10 Underrated Beach Towns for Couples

ByRachna Chandira

Save This Article

WANT TO SAVE THIS ARTICLE?

Enter your email below & I'll send it straight to your inbox!

And each week, I'll send you new tips to plan your next romantic couples trip! If you decide it's not for you, unsubscribing is always just a click away.

Two people walk along a rocky coastal path bordered by trees and a wooden fence near the ocean.
Rachel Claire/Pexels


Escape the typical beach crowds with these ten hidden gems, where intimacy meets coastal charm. Imagine pastel-hued harbors, secluded coves, and romantic sunsets—without long lines. From Mediterranean cliffs to Atlantic shorelines, each town offers calm waters, seafood dinners under lantern light, and quiet mornings on the sand. Perfect for couples craving connection and coastal beauty away from the tourist trail.

1. Vernazza, Italy

Colorful seaside buildings line a curved harbor of small boats beside the blue sea under a clear sky.
Stefano Bianchi/Unsplash

Perched on Cinque Terre’s cliffs, Vernazza offers a calm harbor embraced by pastel homes. Quiet mornings are perfect for sea swims and fresh focaccia. Walk the pedestrian-only lanes, stop at a harbor-side café, and watch the sunset soften the cliffs. With fewer visitors than its neighbors, this town feels like your own private coastal retreat.

2. Antibes, France

Stone buildings perch on rocky cliffs above the sea, with distant mountains beneath a clear blue sky.
Artem R/Unsplash

Antibes combines Riviera elegance with relaxed charm. Spend your mornings on Plage de la Gravette, framed by medieval ramparts and sun-warmed sand. Wander through market streets filled with fresh produce and flowers before ending your day strolling along ramparts, glass of rosé in hand. Effortlessly romantic, Antibes offers luxe without the typical Côte d’Azur rush.

3. Lagos, Portugal

Rocky cliffs and sea stacks rise from blue water beneath a clear sky, with calm waves in the foreground.
Mondo Generator/Unsplash

Nestled in the Algarve, Lagos is known for its hidden grottoes and golden cliffs. Paddle or boat into rhythmic sea caves, then relax on a pristine crescent beach without the crowds. Historic streets brim with cafés and boutique shops. As the sun sets, couples sip local vinho verde at quiet seaside patios—where the Atlantic breeze brings romance and serenity.

4. Comillas, Spain

Aerial view of a coastal city featuring a marina with yachts, an industrial port, buildings, and mountains in the background.
Evans Joel/Pexels

Tucked on Spain’s northern coast, Comillas is a blend of Cantabrian waves and modernist architecture. The town’s sandy stretch invites morning dips, while its quirky El Capricho Gaudí building provides a dash of culture. Afternoon strolls lead through oak forests and past rocky coves. It’s the perfect union of sea, art, and calm—ideal for thoughtful couples.

5. Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

A small island with red-roofed buildings, surrounded by sea and linked to a coastal town by a narrow land strip, is seen from above.
Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

Once a fishing village, Sveti Stefan now blends medieval charm with Adriatic calm. Its islet-turned-resort offers private beaches and stone pathways winding past olive groves. Mornings here are quiet; afternoons, stunningly scenic. Couples can share seafood tapas, swim in turquoise waters, or wander ancient lanes—enveloped in a drama only the Adriatic can provide.

6. Rovinj, Croatia

Colorful coastal town with a church tower, boats along the waterfront, and a clear blue sky.
Rachel Claire/Pexels

Rovinj’s pastel facades and cobblestone streets anchor this Istrian gem. Vistas of fishing boats and shimmering Adriatic water set the stage for shared gelato by the waterfront. Hike through pine forests or kayak along the rocky coast at sunset. It’s a blend of charm and calm—great for couples who love quiet exploration and coastal intimacy.

7. Biarritz, France

A natural rock formation frames an ocean view with a large rock in the water and a clear blue sky.
Jessica/Pexels

Often overlooked by tourists, Biarritz still holds its surf-side charm and elegance. Early risers catch gentle Atlantic swells and quiet cafe breakfasts on pebbled sands. Midday brings relaxed beachside lunches and strolls along the Grande Plage promenade. With refined tables and relaxed modes, Biarritz balances seaside romance with a touch of French flair.

8. Cefalù, Italy

A coastal town with historic red-roofed buildings borders a turquoise sea, where crowds swim and sunbathe on the beach.
Freysteinn G. Jonsson/Unsplash

A Sicilian treasure where a medieval center meets a dramatic rocca. Couples can wander through labyrinthine streets, enjoy granita by the marina, and swim in the Tyrrhenian’s clear waters. As dusk arrives, watches settle around the colossal cathedral, street musicians playing soft Sicilian tunes. It’s a small town intimacy by the sea—authentically unforgettable.

9. Dhermi, Albania

A narrow, flower-lined path slopes toward red-roofed houses, with the distant sea beneath a clear blue sky.
Artem Bryzgalov/Unsplash

Nestled on the Ionian Riviera, Dhermi blends vivid blues, rugged cliffs, and Albanian sunshine. Plunge into crystal coves only a short walk apart, share a mezze platter on a balcony overlooking the sea, or find a quiet spot on white pebble beaches. Low-key and pristine, this Albanian hideaway is nature-driven, sun-soaked, and utterly romantic.

10. Piran, Slovenia

Waves crash against a rocky shore near a red lighthouse, with orange-roofed town buildings in the background.
Helena Jankovičová Kováčová/Pexels

With terracotta rooftops and Adriatic blues, Piran offers a Venetian-styled intimacy on the Slovenian coast. Couples can wander narrow stone streets to the bell tower, linger over seafood risotto by the quay, or share wine on medieval walls at sunset. It’s charming, compact, and cinematic—a perfect pairing of sea, architecture, and quiet romance.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *