14 Coastal Towns That Feel Like a Slice of the Mediterranean

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.