14 Coastal Towns That Feel Like a Slice of the Mediterranean
Here are 14 stunning coastal towns outside of Europe that capture the essence of the Mediterranean—without actually being in the Mediterranean. These hidden gems boast sun-drenched beaches, pastel-colored villages, vibrant marketplaces, and fresh seafood that make them feel like a slice of Greece, Italy, or Spain. Whether you're looking for whitewashed cliffside villages, turquoise waters, or charming harbors where time seems to stand still, these destinations prove that the Mediterranean spirit thrives beyond its geographic borders.
1. Essaouira, Morocco – The Moroccan Santorini
Essaouira, a breezy seaside escape on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is often compared to Santorini or Mykonos for its blue-and-white color scheme, narrow alleyways, and oceanfront tavernas serving fresh seafood. The town’s Portuguese-built fortified walls, which date back to the 16th century, give it a striking resemblance to Mediterranean port towns, creating a blend of European and North African influences. This picturesque coastal gem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as you wander its bustling souks and artisanal workshops, you’ll find that its history is as vibrant as its culture. Beyond the medina, Essaouira’s windswept beaches draw surfers and kiteboarders, while the fishing port remains a hive of daily activity, with seagulls circling above the brightly painted blue boats that return with fresh catches. The laid-back atmosphere and strong artisan traditions make Essaouira one of the most charming and artistic towns in North Africa. Whether you're sipping mint tea in a sun-drenched courtyard, admiring the intricate handmade rugs and silver jewelry, or listening to the hypnotic rhythms of Gnawa music, Essaouira offers an effortlessly Mediterranean escape with a distinctly Moroccan soul.
2. Valparaíso, Chile – The Amalfi Coast of South America
Valparaíso is a bohemian coastal city that mirrors Italy’s Amalfi Coast with its steep hills, colorful houses, and breathtaking ocean views. Its historic funicular railways, which date back over a century, allow visitors to explore its labyrinthine streets that cascade toward the waterfront—just like Positano or Cinque Terre. The city has long been a haven for artists, musicians, and poets, and its thriving street art scene gives it a distinctive, creative edge. Nicknamed “The Jewel of the Pacific,” Valparaíso is an explosion of color and culture, where mural-covered walls and hand-painted staircases give every street an artistic personality. The local markets offer freshly caught seafood and fine Chilean wines, while the city’s vibrant nightlife pulses with live music and tango performances. The combination of cobblestone streets, a salty sea breeze, and panoramic ocean views makes Valparaíso one of the most Mediterranean-feeling towns in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you're exploring the charming port district, sipping a glass of Carménère wine on a sun-drenched terrace, or simply taking in the dramatic coastal scenery, Valparaíso embodies the Mediterranean spirit in a way that few non-European cities do.
3. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – Baja’s Greek Island Escape
With its whitewashed buildings, rugged cliffs, and turquoise waters, Cabo San Lucas could be mistaken for a Greek island, but instead of sitting in the Aegean Sea, it’s perched at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Cabo’s Mediterranean charm shines through in its vibrant plazas, lively marinas, and fresh seafood eateries, where dishes like grilled octopus and ceviche recall the sun-soaked tavernas of Santorini or Crete. The town’s picturesque beaches and dramatic rock formations, including the famous El Arco, provide the kind of awe-inspiring coastal beauty you’d expect in Mykonos or Sicily. While Cabo is known for its luxurious resorts and high-energy nightlife, it also has a quieter, more traditional side, with cobblestone streets, local artisans selling hand-painted ceramics, and waterfront cafés where locals linger over cocktails at sunset. Beyond the town, you can explore remote fishing villages, secluded coves, and even vineyards in the Valle de Guadalupe, where the local wines rival those of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re sailing in the Sea of Cortez, horseback riding along the coast, or simply enjoying a leisurely seafood feast by the water, Cabo offers a little slice of the Mediterranean in the heart of Mexico.
4. Tangier, Morocco – The Blue-and-White Port Town
Tangier, perched where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, is a Moroccan town with deep European influences. Its whitewashed medina, bustling cafés, and dramatic coastal views evoke the atmosphere of a Spanish seaside town like Cádiz or Málaga, while its history as a crossroads of cultures has given it a distinctly Mediterranean soul. Tangier has been an inspiration for writers, musicians, and artists for centuries, with legends like Tennessee Williams, Jack Kerouac, and Henri Matisse all drawn to its mystical energy and dazzling seascapes. Today, its narrow, sunlit alleyways are lined with pastel-colored homes, lively market stalls, and historic riads, where you can sip Moroccan mint tea while gazing out at the sparkling sea. The town’s bustling Grand Socco marketplace is a sensory experience like no other, filled with the aromas of saffron, grilled seafood, and fresh oranges. Just beyond the city, the rolling hills and olive groves of the Rif Mountains recall the landscapes of Tuscany or Andalusia, while the beaches along the Mediterranean coast offer the same sun-drenched relaxation you’d expect in southern Spain.
5. The Abacos, Bahamas – A Caribbean Portofino
The Abacos, a chain of islands in the Bahamas, feel like a tropical version of Portofino with their pastel-colored waterfront villages, wooden fishing boats, and charming marinas. The towns of Hope Town and Marsh Harbour are particularly picturesque, where colorful colonial architecture, lush gardens, and sun-dappled cobblestone streets create a setting straight out of the Mediterranean Riviera. Unlike the party-heavy destinations in the Bahamas, the Abacos offer a slower, more tranquil pace of life, where you can wander through charming villages, explore tiny boutiques, and enjoy long, leisurely seafood dinners overlooking the harbor. The vibrant atmosphere of the towns is complemented by sailboats bobbing in the crystal-clear waters, reminiscent of a summer’s day in Capri or the French Riviera. Local traditions also echo Mediterranean coastal living, from open-air markets selling fresh conch and tropical fruits to evening strolls along the water as the sun sets in shades of pink and gold.
6. Bocas del Toro, Panama – A Bohemian Coastal Haven
Bocas del Toro, an archipelago of colorful Caribbean towns, exudes a unique Mediterranean-meets-Central-American charm. Nestled on Panama’s Caribbean coast, Bocas Town—the main hub of the archipelago—feels like a cross between a laid-back Greek island and a tropical Venice, where stilted waterfront houses rise above the crystal-clear sea. The town’s wooden boardwalks, pastel-hued buildings, and bohemian atmosphere bring to mind the coastal villages of Ibiza or Formentera, but with a distinctly Caribbean twist. Wander through Bocas Town's vibrant streets, and you’ll find cafés spilling out onto the sidewalks, fresh seafood shacks grilling lobster and red snapper, and bustling market stalls selling handcrafted jewelry and textiles. As the sun sets, the island comes alive with music, with reggae beats blending with Latin rhythms, much like the lively summer nights of Mykonos or Santorini. For those looking for adventure, the nearby deserted islands, coral reefs, and palm-fringed beaches provide endless opportunities for snorkeling, surfing, and sailing. Whether you’re sipping a coconut cocktail at a waterfront bar, exploring hidden lagoons, or dancing under the stars, Bocas del Toro offers the same free-spirited, sun-drenched energy of the Mediterranean’s most beloved coastal retreats—but at a fraction of the cost.
7. Salalah, Oman – The Arabian Amalfi
Salalah, Oman’s unexpected coastal paradise, is often described as "the Amalfi Coast of the Arabian Peninsula", thanks to its lush green hills, dramatic sea cliffs, and palm-lined beaches. While much of the Middle East is dominated by desert landscapes, Salalah comes to life during the Khareef monsoon season (June to September), when rains transform the region into a Mediterranean-like oasis. Rolling green hills, misty valleys, and olive groves reminiscent of Italy or Greece create a setting that feels far removed from the dry deserts of Oman’s interior. Salalah’s bustling souks and seafood markets add to its Mediterranean charm, offering freshly caught fish, pomegranates, dates, and fragrant spices—ingredients that wouldn’t be out of place in a coastal town along the Adriatic or Ionian seas. The town’s historic forts and ancient ruins, such as Al Baleed Archaeological Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), recall the centuries-old maritime trade routes that once linked the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean and beyond. Meanwhile, the stunning coastline, with its golden beaches and turquoise waters, is a haven for divers and sun-seekers alike. Whether you're exploring hidden sea caves, riding camels along the shore, or indulging in a beachside feast of grilled seafood, Salalah delivers the same mix of history, beauty, and relaxation found in Mediterranean gems like the Amalfi Coast or Dalmatian Islands—but with an exotic Arabian twist.
8. Lamu, Kenya – A Swahili Santorini
Lamu, an ancient Swahili coastal town, is Kenya’s answer to the Greek Islands, with its whitewashed buildings, palm-fringed courtyards, and relaxed island vibe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Old Town is one of the oldest and best-preserved settlements in East Africa, where narrow, winding alleyways lead to hidden gardens filled with bougainvillea, and the rhythmic call to prayer echoes through the air. The town’s architecture, featuring Arab, Portuguese, and Indian influences, gives it a look reminiscent of Santorini, Hydra, or even the small coastal towns of Crete. Unlike bustling cityscapes, Lamu has no cars—donkeys and dhows (traditional wooden sailboats) remain the primary means of transport, just as they were centuries ago in old Mediterranean fishing villages. The town’s lively waterfront, where fishermen bring in their daily catch, feels like a scene straight out of Sicily or the Greek Isles, with its fresh seafood, spice-laden markets, and sunlit stone buildings. The slow pace of life, combined with sun-drenched beaches, exquisite Swahili cuisine, and a deep cultural history, makes Lamu a perfect escape for travelers looking for an alternative to the Mediterranean, without sacrificing charm, beauty, or authenticity.
9. St. George’s, Grenada – The Caribbean Cinque Terre
St. George’s, the charming capital of Grenada, boasts a colorful waterfront lined with terracotta-roofed houses that look as if they’ve been plucked straight from the Italian Riviera. The town’s horseshoe-shaped harbor, surrounded by green hills and vibrant colonial-era buildings, mirrors the cliffside villages of Cinque Terre, Portofino, or the Amalfi Coast, creating a picture-perfect scene of Caribbean-meets-Mediterranean charm. Wander through the narrow streets of St. George’s, and you’ll discover a mix of Caribbean and European influences—from bustling spice markets selling nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves (Grenada is known as the "Spice Isle") to charming cafés serving seafood stews and fresh bread baked in stone ovens, reminiscent of a seaside trattoria in Italy. The city’s natural harbor is filled with sailboats and fishing vessels, much like the coastal towns of Liguria or the Balearic Islands, and the stunning turquoise waters offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and sailing.
10. Muscat, Oman – A Whitewashed Coastal Gem
Muscat, Oman’s enchanting coastal capital, combines Arabian grandeur with Mediterranean elegance, creating a cityscape that feels like a fusion of Santorini, Dubrovnik, and the French Riviera. Unlike the gleaming skyscrapers of other Gulf capitals, Muscat is characterized by low-rise, whitewashed buildings, winding alleyways, and majestic seaside forts that look as if they belong on a postcard from the Aegean or Adriatic. The city’s breathtaking setting—nestled between the turquoise sea and rugged Hajar Mountains—only adds to its allure, much like Dubrovnik’s dramatic cliffside perch or Santorini’s caldera views. The Mutrah Corniche, a lively waterfront promenade, offers stunning sunset views, bustling souks, and charming cafés serving cardamom-scented coffee and fresh seafood—evoking the feel of a Mediterranean port town with a Middle Eastern soul. Muscat’s rich maritime history, visible in its ancient harbors, traditional wooden dhow boats, and grand Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, reflects centuries of cross-cultural exchanges between Arabia, Persia, and the Mediterranean world.
11. Viña del Mar, Chile – The South American Côte d’Azur
Viña del Mar, Chile’s glamorous seaside retreat, has long been a destination for sun-seekers, artists, and the country’s elite. Dubbed the “Garden City” for its lush boulevards, vibrant flower gardens, and perfectly manicured parks, it exudes the same sophisticated coastal charm found in the French Riviera’s most famous resort towns like Nice, Cannes, or Monte Carlo. The city’s oceanfront casinos, high-end resorts, and lively beach clubs only add to its Mediterranean-like appeal, drawing visitors to its sun-soaked promenades. The city’s elegant architecture, with grand Belle Époque mansions and palm-lined avenues, gives it a distinctly European feel, while its golden beaches and crashing Pacific waves remind you that you’re still in South America. As in the Mediterranean, life here revolves around the sea—whether it’s yachting in the bay, sipping Pisco Sours on an ocean-view terrace, or enjoying fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. Viña del Mar is the perfect fusion of Chilean vibrancy and Mediterranean sophistication, offering a coastal escape with the glitz of Monaco and the laid-back elegance of the Côte d’Azur.
12. San Juan, Puerto Rico – A Historic Coastal Haven
With its pastel-colored colonial buildings, sun-drenched plazas, and lively harborside cafés, San Juan, Puerto Rico, feels like a tropical Valencia or a Caribbean Barcelona. The city’s cobblestone streets, centuries-old Spanish fortresses, and lively open-air markets blend the best of European heritage with a relaxed island atmosphere, creating a coastal town that radiates Old World Mediterranean charm. San Juan’s historic core, Old San Juan, is a masterpiece of Spanish colonial architecture, with its vividly painted buildings, wrought-iron balconies, and winding alleyways that lead to hidden courtyards and secret gardens—reminiscent of cities along Spain’s Mediterranean coastline. The Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a massive 16th-century fortress standing guard over the Atlantic, offers a stunning vantage point that could easily be mistaken for a Moorish castle in southern Spain. Meanwhile, the city’s bustling waterfront, buzzing with fishing boats, lively cantinas, and sun-kissed promenades, mirrors the energy of Naples or Marseille, where the sea is at the heart of life.
13. Alexandria, Egypt – The Lost Mediterranean Capital
Alexandria is a city of legends, where ancient history and modern energy collide on the shores of the Mediterranean. Once home to the famed Library of Alexandria and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (the Pharos Lighthouse), this Egyptian port city still holds echoes of its Greek, Roman, and Ottoman past. Walking along its vast corniche, lined with grand old cafés, seafood restaurants, and historic hotels, feels like strolling the waterfronts of Marseille or Thessaloniki—a place where the Mediterranean’s influence is woven into daily life. The city’s old-world charm is evident in its crumbling yet majestic European-style buildings, its bustling souks selling spices and fresh-caught fish, and its historic tram system, reminiscent of Lisbon’s famous streetcars. While its ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, make it an archaeologist’s dream, Alexandria is also a modern, vibrant coastal city where Egyptian and Mediterranean cultures blend seamlessly.
14. Nassau, Bahamas – A Bahamian Capri
Nassau, the vibrant capital of the Bahamas, is a Caribbean dream infused with Mediterranean soul. Its pastel-colored colonial houses—painted in shades of pink, blue, and yellow—mirror the stunning homes of the Amalfi Coast or the clifftop villas of Capri. The lively waterfront, filled with fishing boats, open-air markets, and charming seaside cafés, carries the same bustling energy found in Mediterranean ports like Positano or Sorrento. Beyond its glistening turquoise waters and sun-drenched beaches, Nassau boasts a rich history of European influence, with Spanish forts, British colonial mansions, and bustling public squares that feel straight out of the Mediterranean playbook. The city’s vibrant marketplaces, filled with handcrafted goods, tropical fruits, and Bahamian conch dishes, bring to mind the bustling markets of the Balearic Islands, where locals and tourists alike gather to celebrate food, culture, and community.
Bringing the Mediterranean to Every Shore
The Mediterranean lifestyle isn’t just confined to Europe’s sun-drenched coastlines—it thrives in unexpected corners of the world, where history, culture, and the sea converge to create something truly magical. From the bohemian vibes of Bocas del Toro to the historic grandeur of Alexandria, the tropical sophistication of Nassau, and the artistic soul of Valparaíso, these 14 coastal towns offer a Mediterranean experience without ever setting foot on European soil. Each of these destinations captures the spirit of the Mediterranean in its own unique way—through cobblestone streets, waterfront promenades, vibrant markets, sun-drenched terraces, and fresh, locally sourced cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a romantic island getaway, a cultural deep dive into ancient history, or simply a laid-back seaside retreat where time slows down, these towns transport you to the Mediterranean mindset—where the sun always shines, the sea is ever-present, and life is meant to be savored.
