Top 19 Walkable Seaside Villages to travel to for solo travelers who prefer exploring on foot in 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
There's a special kind of magic reserved for the solo traveler who explores a new place on their own two feet. It’s in the rhythm of your footsteps on ancient cobblestones, the freedom to pause and admire a blooming bougainvillea, and the unexpected conversations struck up while lingering over a coffee. When you travel on foot, you aren't just passing through a destination; you are becoming a part of its daily pulse.
For those of us who cherish this slower, more intentional way of seeing the world, finding the right setting is everything. We crave places compact enough to be discovered without a car, yet rich enough in detail to keep us captivated. We seek the salty air and endless horizons of the sea, a perfect backdrop for reflection and adventure. This is where the walkable seaside village reigns supreme—a place where the main attractions are the narrow lanes, the bustling harbor, and the scenic coastal path just beyond the last cottage.
As we look ahead to 2025, the desire for meaningful travel has never been stronger. It's about connection, not just collection. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we champion experiences that enrich the soul. That's why I’ve curated this list of 19 incredible seaside villages around the globe, each a paradise for the solo walker. Pack your most comfortable shoes; your next great adventure awaits.
1. Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy
This is the postcard image that likely comes to mind when you picture the Italian Riviera. Manarola, one of the five villages of Cinque Terre, is a cascade of candy-colored houses tumbling down a cliff to a tiny, rugged harbor. As a solo traveler, its small size is a gift. You can absorb its every detail in a day, from the fishing boats being winched up the main street to the old women tending their terraced gardens.
The entire village is a walker's domain, connected by steep staircases and narrow alleys. While the famed Via dell'Amore coastal path is often closed for maintenance, the higher trails through the vineyards offer breathtaking—and less crowded—views of the Ligurian Sea. Walking these paths, with the scent of salt and grapes in the air, is an experience that stays with you.
Solo Tip: For the best photos without the crowds, wake up early and walk to the Punta Bonfiglio viewpoint. Grab a focaccia and coffee from a local bakery and watch the village wake up as the sun illuminates the vibrant facades.
2. Hydra, Greece
Imagine an island where the only traffic jams are caused by donkeys. That's Hydra, a stunning gem in the Saronic Gulf where all motor vehicles are banned. This single rule transforms the entire travel experience. The island's lifeblood is its crescent-shaped harbor, a chic amphitheater of stone mansions, waterfront cafes, and art galleries that you can stroll from end to end in 20 minutes.
The real joy for the walker lies in the stone-paved mule tracks that crisscross the island. You can follow coastal paths to secluded swimming spots like Vlychos or climb inland to historic monasteries for panoramic views. The silence, punctuated only by the clop of hooves and the ringing of church bells, is pure bliss for a solo traveler seeking peace.
Solo Tip: Pack sturdy shoes and hike the path from Hydra Town up to the Prophet Elias Monastery. It’s a rewarding climb (about 90 minutes) that offers the best vantage point of the entire island and surrounding sea.
3. Kotor, Montenegro
Tucked away at the end of a deep, fjord-like bay, Kotor is a fortified medieval city that feels like a step back in time. The entire Old Town (Stari Grad) is a pedestrian-only labyrinth of marbled lanes, hidden piazzas, and ancient churches. It's a place made for getting lost, where every wrong turn reveals a charming new discovery.
For the ambitious walker, the ultimate challenge is the "Ladder of Kotor." This is a winding path of over 1,350 steps leading up the city walls to the Fortress of San Giovanni. The climb is strenuous, but the reward is a view so spectacular it will leave you breathless in more ways than one. It’s a solo journey of perseverance with a truly epic payoff.
Solo Tip: Instead of paying the entrance fee within the city walls, find the start of the "Ladder of Kotor" trail just outside the Old Town. It's a free, more scenic, and slightly more challenging route to the top.
4. Rovinj, Croatia
The Istrian peninsula is often called "the new Tuscany," and its crown jewel is the enchanting fishing port of Rovinj. The old town is a tightly packed cluster of Venetian-era houses on a small, hilly peninsula. Its winding, cobbled streets are too narrow for cars, making it a pedestrian's dream.
Your explorations will inevitably lead you upward, through arches and past artists' studios, to the magnificent Church of St. Euphemia at the very top. From here, you can gaze out over the terracotta rooftops and the 14 islands of the Rovinj archipelago. The harbor front is perfect for an evening passeggiata (stroll), watching the fishing boats return as the sun sets over the Adriatic.
Solo Tip: Rent a bike and cycle through the Punta Corrente Forest Park, just a 15-minute walk from the old town. The coastal paths offer beautiful pebble beaches and quiet spots to read a book with a view of the town.
5. St. Ives, Cornwall, UK
A haven for artists for over a century, St. Ives is blessed with a unique, luminous quality of light. The town is a maze of impossibly narrow streets, fisherman's cottages, and world-class art galleries, including the Tate St. Ives. It’s surrounded on three sides by golden sand beaches, so a refreshing sea dip is never more than a five-minute walk away.
The town itself is a joy to explore on foot, but it's also a gateway to some of Britain's best coastal walking. The South West Coast Path runs right through town, offering dramatic cliff-top treks in either direction. The walk to the nearby village of Zennor is a rugged classic, steeped in legend and natural beauty.
Solo Tip: Visit The Leach Pottery, a short but steep walk from the town center. It’s a working studio and museum that provides a fascinating insight into the town's artistic heritage and offers a peaceful escape from the bustling harbor.
6. Kinsale, Ireland
Known as the gourmet capital of Ireland, Kinsale is a feast for the senses. This historic port town is a kaleidoscope of brightly painted shops, pubs, and galleries lining a yacht-filled harbor. Its compact center is easily navigable on foot, allowing you to wander from a cozy bookshop to a traditional pub for live music without ever needing a taxi.
Kinsale is steeped in history, and a fantastic walk takes you out to Charles Fort, a massive 17th-century star-shaped fort with commanding views of the harbor entrance. The Scilly Walk is a gentler coastal path that offers lovely views back towards the town and is perfect for a morning stroll.
Solo Tip: Join the Kinsale Ghost Tour. It’s a fun, theatrical, and slightly spooky way to learn about the town’s dramatic history while exploring its hidden lanes on foot after dark. A great activity for a solo traveler to join a group.
7. Cassis, France
While its neighbors St. Tropez and Cannes are known for glitz, Cassis offers a more authentic and nature-focused slice of the French Riviera. This charming fishing village is nestled between the towering white cliffs of Cap Canaille and the stunning limestone fjords of the Calanques National Park.
The heart of Cassis is its pastel-hued port, lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood. But the true walker's paradise is the Calanques. A network of well-marked trails leads directly from the edge of town into a rugged landscape of turquoise coves and fragrant pine trees. You can spend a whole day hiking from one breathtaking inlet to the next.
Solo Tip: The hike to Calanque d'En-Vau is one of the most famous, but it's challenging. For a shorter, equally beautiful walk, head to Calanque de Port-Miou and Port-Pin. They are the closest to town and offer a fantastic introduction to the park's beauty.
8. Cadaqués, Spain
Tucked away on Spain's rugged Cap de Creus peninsula, Cadaqués is a dazzlingly white village that was a muse for Salvador Dalí. Its isolation has preserved its bohemian charm, and its maze-like center is a delight to explore on foot. You’ll find hidden courtyards, quirky art galleries, and stone-paved lanes that lead down to a pebble beach.
The surrounding Cap de Creus Natural Park provides a stark, windswept landscape for hiking. A must-do walk is to the Portlligat bay to visit Dalí's wonderfully eccentric former home. You can also trek out to the Cap de Creus lighthouse at the easternmost point of mainland Spain for a truly elemental experience.
Solo Tip: Book your ticket for the Dalí House-Museum well in advance, as entry is timed and limited. The walk there takes about 20 minutes from the town center and is a beautiful coastal stroll.
9. Ærøskøbing, Denmark
Stepping into Ærøskøbing on the island of Ærø feels like entering a real-life fairytale. This immaculately preserved 17th-century town features cobblestone streets, timber-framed houses, and climbing hollyhocks in the summer. It's quiet, incredibly safe, and so small you can walk its entire length in 15 minutes.
The gentle, rolling landscape of the island is perfect for extending your on-foot explorations. A popular walk is to the beach at Vesterstrand, famous for its colorful and privately owned beach huts. The island is also a cyclist's paradise, so renting a bike is a great way to explore the other charming villages and pastoral scenery.
Solo Tip: Find the public swing by the harbor. It’s a simple pleasure, but swinging over the water while looking out at the Baltic Sea is a perfectly peaceful moment for solo contemplation.
10. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA
With its whimsical fairytale cottages, hidden courtyards, and a strict ban on streetlights and house numbers, Carmel-by-the-Sea feels more like a European village than a Californian town. Its one-square-mile downtown is a pedestrian's delight, packed with art galleries, unique boutiques, and cozy wine-tasting rooms.
A short, downhill walk brings you to the stunning Carmel Beach, a wide expanse of white sand perfect for a long, contemplative stroll, especially at sunset. The Scenic Bluff Path runs along the cliffs above the beach, offering spectacular views of the rugged coastline and the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Solo Tip: Go on a self-guided tour of the "Hansel and Gretel" cottages built by Hugh Comstock in the 1920s. Pick up a map from the visitor center and spend a magical afternoon hunting for these architectural treasures on foot.
11. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lunenburg is a perfectly preserved example of a British colonial settlement. What makes it so special is its "Old Town" grid of streets lined with brightly painted wooden buildings, including the iconic "Lunenburg bump" dormers.
The entire town is walkable, with a proud maritime history evident everywhere you look, from the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic on the waterfront to the famous Bluenose II schooner often in port. You can easily spend a day wandering, popping into artisan shops, and climbing the hill to the Lunenburg Academy for a panoramic view.
Solo Tip: For a great walk and a bit of local flavor, head to the Ironworks Distillery. It's located in an old marine blacksmith's shop, and you can take a tour and sample their award-winning spirits made from local Nova Scotian apples.
12. Sayulita, Mexico
Once a sleepy fishing village, Sayulita has blossomed into a vibrant, bohemian surf town on Mexico's Pacific coast. Its bustling center is a grid of sandy streets, colorful prayer flags, and funky shops, all easily covered on foot. It’s a fantastic destination for solo travelers looking for a mix of relaxation and social energy.
While the main beach is great for people-watching, walkers can find tranquility by hiking north to the secluded Playa Malpaso or south over a jungle-covered hill (past a fascinating cemetery) to the calmer Playa de los Muertos.
Solo Tip: Join a morning yoga class at one of the many treetop studios. It’s a wonderful way to start the day, connect with other travelers, and stretch your muscles before a day of walking and exploring.
13. Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An’s Ancient Town is a magical place, especially in the evening when thousands of silk lanterns cast a warm glow over the Thu Bồn River. Designated a pedestrian-only zone for much of the day, its streets are a living museum of Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and French-colonial buildings.
This is a place to be savored slowly. Wander from an ancient tea house to a family-run tailor, sample street food from a local vendor, and watch the world go by. The surrounding countryside is also perfect for walking, with paths leading through lush rice paddies to the nearby An Bang Beach.
Solo Tip: Sign up for a cooking class. Many begin with a walk to the local market to buy fresh ingredients, offering a fantastic, guided introduction to Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
14. Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay is legendary for its laid-back surf culture, spiritual vibe, and stunning natural beauty. The town center is a compact, shoeless-is-acceptable kind of place, easy to navigate on foot. But the real walking highlight is the Cape Byron Track.
This 3.7km loop takes you through rainforest and along windswept cliffs to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point of mainland Australia. It’s a quintessential Byron experience, with incredible opportunities for spotting dolphins, turtles, and, during migration season, humpback whales.
Solo Tip: Wake up before dawn and do the lighthouse walk to be among the first people in Australia to see the sunrise. It's a truly special and meditative experience, perfect for a solo traveler.
15. Tomonoura, Japan
For a glimpse of a more nostalgic, slow-paced Japan, head to the picturesque port town of Tomonoura in Hiroshima Prefecture. This beautifully preserved fishing village was the inspiration for the setting of Studio Ghibli's film "Ponyo," and it's easy to see why.
The town is a warren of narrow Edo-period streets, traditional wooden houses, and tiny temples. The harbor, with its stone-lined seawall and iconic Joyato lighthouse, looks much as it did centuries ago. It's the perfect place for a quiet, reflective solo trip, far from the bustle of the big cities.
Solo Tip: Take the five-minute ferry ride to the nearby island of Sensui-jima. It's a pristine nature preserve with several walking trails that offer fantastic views back towards Tomonoura.
16. Russell, New Zealand
Originally known as Kororāreka, Russell was New Zealand's first capital and a lawless whaling port in the 19th century. Today, it’s a tranquil and charming village in the stunning Bay of Islands. The waterfront is lined with historic buildings, including the country's oldest church and pub.
The town is tiny and easily explored on foot. For a bit of exercise and a history lesson, take the walk up Flagstaff Hill (Maiki Hill). It’s a site of great historical significance and offers 360-degree views of the entire Bay of Islands.
Solo Tip: Walk along the beach at low tide from Russell to the historic Pompallier Mission, a beautifully restored Catholic mission where early Māori-language religious texts were printed.
17. Portofino, Italy
Yes, it’s known for its superyachts and celebrity visitors, but at its heart, Portofino is still a tiny, breathtakingly beautiful fishing village. The entire spectacle is centered around its small, protected harbor, or piazzetta, which you can walk around in minutes.
The true magic for a walker is in the trails that lead out of the village. A beautiful, shaded walk takes you up to the Castello Brown and the Church of San Giorgio for those classic, elevated views of the harbor. For a more serious hike, the trail through the Portofino Regional Park to the secluded abbey of San Fruttuoso is one of the most rewarding on the Italian Riviera.
Solo Tip: To escape the high prices of the piazzetta, grab a slice of freshly baked focaccia from Panificio Canale, a local institution tucked away on a side street, and find a quiet spot on the harbor wall to enjoy it.
18. Essaouira, Morocco
A welcome respite from the intensity of Marrakech, Essaouira is a fortified port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Its 18th-century medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a joy to explore on foot. Unlike other Moroccan medinas, its main arteries are relatively wide and grid-like, making it much harder to get truly lost.
The sea breeze, known locally as the alizee, keeps the city cool and adds to its laid-back atmosphere. Walk along the mighty sea ramparts (the Skala de la Ville), browse the artisan workshops in the medina, and watch the fishermen mending their nets in the bustling port.
Solo Tip: In the late afternoon, walk down to the fish market at the port. You can buy the day's catch directly from the fishermen and have it grilled for you on the spot at one of the adjacent outdoor kitchens. It’s a fresh, delicious, and wonderfully local dining experience. As Goh Ling Yong would appreciate, it's a simple act that connects you directly to the local economy and culture.
19. Ilulissat, Greenland
For the truly adventurous solo walker, there is no place on earth like Ilulissat. Located 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, this small Greenlandic town sits at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site that calves more icebergs than any other glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.
The town itself is a collection of colorful wooden houses, easily walkable. But the main event is the network of boardwalks and trails that run along the edge of the icefjord. Here, you can walk for hours, completely mesmerized by the silent, slow-motion procession of colossal icebergs drifting out to sea. It is a humbling, primal, and unforgettable experience.
Solo Tip: The blue trail is the shortest and easiest boardwalk route to the icefjord shore. Start your walk in the late evening during the summer to experience the incredible light of the midnight sun casting a surreal, golden glow on the ice.
Choosing to explore a destination on foot is choosing to be present. It’s a commitment to seeing the small details, engaging with the local rhythm, and allowing for the beautiful spontaneity that makes solo travel so transformative. Each of these 19 villages offers a unique stage for your next walking adventure.
Now, I'd love to hear from you. Which of these walkable seaside villages is calling your name for 2025? Or is there a hidden gem you think I missed? Share your thoughts and dream walking destinations in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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