Consider these the best beach escapes for the metropolitan minded
Seaside cities have their obvious appeal—the attractive open ocean and sunny beaches—yet many of the most beautiful coastal cities around the world also carry long legacies of historical change and growth, with architectural monuments and styles that reflect them. Some have been centers of trade for hundreds—or even thousands—of years; others have become recent hubs for artists and designers.
Whether it’s the colorful façades decorating the coast of Camogli, Italy; the modernist escapes now nestled in Puerto Escondido, Mexico; or the historic, ancient charm of Split, Croatia; these cities invite travelers to discover their unique, storied allure. Explore the history and design of the 11 most beautiful coastal cities around the world.
Camogli, Italy
Camogli, a picturesque coastal town on the Ligurian Riviera in Italy, has a rich maritime history dating back to ancient times as a fishing village and trading hub. In the late 19th century, its fleet boasted hundreds of ships, earning its name as “the city of a thousand white sails.” Its pastel houses, constructed tightly together along the harbor, are decorated using marcapiano paintwork, a decorative technique used to indicate different floors of the building and help sailors recognize their homes from afar.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town was originally established as a refreshment station by the Dutch East India Company, and its architecture and landmarks—including the historic Cape Dutch buildings and colorful Bo-Kaap district—reflect its colonial past, with influences from Dutch, British, and Cape Malay styles. The city’s Company Garden, established in the 1650s, is South Africa’s oldest formal garden and was originally created to grow fresh produce for passing ships.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From the proud peak of Sugarloaf Mountain to the emblematic, postcard-worthy Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro’s landmarks are testaments to how its coastal location has shaped the city’s identity. Arguably its most recognizable landmark, the iconic statue of Cristo Redentor, which sits atop a 700-meter mountain peak, is visible from nearly every place in the city.
Hong Kong, China
Located on the South China Sea, Hong Kong evolved from a small fishing village into a major international port and financial center following its colonization by Britain in 1842. Its architecture reflects this transformation, blending traditional Chinese temples, British colonial-era buildings like the Former Supreme Court, and a skyline dominated by modern skyscrapers. The 144-foot-tall Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower, built in 1915, is one of the few remaining structures from the colonial-era Kowloon-Canton Railway station. Now, it represents the city’s transition from a historical trading port to a modern cosmopolitan city.
Rockport, MA
Picture New England’s classic architectural style, and you’ll probably imagine something resembling this charming coastal town on Cape Ann, complete with quaint clapboard houses, historic fishing shacks, and artists’ studios. One of its most famous landmarks is Motif No. 1, a red fishing shack erected in the 1880s that was built to provide storage for fisherman. In the 1920s, plein air artists took interest in the shack, and it became the subject of many artists’ work, leading to its enduring nickname.
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Located on the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El-Sheikh was originally a small fishing village before emerging in the mid-20th century as a strategic port, and, later, a world-renown tourist destination. Its architecture is a blend of traditional Middle Eastern design, replete with domed structures and intricate mosaics, and modern luxury resorts catering to international visitors. With crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, it’s become a hot spot for diving and marine tourism.
Kochi, India
A historic port city responsible for attracting traders from all over, Kochi is home to unique architecture reflecting its multicultural past—just look to landmarks like St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace to see the blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial styles with traditional Indian elements at play. Its coastline is immediately recognizable by its famed cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, introduced first by Chinese traders and used since the 14th century.
San Sebastián, Spain
Renowned for its Belle Époque architecture, San Sebastián’s most stunning landmarks were developed during its transformation into a luxurious seaside resort in the late 19th century. Landmarks like the grand Hotel María Cristina and expansive Miramar Palace exemplify the characteristics of Belle Époque architecture, finished with cupolas, railed balconies, and lavish decoration. The city of San Sebastián also hosts the prestigious San Sebastián International Film Festival, one of the oldest film festivals in Europe.
Marseille, France
France’s oldest city, Marseille has been a key Mediterranean port for over 2,600 years. Its architecture reflects its rich and diverse history, from ancient establishments like the Old Port to modern landmarks like the striking MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). The city is also the birthplace of bouillabaisse, the famous French fish stew—originally created by local fishermen using their leftover catch.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Like others on this list, Puerto Escondido was once a small fishing village. Now a popular destination for surfers and travelers, it’s particularly renowned for Zicatela Beach, one of the top surf spots in the world. With a laid-back, tropical appeal, the city offers eco-friendly beach bungalows, traditional thatched palapas, and modern minimalist designs (including an ocean-front retreat designed by Tadao Ando) that blend into the natural landscape.
Split, Croatia
Located on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, Split has a history dating back to the Roman Empire. During the 4th century, Emperor Diocletian built his massive palace as a future retirement residence, and the city grew around the stately escape. Its narrow streets and grand squares teem with history, and today its ancient core, including Diocletian’s Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parts of Diocletian’s Palace are still used as homes, shops, and restaurants, making it one of the world’s only living ancient monuments.