Top Coastal Towns Around the World Perfect for Long-Term Stays

There’s something undeniably refreshing about waking up to the sound of waves, breathing in salty air, and living in a place where the pace of life feels a little lighter. For many people who crave a slower lifestyle, long-term travel, or a remote-work-friendly escape, coastal towns offer the perfect blend of beauty, culture, and comfort. Unlike short vacations that rush you from one attraction to another, staying long-term allows you to settle into a rhythm, understand local traditions, and experience the coastline as residents do. Around the world, countless beach towns promise sunshine and serenity, but a few stand out for their livability, affordability, community vibe, and overall quality of life.

Below are some of the top coastal towns around the world where a long-term stay doesn’t just feel like an extended vacation—it feels like a second home.

Cascais, Portugal

Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Cascais offers the perfect balance between coastal calm and city convenience. Its beautiful boardwalk, golden beaches, and clean, charming streets make it a favorite among digital nomads, retirees, and long-term travelers seeking sunshine without sacrificing infrastructure. What sets Cascais apart is its relaxed culture—locals enjoy long lunches by the water, weekend festivals, and seaside walks that seem to last for miles.

While distinctly Portuguese in character, English is widely spoken, making it especially welcoming for newcomers. Affordable transportation, strong internet, fresh seafood markets, and safe neighborhoods make it incredibly livable. Whether you want to surf in Guincho Beach or sip espresso in the historic town center, Cascais has a rhythm that stays with you.

Hoi An, Vietnam

For travelers who want affordability, warmth—both climate and community—and rich cultural experiences, Hoi An offers unmatched value. Known for its lantern-lit Old Town and UNESCO heritage status, Hoi An is one of the rare places that blends beach life with ancient architecture and artisanal charm.

What makes Hoi An perfect for long-term stays is the gentle balance of simplicity and vibrancy. You can spend your mornings biking through rice fields, your afternoons working in a café near An Bang Beach, and your evenings exploring riverside markets. Cost of living is low, which means you can rent a home near the water, enjoy daily fresh meals, and even join local cooking or craft classes without stretching your budget. Life here feels calm yet full—ideal for anyone wanting a slower coastal lifestyle while still engaging deeply with culture.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta has long been one of Mexico’s most beloved coastal cities, but it’s also one of the best suited for long-term stays. Set on the Pacific coast with lush mountains hugging the shore, it offers stunning scenery with all the amenities of a developed town. Strong expat communities make transitioning easy, while friendly locals and lively markets create opportunities to feel integrated rather than isolated.

The town is walkable, especially the Romantic Zone where colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and beach cafés create endless places to explore. With a thriving food scene, reliable internet, countless fitness and wellness studios, and year-round warm weather, Puerto Vallarta has everything you need for a comfortable life by the ocean.

Split, Croatia

For those who appreciate a mix of history and coastline, Split offers a Mediterranean lifestyle with a distinctly Croatian flair. Its waterfront promenade, palm-lined streets, and ancient Roman structures give it a character that blends old-world beauty with modern enjoyment. Long-term visitors will find no shortage of things to do: island hopping, hiking, swimming in stunning coves, or exploring Diocletian’s Palace.

Despite being a well-known tourist destination, Split becomes a quieter, more relaxed town outside the peak summer months. Many digital nomads stay for extended periods thanks to co-working spaces, good Wi-Fi, and a community that embraces slow, outdoor living. The Mediterranean diet is easy to adopt here—fresh produce, olive oil, fish, and vibrant markets become part of the daily routine.

Noosa, Australia

If your ideal long-term coastal stay includes pristine nature, laid-back locals, and near-perfect weather, Noosa on Australia’s Sunshine Coast is hard to beat. Known for its national park, gentle surf, and upscale yet relaxed vibe, Noosa feels like a retreat from the chaos of bigger cities. The town is full of outdoor activities, from paddleboarding along the river to hiking trails with ocean views.

Noosa is particularly appealing to those who value health and wellness. The cafés emphasize clean eating, the beaches are active from sunrise on, and the town has a strong culture of movement and nature appreciation. While cost of living is higher than in some global destinations, the lifestyle benefits are undeniable.

Lagos, Portugal

Another gem from Portugal, Lagos offers dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and some of Europe’s best coastal scenery. While it attracts tourists for its beauty, long-term residents appreciate its welcoming community, relaxed lifestyle, and affordability compared to other Western European coastal towns. The marina area is peaceful, beaches are plentiful, and fresh seafood is a highlight of everyday life.

Lagos also offers an impressive amount of outdoor adventure—kayaking through grottoes, coastal hikes, and accessible surfing spots. For remote workers, there are cafés designed with productivity in mind and a growing international community.

Living long-term in a coastal town is less about constant vacation mode and more about finding a place where you can build a routine that supports your lifestyle—whether that’s working online, embracing local culture, or simply enjoying a slower pace. Each town above offers something unique: history, affordability, strong communities, outdoor adventure, or serene beaches.

What they all share is a sense of grounding. The ocean has a way of making life feel expansive yet simple, lively yet peaceful. A long-term stay lets you absorb that energy in a way that a vacation never could. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, a lifestyle reset, or simply a beautiful place to call home for a while, the world’s coastline has a spot waiting for you.