If you’re craving ocean views without the tourist-packed boardwalks, these lesser-known coastal towns are your sweet spot. They offer everything from white sand beaches to cliffside charm, minus the crowds. Whether you’re after Mediterranean sunshine or a quiet Pacific escape, these 10 spots deliver beauty and breathing room.
1. Nisyros, Greece
Nisyros is a quiet gem in the Dodecanese, known for its dramatic volcanic crater and whitewashed villages untouched by mass tourism. The island has a raw, natural beauty — from black sand beaches to steaming caldera hikes. In towns like Mandraki, you’ll find narrow alleys, traditional tavernas, and a peaceful pace that feels like stepping back in time.
2. Ventura, California
Ventura blends SoCal surf culture with small-town charm and a walkable downtown full of cafes and vintage shops. The beaches are wide and uncrowded, and the sunsets over the Channel Islands are hard to beat. It’s a relaxed, affordable alternative to Santa Barbara just up the coast — with all the coastal beauty, minus the scene.
3. Rovinj, Croatia
Rovinj sits on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula and feels more Italian than Slavic, with colorful buildings and a romantic harbor. The old town is car-free, cobbled, and incredibly photogenic. It has a growing food and wine scene, yet stays much quieter than Dubrovnik or Split.
4. Mazunte, Mexico
On Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, Mazunte is a relaxed alternative to the country’s mega-resorts. It’s known for yoga retreats, cliffside bungalows, and wide, golden beaches with almost no development. The town has a strong eco-vibe and an easy rhythm that keeps people coming back.
5. Camogli, Italy
Camogli is one of the Ligurian coast’s best-kept secrets, just an hour from the crowds of Cinque Terre. Its pastel buildings line a small fishing harbor and pebble beach, with a peaceful promenade perfect for sunset strolls. It’s authentic, uncrowded, and full of local flavor.
6. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
Nestled in French Basque Country, Saint-Jean-de-Luz blends surf culture with coastal elegance. The town has a compact, walkable center and a crescent-shaped beach that’s rarely overcrowded. It’s a favorite among French vacationers, but still largely undiscovered outside Europe.
7. Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA
Cannon Beach has long stretches of wild, windswept shoreline framed by iconic Haystack Rock. It’s more peaceful than California’s coastal hotspots and full of art galleries, cozy inns, and sea-view restaurants. Come for storm-watching season or quiet beach walks year-round.
8. Isla Holbox, Mexico
Holbox is a tiny island off the Yucatán Peninsula with car-free streets, laid-back beach bars, and shallow turquoise water. It still feels off-the-grid, despite growing popularity. It’s ideal for travelers who want barefoot luxury with zero stress.
9. Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Along the Garden Route, “Plett” mixes dramatic cliffs, wide beaches, and a relaxed vibe. There’s a mix of luxury lodges and boutique hotels, plus wildlife watching and wineries nearby. It offers a scenic, uncrowded alternative to Cape Town’s busier beaches.
10. Cadaqués, Spain
This whitewashed town on Spain’s Costa Brava was once a favorite of Salvador Dalí. It’s full of charm, surrounded by rocky coves and clear blue water. Despite its beauty, it remains a low-key spot thanks to its remote location and lack of big resorts.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.