The World’s Most Underrated Beach Towns for a Relaxing Escape

When most people imagine a beach vacation, their minds jump straight to the same well-known destinations: Cancun, Maui, the Amalfi Coast, or the Bahamas. But what if your ideal getaway isn’t about fighting for the last lounge chair or sharing the shoreline with thousands of fellow sun-seekers? What if you’re craving a beach escape that feels quiet, slow, and blissfully under the radar?

Around the world, there are countless coastal towns that offer everything you love about the beach—sun, scenery, culture, and incredible food—without the crowds or inflated prices. These underrated gems allow you to breathe a little deeper, wander without rush, and immerse yourself in local charm instead of tourist chaos.

If you’re dreaming of a truly relaxing beach vacation in 2025 or 2026, here are some of the most underrated beach towns worth adding to your travel list.

1. Port Barton, Palawan, Philippines

For: Unspoiled beaches, island hopping, + peaceful vibes

While El Nido and Coron have become world-famous, Port Barton remains Palawan’s quieter, more low-key coastal treasure. Here, you’ll find small guesthouses, beachfront cafés, hammock-lined sands, and waters so clear you can see starfish from the shore.

Why it’s underrated:

• No massive resorts—just small, family-run eco stays

• Gentle snorkeling right off the beach

• Affordable boat tours to sandbars, lagoons, and turtle habitats

• Soft, golden sunsets that feel like they belong just to you

Perfect for travelers who want: Relaxation, authenticity, and a beach town that encourages you to slow down.

Best time to visit: November through May for dry, warm weather.

2.Tavira, Algarve, Portugal

For: Old-world charm, calm beaches, + incredible food

While the rest of the Algarve attracts millions of visitors each year, Tavira remains blissfully quieter. A charming riverside town with cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings, Tavira offers easy access to serene, uncrowded beaches along the protected Ria Formosa lagoon system.

Why it’s underrated:

• Praia do Barril + Ilha de Tavira offer pristine sand

• Historic town center filled with castle views, churches, and local shops

• A fraction of the crowds compared to Lagos or Albufeira

• Excellent seafood and Portuguese wines

Perfect for travelers who want: A charming, slow-paced European beach town without tourist overload.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall.

3. Nosara, Costa Rica

For: Yoga retreats, surf culture, + pura vida lifestyle

Nosara is one of Costa Rica’s most peaceful coastal towns—far quieter than popular Tamarindo yet equally beautiful. It’s a haven for wellness travelers, surfers, and nature lovers seeking a restorative escape.

Why it’s underrated:

• Gorgeous, wide beaches ideal for surfing and walking

• Wellness-focused accommodations and yoga shalas

• Clean eating, eco-conscious community, and stress-free energy

• Nearby wildlife refuges with howler monkeys + sea turtles

Perfect for travelers who want: A restorative getaway that blends nature, wellness, and ocean views.

Best time to visit: December to April for sun; green season is great for fewer crowds.

4. Salema, Algarve, Portugal

For: Fishing village charm + cliffside views

Yes, the Algarve appears twice—but with good reason. Salema is a small, traditional fishing village on the southern coast of Portugal, far removed from the area’s busy resort hubs.

Why it’s underrated:

• Clifftop walking trails with dramatic Atlantic views

• A long, peaceful beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming

• Locally owned restaurants serving ultra-fresh seafood

• A sleepy, authentic vibe that’s rare in the Algarve

Perfect for travelers who want: A Europe-inspired escape that blends beach relaxation with charming culture.

Best time to visit: May–September.

5. San Pancho (San Francisco), Nayarit, Mexico

For: Beach lovers who want something beyond Sayulita

Sayulita has become wildly popular—and crowded—but just 10 minutes away, San Pancho offers a quieter, more sophisticated vibe. Think boutique hotels, golden beaches, art galleries, and family-owned restaurants.

Why it’s underrated:

• Beautiful, peaceful beach with amazing sunsets

• Vibrant, artistic community

• Limited development keeps the crowds away

• Close to Puerto Vallarta but feels worlds apart

Perfect for travelers who want: A laid-back Mexican beach town with culture, charm, and warm hospitality.

Best time to visit: November to April for sunshine and low humidity.

6. Diani Beach, Kenya

For: White sands, turquoise water, + warm local culture

Diani Beach is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets—stretching for miles with powdery white sand bordered by lush coastal forest. While it’s well-loved by locals and seasoned travelers, it’s still overshadowed by more famous global beach destinations.

Why it’s underrated:

• Unbelievable beaches with postcard-perfect water

• Boutique lodges + eco-conscious hotels

• Opportunities for snorkeling, kitesurfing, and wildlife safaris

• Exceptionally friendly local community

Perfect for travelers who want: Adventure + relaxation in one unforgettable, exotic beach getaway.

Best time to visit: July–October or January–March.

7. Himara, Albania

For: Europe’s most surprising crystal-blue coastline

Albania’s Riviera is one of Europe’s emerging coastal regions, and Himara is a standout. Stunning beaches, dramatic mountains, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine make it an incredible value.

Why it’s underrated:

• Unreal blue water rivaling Greece but without the price tag

• Traditional villages perched above the sea

• Affordable hotels and dining

• Warm, welcoming culture

Perfect for travelers who want: Greece-like scenery for a fraction of the cost.

Best time to visit: June–September.

8. Placencia, Belize

For: Laid-back Caribbean living + reef adventures

Belize shows up again for good reason. Placencia is quieter than Ambergris Caye yet offers equally beautiful beaches and direct access to the Belize Barrier Reef.

Why it’s underrated:

• Gorgeous beaches + reef excursions

• Boutique inns and luxury eco-resorts

• Sea-to-table cuisine and friendly local bars

• A relaxed, small-town Caribbean vibe

Perfect for travelers who want: Adventure and relaxation in equal balance.

Best time to visit: Late November through April.

Why Underrated Beach Towns Make the Best Escapes

While popular destinations have their perks, underrated coastal towns offer a different kind of travel experience—one that feels slower, more personal, and more connected to place.

You’ll enjoy:

• More affordable boutique hotels

• Quieter beaches with room to breathe

• Local restaurants and markets instead of tourist chains

• A sense of discovery and authenticity

• A deeper, more mindful pace

These places remind us that the best beach vacations aren’t always the loudest—they’re the ones that invite us to slow down and just be.

Ready to Plan Your Peaceful Beach Escape?

Whether you’re looking for a hidden European coastline, a peaceful Caribbean bay, or a tropical getaway in Asia or Central America, Travel With McNellis can help you choose the perfect underrated beach town based on your budget, travel dates, and travel style.

✨ Let’s plan a relaxing escape you’ll be talking about for years. Reach out today to get started.