Beyond Bali: 10 Underrated Coastal Towns to Add to Your Bucket List in 2026
We live in the golden age of travel, but this accessibility comes with a price: overtourism. The world’s most famous coastlines—from the Amalfi Coast to the beaches of Bali—are becoming increasingly crowded, expensive, and commercialized. For the modern explorer who craves authenticity over “Instagrammability,” the search for the next hidden paradise is constant.
The true spirit of a “WanderWave” journey isn’t found in a queue for a photo op; it is found in the quiet moments where the ocean meets the shore in a town that hasn’t yet lost its soul. In 2026, the trend is shifting away from the hotspots and towards the “warm spots”—places that offer infrastructure and beauty but lack the crushing crowds.
Here are 10 underrated coastal towns that offer stunning landscapes, rich culture, and that elusive sense of discovery.
1. Himarë, Albania: The Riviera Without the Price Tag
While the secret is slowly getting out about the Albanian Riviera, most crowds flock to Sarandë or Ksamil. Himarë remains the quieter, more authentic sibling. Nestled between the Ceraunian Mountains and the Ionian Sea, this town offers Greek history, Mediterranean cuisine, and turquoise waters that rival the Maldives.
- The Vibe: Laid-back Mediterranean village life. Old men play dominoes in cafes, and the olive oil is locally pressed.
- Why Go Now: It is still incredibly affordable compared to nearby Corfu or Dubrovnik. You can enjoy fresh seafood dinners for a fraction of the price of Western Europe.
- Best For: Couples and history buffs who love hiking and swimming in hidden bays.
2. El Cuyo, Mexico: The Anti-Tulum
Tulum was once a backpacker’s paradise, but today it is known for high prices and exclusivity. Enter El Cuyo. Located on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula within a biosphere reserve, this sleepy fishing village is what the Caribbean used to be. There are no chain hotels, just sand roads, palm trees, and consistent wind.
- The Vibe: Raw, windy, and disconnected. This is a place to disconnect from Wi-Fi and reconnect with nature.
- Why Go Now: It is becoming a kite-surfing mecca. Go before the paved roads and luxury resorts arrive.
- Best For: Kitesurfers, nature lovers, and travelers seeking silence.
3. Gokarna, India: The Spiritual Alternative to Goa
Goa is the party capital of India, but Gokarna is its soul. Located in Karnataka, this town is a mix of a Hindu pilgrimage site and a beach paradise. The coastline is shaped like the symbol ‘Om’ (Om Beach), and the atmosphere is defined by temple bells rather than trance music.
- The Vibe: Spiritual, rustic, and communal. Accommodation is often in simple beach huts.
- Why Go Now: As remote work grows in India, Gokarna is developing better connectivity without losing its sacred charm.
- Best For: Solo travelers, yoga enthusiasts, and budget backpackers.
4. Port Barton, Philippines: The Chill Palawan
El Nido and Coron get all the glory in Palawan, but they also get all the crowds. Port Barton, a small village on the west coast, offers the same limestone cliffs and island-hopping experiences but with a fraction of the tourists. The electricity used to cut out at midnight, though infrastructure is improving, keeping the vibe definitively “island time.”
- The Vibe: Friendly, small-scale, and community-focused. Everyone knows everyone by sunset.
- Why Go Now: It sits in the “Goldilocks zone”—comfortable enough to stay for a week, but wild enough to feel like an adventure.
- Best For: Island hopping, snorkeling with turtles, and hammock naps.
5. Sidi Kaouki, Morocco: Surf, Camels, and Silence
Just 25 kilometers south of the bustling Essaouira lies Sidi Kaouki. It is barely a town—more of a collection of surf houses and cafes centered around a shrine and a wild, windswept beach. It attracts a specific type of traveler: those who chase waves and solitude.
- The Vibe: Bohemain surf outpost. The wind is constant, and the starry skies are unpolluted.
- Why Go Now: It offers a unique mix of Berber culture and surf culture that you won’t find elsewhere.
- Best For: Surfers, van-lifers, and those looking to escape the chaos of the souks.
6. Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka: The Horseshoe Bay
A few years ago, “Hiri” was just a local secret. Now, it is a budding hotspot, but it still retains its magic. This horseshoe-shaped bay on the south coast is surrounded by jungle, with monkeys swinging in the trees above the cafes. The surf break is gentle enough for beginners but fun for pros.
- The Vibe: Jungle-chic. Think avocado toast served under coconut palms, followed by a sunset surf session.
- Why Go Now: It is currently hitting its peak—plenty of great cafes and coworking spots, but no high-rise hotels yet.
- Best For: Digital nomads and longboard surfers.
7. Itacaré, Brazil: Where Rainforest Meets Reef
While Rio de Janeiro and Florianópolis steal the spotlight, Itacaré in Bahia offers a wilder beauty. This was a closed cocoa colony for years, which helped preserve its nature. The Atlantic Forest crashes directly onto the beaches here, creating dramatic, lush scenery.
- The Vibe: Afro-Brazilian culture, capoeira circles on the beach, and intense natural beauty.
- Why Go Now: The exchange rate makes Brazil an attractive destination for 2026, and Bahia’s culture is incredibly vibrant and welcoming.
- Best For: Eco-tourists, surfers, and culture seekers.
8. Sumbawa, Indonesia: The Wild East
If Bali is the refined tourist hub, Sumbawa is the raw frontier. Located east of Lombok, it is larger but significantly less developed. It attracts serious surfers and adventurous motorcyclists who want to see what Indonesia looked like 30 years ago.
- The Vibe: Rugged, dry, and traditional. This is not a place for luxury shopping; it is a place for adventure.
- Why Go Now: With the MotoGP circuit in Mandalika (Lombok) bringing attention to the region, Sumbawa is becoming more accessible while staying wild.
- Best For: Hardcore surfers and overland adventurers.
9. Mafia Island, Tanzania: The Ocean Giant
Zanzibar is beautiful, but it is also very busy. South of it lies Mafia Island, part of a protected marine park. It is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks ethically. The pace of life here is dictated by the tides and the ferries.
- The Vibe: serene, eco-conscious, and deeply connected to the ocean.
- Why Go Now: Sustainable tourism is the focus here. Your visit directly supports marine conservation.
- Best For: Divers, snorkelers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
10. Totoco / Ometepe, Nicaragua: The Freshwater Coast
Technically not on the ocean, but the coast of Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua offers a unique “coastal” experience. Formed by two volcanoes rising out of a massive freshwater lake, the beaches here are volcanic sand, and the water is sweet.
- The Vibe: Mystical and volcanic. It feels like a land before time.
- Why Go Now: Nicaragua remains one of the most affordable countries in the Americas, and Ometepe is its crown jewel for travelers seeking something different.
- Best For: Hikers, permaculture students, and adventure seekers.
Practical Tips for Visiting Hidden Gems
Visiting underrated coastal towns requires a different mindset than visiting a major resort city.
Cash is King
Many of these towns, like El Cuyo or Port Barton, often have unreliable ATMs or businesses that do not accept cards. Always carry enough local currency to last you a few days.
Respect the Local Pace
Service in these towns is often “island time.” Lunch might take an hour to arrive. Do not get frustrated; this slow pace is exactly why you came here. Use the waiting time to talk to your companions or read a book.
Pack Essentials
Unlike in Bali or Cancun, you cannot always pop into a convenience store to buy forgotten items like reef-safe sunscreen, specific medications, or feminine hygiene products. Pack your “must-haves” before you leave the mainland.
Conclusion
The world is still full of secrets; you just have to look a little harder to find them. These 10 underrated coastal towns offer more than just a tan—they offer a connection to the environment and local culture that is becoming rare in our globalized world.
Whether you are chasing the surf in Morocco, seeking spirituality in India, or disconnecting in Mexico, 2026 is the year to stray from the beaten path. Book the flight, take the long bus ride, and find your own slice of paradise before the rest of the world catches on.
