Sailing towns have long captured the imaginations of travelers, adventurers, and property seekers alike.
Nestled along dramatic coastlines, riverbanks, and harbors, these towns offer a unique blend of nautical charm, vibrant waterfront living, and the promise of adventure.
Owning a home in a sailing town means you can wake up to panoramic water views, stroll to bustling marinas, and take to the high seas whenever you want.
Whether you’re looking for a permanent home, a vacation retreat, or an investment opportunity, these scenic maritime hubs promise a world of opportunity.
My team went on the hunt for homes in some of the world’s best sailing towns…here’s what they found…
Scalea, Calabria, Italy
Listing price: €39,000 ($41,000)
Scalea is a charming seaside town located in the Calabria region along Italy’s scenic Tyrrhenian Coast. Known for its historic old town perched on a hillside and its stunning beaches, Scalea offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and coastal living.
There’s much for sailing enthusiasts to enjoy here, both in the water and along the modern waterfront area that’s lined with cafés, restaurants, and beachfront resorts. Boat tours are available along the picturesque coastline, allowing visitors to explore nearby attractions such as the Arco Magno sea cave and various secluded beaches.
The area is also known for its inexpensive housing.
This two-bed, one-bath apartment in Scalea enjoys a fantastic view and enviable proximity to the sea.
Scalea is a vacation favorite of the Italians, but is less well-known to everyone else.You can buy a two-bed apartment here for just $41,000. Listing here.
The apartment is has just over 48o square feet of living space and has a living room with kitchenette, sea view terrace, master bedroom, bathroom and a second bedroom. It’s on the market for €39,000 ($41,000). Find more details here.
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Listing price: $196,100
The Dominican Republic’s Caribbean coastline has made the country a tourism powerhouse, and it’s smashing its own visitor records year after year.
Las Terrenas was founded in 1946 as a place to resettle citizens from the capital of Santa Domingo. They went there to become farmers and fishermen. The 1980s saw an influx of expats who were seduced by the easygoing beach town’s charms. It’s now one of the country’s top resorts.
Cayos Las Ballenas is a picturesque cluster of small islands located off the coast of Las Terrenas. These cays are renowned for their serene beaches, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, making them a favored destination for both tourists and locals.
The clear, shallow waters around the cays are ideal for snorkeling and swimming, providing opportunities to observe diverse marine species and coral formations. Divers can also explore an underwater cave here.
This two-bed, one-bath condo in Las Terrenas comes with a pool and fitness center. It has an open plan layout and air conditioning, and comes fully furnished.
This condo is in Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic’s Samana Province. Listing here.
The condo is on the market for $196,100. Find more details here.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Listing price: $210,000
Costa Rica boasts some of the best beaches in the world with warm water all year round. The Guanacaste region in the northwest of the country, in particular, is famed for its stunning Pacific coastline.
This one-bed, one-bath condo is in the vibrant community of Las Palmas de Tamarindo, Villareal. It’s a 10-minute drive from Tamarindo Beach, from where you can take an afternoon cruise around the stunning coastline as the sun sets on the Pacific. Snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular here too.
This condo in Las Palmas de Tamarindo in Costa Rica has shared amenities including a swimming pool. Listing here.
This condo on the second floor has a kitchen, cozy sitting room, a bedroom with a king-size bed, and balconies with stunning views. Shared amenities include a pool and children’s playground. This property is on the market for $210,000. Find full details here.
Phuket, Thailand
Listing price: THB 6,350,000 ($187,000)
Phuket is a world-famous island destination located in the Andaman Sea off the southwestern coast of Thailand. Known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife, Phuket is one of Southeast Asia’s most visited tourist hotspots. It offers a mix of luxury resorts, traditional Thai markets, ancient temples, and lush rainforests.
Phuket is one of the most prominent sailing hubs in Southeast Asia. Its proximity to scenic destinations like Phang Nga Bay makes it a prime location for sailing tours, yacht charters, and island-hopping adventures. The island also hosts major sailing events like the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, attracting elite sailors and yachting enthusiasts from around the globe.
Yet property here can be surprisingly affordable…
This three-bed, three-bath house comes with a private swimming pool and has a sleek, modern design.
This sleek, modern house is in Phuket, Thailand. Listing here.
Sold unfurnished, the house comes with a kitchen counter, water tank, water pump, and a fully planted grass lawn.
The property is on the market for THB 6,350,000 $187,300. Find more details here.
(Learn more about beach homes around Southeast Asia in this free special report: Stunning Beach Homes in Asia from $50,000. Click here to start reading.)
La Paz, Mexico
Listing price: MXN 4,750,000 ($235,500)
La Paz is a tranquil coastal city located on the eastern side of the Baja California Peninsula, overlooking the Sea of Cortez.
As a sailing town, La Paz is regarded as a gateway to some of the world’s most spectacular sailing routes. Its calm, sheltered waters and proximity to the Sea of Cortez’s marine wonders make it an ideal location for sailors and yachting enthusiasts.
The area’s biodiversity is a major draw, offering sailors a chance to spot whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays. With easy access to remote islands like Isla Espíritu Santo and secluded anchorages, La Paz is a prime destination for both recreational sailing and extended voyages.
This three-bed, 3.5-bath house is located in the prestigious Fidepaz neighborhood which has a private hospital nearby.
This two-story house is in La Paz in Mexico. Listing here.
The house is about 1,388 square feet over two floors. Two of its bedrooms are upstairs, each with its own private bathroom, while one bedroom is on the ground floor. There is also a garage with capacity for two cars.
This property is an eight-minute drive from La Paz’s famous palm-tree-lined malecon, or seaside promenade.
It’s on the market for MXN 4,750,000 ($235,500). Find more details here.
Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal
Listing price: €360,000 ($379,100)
Póvoa de Varzim is a historic seaside town located on Portugal’s northern coast. As a sailing town, Póvoa de Varzim is highly regarded for its well-equipped Póvoa Marina, which provides facilities for recreational sailors, yacht owners, and fishing enthusiasts.
The town’s location along the Atlantic Ocean makes it a prime stopover for those sailing along the Portuguese coast or embarking on transatlantic journeys. The calm, sheltered waters and proximity to the city of Porto attract both experienced sailors and beginners looking to explore Portugal’s scenic northern coastline.
This three-bed, three-bath house in Póvoa de Varzim was built in 2005.
This house is in Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal, along the Atlantic Ocean. Listing here.
Downstairs there’s a living room, kitchen, dining room, and balcony. Upstairs are the three bedrooms, one of which is en suite. There is also a garage with parking spaces for two cars, accessed by a ramp at the side of the house. The house is approximately 820 feet from the beach.
It’s on the market for €360,000 ($379,100). Find more details here.
Ronan McMahon, Founder, Overseas Dream Home & Real Estate Trend Alert
P.S. If you’re interested in any of these listings you should hire an attorney and do your own due diligence. We haven’t done any due diligence on them.
P.P.S. For more listings of affordable overseas dream homes, click here to follow our Your Cheap Dream Home Instagram account.
