Ericeira, Portugal

Located just half an hour outside of Lisbon, Ericeira is a modernized urban gem nestled within a 12th-century fishing village. This beach town has everything from traditional old-world European sites to a lively and youthful nightlife and party scene.

Local cafes, pastelerias, and restaurants line the narrow cobblestone streets in the town's center. Ericeira is also home to the famous mid-19th-century philharmonic which brings in a regular audience of classical music lovers and Lisbon socialites.

beach town

The real reason you'll want to check out this beautiful beach town is for the bustling beach party scene. At Praia do Sul, you'll find plenty of European tourists and vacationers soaking in the sun and dancing to house music. Head to Praia dos Pescadores to participate in a local pick-up soccer game, then grab a bite at Ribeira d'llhas beach.

Come nightfall, you'll notice the transformation to a full-on night-club, which will eventually end up on the beach by 2 am, where parties will dance until the break of dawn.

beach town

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Bocas del Toro is a small group of islands near Panama's Caribbean coast. On these islands, you'll find that boats are more common than cars because roads are hard to come by. Bocas Town, the main commercial center, has a laid-back and relaxed vibe. Think of the exact opposite of a place like Miami.

For just 3 dollars, visitors can hop on a boat-taxi and head to the beautiful coral reef, filled with tropical fish and free of the tourist crowds you would expect to see at one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world. After a day of underwater adventure, check out Red Frog beach, where you can take in the sunset while sipping on a cold beer and listening to reggae music with fellow tourists.

beach town