the right mix of sea cliffs silky sands and sea daffodils that appeals to you most.

Arrive in early September and you will be there for the village’s sardine feast. It is hard to beat grilled fish glasses of raki and traditional Cretan music while the sun sets over the Mediterranean.

Monterosso, Italy

A pastel amphitheater of Italian architecture on the best beach in the Cinque Terre Monterosso al Mare is the largest of these five famous coastal villages. While the others are smaller Monterosso offers an experience most like a traditional Italian seaside resort except with the added magic of this sacred stretch of the Ligurian coastline.

Be sure to take time to look inside the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its beautiful green and cream marble facade made from locally mined stone. Or take a walk under the shady pines of the promenade.

The best view is of course from the sea. Hire a boat take a bottle of local pinot grigio and toast your good fortune as one of the best sunsets in the world lights up the colors of the town.

La Jolla, California

An upscale area with an offshore ecological reserve this coastal community just north of downtown is a center of health and wealth.

To the north of San Diego La Jolla is known for the rugged beauty of the cove from which it gets its name. Join the agile locals and rent a kayak to explore the sea caves or dive into the amazing kelp forests.

Golfers will want to play at the clifftop Torrey Pines golf course site of the 2021 US Open and enjoy a game at its panoramic location on the north end of La Jolla. (Fair warning parasailers jumping off the cliffs can sometimes make you mess up a shot.)

In La Jolla Village you will find independent boutiques to browse while the Hollywood Golden Age hotel bars are perfect for sunset cocktails and excellent brunch spots Duke’s Egg Benedict is hard to beat.

Conclusion

These 12 stunning coastal villages offer a glimpse into the diverse beauty and charm of coastal life around the world. From the colorful boats of Malta to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean from the rugged coasts of Canada to the tropical paradise of the Caribbean each village has its own unique character and attractions. Whether you are a food lover seeking fresh seafood an adventurer looking to explore nature or a traveler in search of authentic culture these villages have something to offer. So set sail plan a road trip or book a flight and discover the magic of these coastal gems for yourself.