15 Coastal Towns That Look Like Storybook Landscapes

You don't have to watch a movie to escape to a fairytale setting. As you're about to see, these stunning destinations prove that the real world has plenty of enchanting landscapes. It's hard to believe that people actually live in these cities, but those lucky few can spend every day in a remote coastal paradise. Use these 15 picturesque coastal towns as inspiration for your next getaway or your next daydream.

Stand on a balcony in Parga, Greece, and you'll feel the breeze against your face as the sun beats down on the ridged roofs and waves lap against the nearby coast. Trees and shrubs add a pop of color to the crowded streets. With a history dating back to the 1300s, Parga is one of Greece's underrated jewels

Agios Nikolaos might not be Greece's most famous destination, but the storefronts, beaches and lagoons attract tourists every year. The buildings offer a combination of modern and old-fashioned aesthetics, allowing you to imagine Greece's history while enjoying today's amenities. Every day, boats set sail on the sparkling waters that surround the island.

History buffs can trace Fowey, Cornwall back to the 11th century, if not earlier. While they've been modernized over the years, the houses and buildings still reflect England's old-world charm. After exploring the coastlines, you can visit the Fowey Aquarium or check out the ancient religious sites, including the Church of St Fimbarrus.

Famous for its tightly clustered buildings and striking red roofs, Cudillero, Spain is a small fishing village that dates back to the 19th century. White, red, yellow and blue houses add a splash of color to the natural landscape. When you venture to the coast, you'll find a sparkling blue ocean that's teeming with sea life.

Relaxing on a boat all day, catching your dinner, cruising back to a delightful coastal village--can you think of a better way to spend your weekends? Ogunquit, Maine is a popular tourist destination that encourages you to sit back and appreciate the beauty surrounding you. Spend a few hours on the lake, and you'll return feeling calm and refreshed.

Cariló, Argentina might be a beach town, but it's also home to an incredible manmade forest with houses built along the secluded roads. Once you've walked through the woods, the beach might seem impossibly vast. Miles of open sky stretch across the coastline that features popular beaches and a breathtaking view of the sunset.

When you're standing on the coastline of Erquy, France, you truly appreciate the ocean's awe-inspiring beauty and humbling power. Sandstone cliffs and houses add character to this small village, which houses the famous Château de Bienassis. Take time to greet the locals and enjoy the fresh seafood that makes this secluded area worth the visit.

Travel back to the 1800s with Alnmouth, England, which preserves the village's historical architecture. Rolling fields, glittering lakes and dense forests surround the buildings that house a population of less than 500. With an impressive mix of landscapes that includes hills, pastures, salt flats and beach dunes, Alnmouth fits a variety of ecosystems in a relatively small space.

Cannon Beach, Oregon is famous for its sea stacks, especially the impressive Haystack Rock, which formed after millions of years of erosion. When you visit this beach, you're studying Earth's ancient history alongside the blue sky and placid waves. A wide range of sea critters live in the tide pools, making this a delight for ocean lovers.

At first glance, Positano, Italy looks like a jumble of building blocks. In fact, this setting is a charming fishing village with homes and businesses built directly into the cliffs overlooking the ocean. If you lived here, you could step onto the balcony and watch the waves gently lap against the shore.  

According to legend, the Greek gods visited a small island near Gytheio, Greece, which operates today as a coastal village. The colorful buildings have so much personality that they look like they're about to come to life. When you stroll along the coastline, you'll notice a forest standing beneath the seemingly endless sky.