7 Sparkling Coastal Destinations

PHOTO: Nestled on the north Adriatic, Rovinj Croatia is just one of the sparkling gems along the earth's waters. (Courtesy of Thinkstock)

Summer isn’t quite over yet, so you better get to these destinations before fall officially caps the swimming season. Cradled by the gentle ebb of the ocean, these seaside retreats create premier playgrounds that entice beachgoers from across the globe.  So if you’re looking for an escape to enjoy miles of sugary shore, then take a trip to these luxurious coastal destinations.

Cefalu, Italy

Looking for a relaxing escape immersed in the splendors of nature?  Well look no further because the Italian city of Cefalu, a place to make your vacation dreams come true with its coastal beauty.

From the soothing sounds of waves crashing against the shore to the touches of medieval décor bedecking its trails of cobblestone, the city’s impressive landscape is too extraordinary to miss. Cefalu moves at a slow pace, which gives travelers plenty of time to explore its diverse landscape if they can manage to break away from the sea’s spellbinding ebb. And with a location jammed against the rock formations of La Rocca, Cefalu is one of the best locations to capture Italy’s breathtaking features.

Laguna Beach, CA

You may have heard of the MTV hit show, “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County,” but even the show’s camera crew could not fully capture the majestic seaside marvels decorating Laguna Beach. In between expensive real estate rising out of California’s cliffs, visitors and residents alike are free to enjoy the city’s geological amenities provided by the Pacific Ocean, which sparkles at its feet.

Its coastal pleasures are so embedded in Laguna Beach’s culture, many of its restaurants, art galleries and parks incorporate the city’s natural beauty into their experiences. And as an ultimate spot to enjoy California’s best barefoot luxuries, as well as idyllic weather that occurs throughout the year, its seven miles of sand and ocean are year-round pleasures that never get old.

Deia, Spain

If you’re looking for a destination where the sea acts as a stress reliever, then Deia, Spain might just be your ideal location. The seaside village leaves a long lasting impression due to its dramatic hills rolling into the Mediterranean as well as its exotic Spanish facade comprised of iconic buildings erecting out of dense trees.

But don’t let its discreet features fool you, because not even the party animals of Ibiza can put a damper on the alluring adventures encompassing its landscape. Celebs wanting to stay under the radar flock to Deia to bask in the cool breezes flowing from the Mediterranean. The city has also served as a muse for various artists including poet Robert Graves and writer Anais Nin, who were so inspired they couldn’t resist integrating the quaint Spanish town into their literature.

Ningbo, China

With imposing Buddhist temples and a scintillating coastline to match, Ningbo may be one of China’s first cities, but it is certainly offers the best of land and sea. In fact, Ningbo’s location on the Yangtze River to the south and East China Sea to the east has shaped the city into a bustling hub for foreign trade. 

But a landscape influenced by commerce isn’t all Ningbo has to offer.  Much of its flowing waters reflect its antiquity that has prevailed through the Qing, Tang and Ming dynasties with cuisine and beautiful centerpieces like the Tianfeng Tower. But although remnants of the city’s past are never far behind, Ningbo continues to keep up with its Chinese counterparts with a buzzing downtown area dominated with modern amenities.

Rovinj, Croatia

Charmingly nestling on the north Adriatic Sea, Rovinj is a treasure trove just waiting to be discovered.  It has undeniably gained repute as one of Croatia’s most prized possessions by staying true to its roots as a fishing town. 

With much of the city's adventures paying tribute to its surrounding waters, on an average day Rovinj's waterscape is visited by locals and tourists alike. But if you prefer to admire the sparkling Adriatic from afar, this destination offers many faces of culture — from its old town flaunting colorful buildings lining narrow cobbled alleyways to the trails of dense pine and oak trees adorning the Punta Corrente Park Forest.

North Zealand, Denmark

There’s a reason why Danish royals love North Zealand. It could be because of the well-manicured lawns blessing its open spaces or the impressive castles sitting in breathtaking antiquity. However, many cannot resist its pristine coastline that delights in the aromas of salt and seafood pouring out of the Baltic Sea.

North Zealand is where Denmark’s elite come out to play, and you’re cordially invited to enjoy the region’s unspoiled grandeurs as well. Although its wealth of castles are remarkable attractions, there’s something quite enticing about seeing turquoise waterscapes as they beckon you to take a dip — especially in a destination that is accredited for being the Danish Riviera.

Provincetown, MA

Just a little over two hours from the city of Boston sits a unique town at the tip of Cape Cod. Here, the Atlantic Ocean makes Provincetown a premier spot to surf the waves and soak in the dynamic history Massachusetts is profoundly known for.

Provincetown is a New England staple that is filled with exciting experiences for every type of traveler.  Regardless of season, the town never fails to entertain its guest with festivals, shops, restaurants, whale-watching and much more.  When it comes to coastal cities, Provincetown should definitely be on your list of must-go places because it increasingly becomes more captivating each time the tide of Atlantic is heard coming in and going out.