Where to Travel If You Want to Feel Like a Mermaid Who Temporarily Grew Legs

Don’t you think the seaside is just so magical? It perfectly blends mythical beauty and oceanic wonder, making you feel like you’ve just traded your mermaid tail for feet.

If you’re yearning to live out your fairytale transformation fantasy, these destinations will have you humming under-the-sea tunes while you explore their shore-side splendors.

Sardinia’s Hidden Coves, Italy

Along Sardinia’s eastern coastline lies a collection of secluded coves that look as though they were designed for secret mermaid gatherings. Cala Goloritzé, with its limestone formations rising dramatically from crystal-clear turquoise waters, feels like the hands of sea gods shaped it. The beach is accessible only by boat or a rewarding hike, keeping it pristine and otherworldly.

The nearby Grotta del Bue Marino were named after the monk seals that once inhabited them—creatures sailors sometimes mistook for mermaids. As you swim through the luminous blue waters inside these caves, you’ll understand why ancient mariners believed in aquatic humanoids.

The Whitsunday Islands, Australia

If there’s anywhere a mermaid would choose to vacation, it’s the 74 island wonders of the Whitsundays. Whitehaven Beach, with its swirling silica sands that never heat up (perfect for newly-formed human feet), creates patterns in the water that look like something straight out of a mermaid’s dream journal.

The fringing coral gardens of Heart Reef offer an underwater paradise where you can float among tropical fish that might just mistake you for one of their mystical guardians. For the full experience, book a sailing trip and sleep on the gentle waves, letting the ocean rock you to sleep like in your former life beneath the surface.

The Azores, Portugal

These nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean feel like they’re halfway between the human world and an underwater kingdom. In São Miguel, you can soak in geothermal hot springs at Ponta da Ferraria, where the ocean meets volcanic activity—the perfect spa treatment for a mermaid transitioning to land life.

In the waters surrounding these islands, you can swim alongside dolphins and whales—perhaps your former neighbors. The landscape above water is just as magical, with crater lakes in stunning blues and greens that mirror the oceanic palette you’re accustomed to.

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

The limestone karsts of these islands rise from the Andaman Sea like sentinels guarding mermaid treasures. Maya Bay might be the closest you’ll get to finding a secret mermaid lagoon on earth, with its sheltered waters embraced by towering cliffs.

Night swimming here reveals another marvel: bioluminescent plankton that light up with each movement, transforming the water into a starry galaxy. As your feet disturb the water, you’ll create trails of blue light—a power any self-respecting mermaid would appreciate.

The Algarve Coast, Portugal

With its honey-colored cliffs and hidden grottoes, Portugal’s southern coast seems designed for mermaids seeking respite on land. The Benagil Cave, with its natural oculus letting sunlight stream onto a secret beach, feels like nature’s version of an underwater palace chamber.

Praia da Marinha, with its natural stone arch extending into the sea, presents the perfect spot for a former mermaid to sit and contemplate both worlds. The remarkably clear waters make it easy to keep an eye on your former underwater home while enjoying your new terrestrial adventure.

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

The golden beaches and bright blue waters of this coastal paradise would make any mermaid feel at home. Split Apple Rock—a massive boulder seemingly cleaved perfectly in half—rises from the water like an artifact from a mermaid legend.

Kayak through the park’s many coves and inlets, where curious fur seals might approach to investigate whether you’ve truly transformed or are just pretending to have legs for the day. The crystal-clear waters reveal forests of kelp swaying below, perhaps reminding you of your former underwater gardens.

The Lofoten Islands, Norway

For cold-water merfolk, Norway’s dramatic Lofoten archipelago offers a breathtaking transition to land life. Here, mountains plunge directly into the sea, creating fjords that feel like pathways between worlds.

The beaches here feature something unusual for mermaids-turned-human: sand that ranges from stark white to deep purple-black. Uttakleiv Beach, with its heart-shaped hole in a prominent rock formation, seems like a love letter from the ocean to those who’ve left it behind. During winter months, you can even watch the Northern Lights dance across the water—perhaps signals from your underwater kin.

Miyako Island, Japan

Off the southern coast of Japan lies a mermaid’s playground of blue caverns and coral gardens. The Yabiji coral reef, Japan’s largest, creates an underwater maze that any former mermaid would navigate with ease.

The Blue Cave on Miyako Island glows with an ethereal sapphire light, recreating the magical illumination of the deepest mermaid realms. Nearby, the Sunayama Beach features a natural stone arch perfect for a mermaid’s first sunset view of the human world.

Ready to Travel?

Whether you’re a mermaid on vacation from your underwater kingdom or just someone who feels the inexplicable call of the sea, these destinations offer that perfect blend of marine magic and terrestrial wonder. Pack your dinglehopper (or human hairbrush), bring your sense of wonder, and prepare to discover whether you truly belong on land or sea. Just remember—unlike a certain fictional little mermaid, you don’t need to give up your voice to enjoy these seaside paradises.

About the Author

Originally from Indiana, Heather believes every destination has a story worth telling and a reason to visit. With a deep love of adventure, history, and psychology, she shares travel trivia, tips, and inspiration to encourage you to explore the world with curiosity and optimism. Read her other articles on Frayed Passport here.

Featured image by ArtificialArtist from Pixabay