6 Maine Towns That Rival Europe's Best

Maine’s rocky coastline, maritime heritage, and New England culture make it one of a kind, but the Pine Tree State echoes Europe more than you might think. For most, the Old Continent is a dream vacation, luring tourists and travelers with its colorful past, bygone architecture, and spellbinding landscapes. But what if you could experience all these things without leaving North America? Maine’s towns may not be as old as Europe’s medieval villages, but their stories are just as colorful. Paired with historic downtowns, bewitching coastal terrains, and architecture fit for a fairytale, these 6 Maine towns rival Europe’s best.

Kennebunkport

For a delicious “Slice of Europe” right in Maine, Kennebunkport transports its visitors overseas with its quaint seaside setting and Old World downtown. Kennebunkport has been compared to places like Ålesund, Norway, a port town known for its picture-perfect ocean views. Although Kennebunkport lacks Norway’s fjords, its rocky coastline and bobbing boats evoke a similar scene, visible at sites like Blowing Cave Park and Ocean Avenue. A popular drive, the route spotlights Kennebunkport’s prettiest views, from coastal overlooks to landmarks like St. Ann’s Episcopal Church. Set atop an ocean-facing bluff, the 1887 stone chapel summons images of Europe’s antique architecture.

While Kennebunkport has been a resort town for over a century, its shipbuilding roots instill a timeless atmosphere. Trailing the Kennebunk River, Dock Square is the beating heart of the Maine town, boasting a cozy blend of old and new. 19th-century storefronts are a hallmark of the district, many built back when the town’s shipbuilding prospered. Stilted buildings are another charming architectural feature, like the Dock Square Emporium gift shop and Dock Square Coffee House, which specializes in “European-style coffee.”

Camden

Although Camden gets its name from an English Lord, its coastal scenes are more in line with the charms you might find in an Irish village. Similar to Kennebunkport, Camden’s ocean-wrapped seaboard invokes images of coastal Europe, particularly Irish fishing towns. Whether dining at seafood spots like the Salt Wharf or strolling from Harbor Park to Megunticook Falls, Camden’s boat-filled waters share the same sounds, sights, and smells of an Irish working harbor. Without the high price of overseas flights, this enchanting Penobscot Bay town is a more affordable alternative to the Emerald Isle.

Overlooking the town, Camden Hills State Park is Camden’s crown jewel, where its mountains meet the sea. Atop Mt. Battie, visitors can admire sweeping views of the town, bay, and surrounding islands, paired with the romantic Mt. Battie Memorial Tower. Although it was built in 1921, the 26-foot-tall stone tower elicits images of Medieval Europe. Additionally, Mount Megunticook, the park’s highest peak, can also be hiked on the Megunticook Trail for dramatic views from the Ocean Lookout.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor, a beautiful and spirited Mount Desert Island town, bears its own similarities to coastal Scandinavia. The island community, like those in Sweden, is anchored by its coastal culture, seafood cuisine, and stunning scenes as far as the eye can see. Whether strolling the scenic Bar Harbor Shore Path or savoring New England seafood at restaurants like The Chart Room, Bar Harbor’s waterfront is as blissful as it is breathtaking.

At its heart, Bar Harbor’s historic downtown is a relaxing prelude or follow-up to your time outdoors. Much like Europe’s oldest towns and cities, the district is compact and snug, allowing pedestrians to explore locally-owned locales like the Thirsty Whale Tavern and Little Village Gifts on foot. Afterward, Bar Harbor’s star attraction awaits: Acadia National Park. Its island setting along Frenchman Bay makes it one of the best places to experience Maine’s iconic rocky coastline. Whether hiking to the jaw-dropping summit of Cadillac Mountain or exploring shell-studded shores like Sand Beach, Bar Harbor’s beauty is boundless.

Stonington

Situated on the southern end of Deer Isle Island, Stonington is a quiet fishing village steeped in history and natural beauty. In the past, the port town was renowned for its granite quarries, drawing stonecutters from Italy and all over Europe. While this industry eventually gave way to fishing, much of the town’s aesthetic still echoes the quirks and charms of a remote, coastal European village. Downtown Stonington boasts narrow roads much like those often seen in the continent’s time capsule towns, paired with a mosaic of 19th-century structures. While not as old as some of Europe’s town centers, the district is no less enchanting, transporting visitors back in time.

Rare to see gimmicks or tourist traps, Stonington also stands out for its authenticity. Instead, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the local culture, whether browsing Dockside Books & Gifts or dining at Fin & Fern, a cozy restaurant serving locally sourced seafood. This authenticity extends to Stonington's natural scenes, as much of Deer Isle remains undeveloped. Whether paddling its shores with Sea Kayak Stonington, exploring a quiet cove at Sand Beach, or hiking the Settlement Quarry Preserve, Stonington feels like its own little world.

Castine

One of North America’s oldest settlements, Castine’s quintessential New England atmosphere falls right in line with Old Europe. Continuously occupied since the early 1600s, the quaint coastal town boasts a tapestry of eras, including countless ties to the Old Continent. Beginning as a French trading colony, Castine and the surrounding Penobscot Bay peninsula were fought over by the English, Dutch, and French before being won by America. Remnants of this storied past are visible in its range of landmarks, from the 18th-century John Perkins House to the 19th-century Castine Post Office.

Main Street Castine also boasts a myriad of historic structures, including landmarks like the 1894 Pentagoet Inn & Pub. Built in the Victorian Queen Anne style, the adorable bed and breakfast is decorated to reflect the era’s romance. Its restaurant also serves a mix of New England and United Kingdom classics, from Maine Lobster Linguini to Sticky Toffee Pudding. Nearby, the waterfront and Town Dock are just a short walk away, or you can drive further to Fort Madison, a Penobscot Bay park with spellbinding ocean views.

Rockport

Previously part of Camden, Rockport separated into its own town in 1891, taking its name after its rocky terrain. Like Camden, Rockport’s coastal setting is equally serene and stunning, reminiscent of an Irish or English seaside town. Rockport Marine Park, simple but scenic, is a lovely place to picnic, stroll, and breathe in the waterfront. Elsewhere, Rockport’s Beech Hill Preserve offers its own views of the distant Camden Hills and Penobscot Bay on pastoral hiking paths like the Summit Trail. Here, hikers can also discover the unique “Beech Nut,” a Scandinavian-inspired sod-roofed cottage built from stone in 1913.

Rockport also sets itself apart with its “longstanding reputation as an artists' community.” Whether catching a show at the Rockport Opera House or visiting acclaimed galleries like the Carol L. Douglas Studio, art and culture flow through Rockport like a winding stream. Once a year, the town also comes to life with its Annual Art Show. Held at Pascal Hall, the event celebrates local artists in every form, from photography and pottery to paintings and sculptures. In 2025, the 18th Annual Art Show will take place on December 6 and 7.

Discover Maine’s European Charms

New England may be distinct, but its European influence is undeniable. Beyond its iconic lobster rolls and fishermen's fashion, the Pine Tree State is teeming with romantic stories, Old World architecture, worldly people, and dramatic natural landscapes. These Maine towns may not be as old as some of Europe’s, but their histories, landscapes, and attractions are no less captivating, mirroring some of the Old Continent’s best towns. From Acadia National Park’s highest peak to Castine’s storied past, these 6 Maine towns rival Europe’s best, allowing you to experience overseas charms without your passport.