6 of Europe’s Most Enchanting Coastal Towns

Summer’s finally crept its way in as we welcome warm temperatures and the gratifying wave of heat. This summer, I’ll be ticking off gorgeous European islands and coastal towns off my travel list. I’ve always had a thing for coastal towns: craggy shoreline, charming houses poised on cliff tops and plundering azul waves. We’ve taken a look at the world’s most enchanting coastal islands, it’s time now to zoom in on Europe and check out its quaint, pocket-sized seafront towns.

1. Roquebrune, France

Flickr photo by freefotouk

Perched gloriously over a rocky outcrop above the Mediterranean Sea is the charming medieval village of Roquebrune. Unlike the usual flashy crowd of Cote d’Azur, this corner in the South of France has retained a tinge of authenticity. Climb up to the top of the village where a 10th century castle gives an awe-inspiring panorama.

2. Oia – Santorini, Greece

 Flickr photo by DarkB4Dawn

As a personal favorite, Santorini oozes romantic vibes and postcard-perfect landscapes. A volcanic island perched above black fertile soils, Santorini boasts of gorgeous stark white-and-blue architecture, with monastery domes forming part of its setting. Oia is the prettiest town on the island, with narrow roads running alongside outdoor cafes and art galleries.

3. Ohrid, Macedonia

Having just returned from Macedonia, Lake Ohrid is undeniably the most beautiful natural attraction in the Balkans. The cobble stoned stairways and ancient Orthodox churches of the coastal town of Ohrid are artfully assembled against a backdrop of calm and peaceful Lake Ohrid. On a clear day, you can even see a hallucinogenic reflection of the surrounding snow peaks on the glassy water surface.

4. Antibes, France

Photo by Natalia Romay

Another charismatic town along the Cote d’Azur, Antibes is a former Greek and Roman town, now an enchanting historical Mediterranean. Weaving through its narrow alleys and imposing fortress, you’ll find many French property for sale here. It’s a hotspot for those who dream of owning a holiday home. If you’re one of the dreamers, Erna Low Property might be a good place to start.

5. Mdina, Malta

Flickr photo by Ploync

On the historically-rich archipelago of Malta, you’ll never run out of sand-stone ruins, ancient architectural marvels and turquoise-clear beaches to revel in. Mdina is the island’s quiet and well-preserved old town, with a plethora of cathedrals, palaces and quaint dining spots to offer. It makes for an excellent alternative to tourist-filled Valletta.

6. Rovinj, Croatia

Photo from Wikipedia

With rapidly growing popularity in the tourism industry, Croatia is catching the attention of many. Try to make it there soon before it gets dominated by tourists. The old town of Rovinj is dubbed as Croatia’s most picturesque towns with a colorful waterfront and a compact historical city center littered with ancient gems.

7. Positano, Italy

Flickr photo by Glen MacLarty

Wind through the plunging cliff-edge roads of the Italian Amalfi Coast and you’ll find your way to this naturally stunning coast town, carved right into the craggy shoreline. The entire town is made up of a labyrinth of alleyways that snake through steep slopes and age-old brick houses, with mosaic-tiled domes poking into the skies. In summer, the crowd here is made up of well-heeled Italian and international travelers looking for a hint of romance.

Read my article ‘8 of the World’s Most Beautiful Coastal Towns’ on Bootsnall.com!

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