Whether it’s a canalside apartment or a villa with an ocean view, these waterfront residences are perfect for those who dream of waking up to the sounds of lapping water.

If a luxurious waterfront lifestyle is what you seek, nothing comes close to the chic, contemporary apartments that line Double Bay Harbour in Sydney, Australia. Think designer boutiques, world-class cuisine and trendy bars with the breathtaking Sydney skyline for a backdrop.

It’s all speedboats and crystal clear waters at Double Bay Harbour, which is why properties such as this one are becoming increasingly popular with local investors. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels give way to panoramic views of the harbour, while a contemporary interior reflects low-maintenance luxury living at its finest. 

An open-plan kitchen and dining area provide the perfect opportunity for entertaining guests in front of one of the most serene settings that Sydney has to offer. Set back from the main street, this private and peaceful property has direct access to a communal pool and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Sunny by day and shimmery by night, Auckland Harbour has become a go-to destination for expats and tourists alike. North Wharf in particular, where this spacious two-bedroom apartment is located, is known for its eclectic mix of international eateries and swanky bars.

Due to their positioning, properties on North Wharf are directly exposed to plenty of sunshine. The owners of this particular apartment benefit from a shaded terrace that looks out onto Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Located in San Francisco Bay’s prestigious Pacific Heights neighbourhood, this stunning six-bedroom home fuses Beaux-Arts architecture with a chic and contemporary interior design scheme.

Occupants can experience sweeping views of the bay from the property’s open-plan living/dining room and kitchen, which features a number of period elements, including a restored sandstone fireplace. Originally two separate units, the single-family home contains a top-floor master suite, five additional bedrooms and two open-plan living/dining rooms with kitchens.

The highlight of the property is its rooftop terrace, which features a spacious seating area, summer kitchen and an outdoor bar. From here occupants can spot a number of notable San Francisco landmarks, including Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Surrounded by warm springs, calm beaches and a bustling harbour, Biscayne Bay is one of Florida’s prime waterfront locations. Situated on the 12th floor of a modern apartment block, this three-bedroom property features marble floors, white furnishings and floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows for unforgettable views of Biscayne Bay and Grove Harbour Marina.

Wraparound glass panels in the master bedroom allow occupants to enjoy views of the bay and Miami skyline. The master bedroom comes complete with two ensuite bathrooms, both of which also feature wall-to-wall glass panel windows.

The property’s most outstanding feature is its 12-foot terrace, which contains a spacious seating area and summer kitchen, making it the perfect spot for outdoor entertainment. From here, occupants can experience unobstructed views of the bay, Grove Harbour Marina and Miami city skyline.

Properties are popping up quicker than you can blink in Toronto’s up-and-coming neighbourhood, Harbourfront. This bright and spacious three-bedroom apartment features two-storey windows for unprecedented views across the bay towards Toronto Islands.

A spacious terrace with a seating area, hot tub and barbecue facilities make this the perfect spot for relaxing, dining and boat watching. The building contains a communal gym, party room, library and 24 hour-concierge.

You don’t have to live by the sea to enjoy a waterfront lifestyle, as this luxury one-bedroom apartment in Canary Wharf proves. Now a major business district, Canary Wharf once belonged to the West India Docks and is considered to have been one of the British Empire’s busiest ports. Today, its glass-panelled towers offer some of the most spectacular views of London and the River Thames. 

The property is encased in floor-to-ceiling glass panels that open out onto a series of private winter gardens. Occupants can also enjoy sweeping views of the city from the building’s rooftop terrace and communal swimming pool. 

Occupants of this five-bedroom penthouse in Guanabara Bay can enjoy breathtaking views of some of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic landmarks, including Gloria Marina and the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Though the bay is one of the largest in the country, it encompasses the city's smallest beach, Botafogo.

Situated in the tranquil Cape Town neighbourhood of Hout Bay, this modern three-storey home is within walking distance of the local beach and harbour. The property has been laid out in an upside-down plan, with top level communal spaces and mid-level private quarters. 

Taking inspiration from local design traditions, a light and airy palette combined with hardwood furnishings create a beachy upper-level communal area that channels the freshness of the sun, sea and sand. Included in the space is a living room, gourmet kitchen and two separate dining areas.

The property contains three private bedroom balconies and a spacious terrace that can be accessed from the communal area. An ideal spot for alfresco dining, the upper level terrace contains a summer kitchen and seating area that overlooks the harbour market and local beaches.

If it’s a waterfront lifestyle with a hint of ‘la dolce vita’ that you’re after, the Bay of Naples, and especially Capri, are prime harbour spots. With an interior design scheme that is typical of the region, the vaulted ceilings, arched doorways and decorative columns of this seven-bedroom villa give it a timeless appeal.

All rooms give access to a spacious terrace that allows occupants to experience panoramic views of the sea and gardens that surround the property. The monastery of Certosa di San Giacomo and Gardens of Augustus are a short walking distance away.

This three-bedroom apartment in the Venetian neighbourhood of San Polo is every history enthusiast’s dream come true. A prestigious historic home, the newly refurbished property features wood beam ceilings, exposed brick walls and an open-plan living/dining area that faces directly onto the Grand Canal. 

A rooftop terrace allows occupants to experience Venice as an open air museum, with panoramic views of the Grand Canal and some of its most iconic landmarks, including the Rialto Bridge to the left and the historic seafood market to the right.

Porto might be Portugal’s most notable port town, but Lisbon has its own harbour that’s just as breathtakingly beautiful. Located where the Atlantic Ocean and River Tagua meet, it isn’t necessary to purchase a waterfront home to appreciate Lisbon’s captivating ocean views, as this recently renovated two-bedroom apartment in Bairro Alto proves.

Situated on one of Lisbon’s many undulating hills, it’s clear to see why the Portuguese choose to construct their homes on some of the highest points in the city. A series of strategically-placed French windows and Juliet balconies allow occupants to experience enchanting harbour views from the comfort of their own home.

Located in one of the swankiest marinas in the Mediterranean, this stunning three-bedroom apartment features a cool and contemporary interior design scheme that channels the laid-back Balearic's vibes. 

The property’s brightly-coloured balcony gives access to panoramic views of Ibiza and its surrounding islands. The marina is a 15-minute walk away from the town centre, where you’ll encounter the chilled out beaches and upbeat nightlife that the island has to offer.

Malta is dotted with countless historic ports and harbours, but it’s Tigne Point in Sliema that offers the most sensational waterfront living experience. Property developers have been busy investing in this particular neighbourhood, where you can now purchase chic, contemporary properties, such as this three-bedroom penthouse apartment.

It’s clear to see why Tigne Point is a hot spot among developers, as properties here offer magnificent views of the Grand Harbour, Sliema Creek and Malta’s capital city, Valletta. With a wraparound south-facing balcony occupants are exposed to sunny views of the island and beyond.

Architecture lovers looking for a holiday home will fall in love with this recently refurbished three-bedroom house that sits between two traditional Mallorcan windmills. Located in the old fishing district of Es Jonquet, this unique property is within walking distance to the marina and markets of Santa Catalina.

The two-storey property contains two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living area at ground level, as well as an upper level master bedroom with access to a spacious terrace. White walls, gallery lights and neutral furnishings create a contemporary interior design scheme that mimics the simplicity of an artist’s studio.

Outside, the terrace contains a comfortable lounge area, barbecue facilities and dining table for up to 12 diners. If you fancy a relaxing stroll in the sun, the marina is a five minute walk away.

Amsterdam is the perfect location for those seeking a tranquil waterfront lifestyle with added historic charm. Connected by over 1000 bridges, each of the city’s picturesque canals feature rows of historical houses, some of which date back to the 16th century.

Constructed in 1671, this stately house is located on the Keizersgracht, one of the original canals that circles the centre of the city. The spacious five-bedroom property features a number of original features, including its decorative fireplaces and 17th-century grand staircase.

Views of Amsterdam’s romantic canals can be experienced from most rooms in the property, however, it’s the master bedroom with its canal-facing windows that allows occupants to experience the beauty of the historic centre at its finest.

Developed in the 1960s by French architect Francois Spoerry, Port Grimaud has earned itself a reputation for being known as the ‘French Venice’. Lined with picturesque pastel-coloured houses, this is the perfect location for boat enthusiasts looking to explore the French Riviera. 

A five minute walk from the beach, this modern five-bedroom house contains an open-plan living/dining room and kitchen that opens out onto a canal facing terrace. A master bedroom with a built-in shower room and sauna makes this an ideal property for holiday rentals.

The highlight of the property is its canalside terrace that looks out onto the channels of Port Grimaud. Included in the package is a private boat mooring and annexe where small watercrafts can be stored. Still hungry for more? See these stunning holiday homes with a secret.