Small European towns by the sea

[willowboom]

Hello. I'm looking for our next holiday destination and I'm stumped. We like laid back, relaxed towns by the sea (with a beach). Somewhere nice to wander in the evening, perhaps a harbour, old buildings or some interesting streets. Nice restaurants, independent shops, maybe a local market. Somewhere with character and a gentle buzz although we more not interested in clubs or the like. A couple of nearby places to explore are a bonus.

If it helps we've previously been to, and enjoyed, a Collioure, Cefalu, Caiscais, St Malo, Dubrovnik (although much bigger than the normal towns we go to). In the UK we like Whitby, Tenby, St Ives, Whitstable.

We're a couple with a six year old.

Any ideas?

Porto Vecchio on Corsica. Caribbean standard beaches.
Jersey

St Gilles Croix de Vie
Trouville-sur-Mer
Lerici
Sanremo

Parnu or Saaremaa in Estonia
Gotland in Sweden
Aland Islands in Finland

Nerja, Costa del sol.

Gallipoli
Olbia
Ostuni (a short drive to sea though)
Lipari (boat ride from Palermo)

San Sebastián and the basque coast.
Côte d’Azur
Cinque terre in Italy
Rosses, Catalan coast (all the Dali houses)

Carvoeiro or Lagos in the algarve?

Annecy, France -inland, lake surrounded by mountains, but I think you’d like it

La Rochelle - France

Antibes
Toulon
Villefranche sur Mer (though expensive)
Arcachon
Deauville

I've been to several of the places you mentioned and love all but St Ives which is hideously crowded in school holidays...

I think Benodet or Vannes in South Brittany might fit the bill. Will follow this thread for more suggestions

The Hague. So pretty with lovely beach restaurants

Nerja!

Llafranc. We went a few years ago and it was lovely. Very chilled!

Santa Margherita Ligure, north Italy. Proper Italian seaside holiday location. You're not paying the crazy prices of Cinque Terre but it's easy enough to visit. Fly to Genoa, not too expensive. Lots of lovely restaurants, a beach in the town, relaxed Italian way of life. Walking in the hills behind if you wish and the kids like a walk, or plenty of boat trips out for a day etc. Blissful.

Bandol - resort used by the French, or used to be.

Rethymnon or Chania, Crete
Palma in Mallorca
Nice (although a city), South of France

Menton, France

Valencia

Mahon in Menorca, beautiful historic city and the port is one of the deepest in the world so you'll see some amazing yachts along the harbour with some very nice restaurants. Just up the road from there is Cala Fonts in Es Castell. A lovely fishing harbour, bustling with restaurants.

Also, Pula or Rovinj in Croatia. They’re part of Istria which is like a Croatian Tuscany.

La lavandou, south of cfrance
Caorle, Italy

Sitges near Barcelona.

@Porridgeislife

Also, Pula or Rovinj in Croatia. They’re part of Istria which is like a Croatian Tuscany.

Oh Rovinj was just the most beautiful place! Can't believe I forgot that. I loved it there.

Chania or Rethymno Crete (also mentioned by someone else)

Just back from The Hague, and Valencia previous month. Both highly recommended.