Homes on the Mediterranean From €45,000

The Romans called the Mediterranean Sea “Mare Nostrum” (Our Sea). It’s no wonder. At its height, the Roman Empire virtually encircled it.

But this vast waterway enabled trade, the interaction of diverse cultures, and the exchange of ideas well before and after the Romans made their mark. Its shores burst with history and adventure.

Ancient ruins dating to Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman times can be found everywhere, from coastal towns to pristine, isolated hilltops and seaside bluffs. Legends and ideas that have shaped the modern world can be traced back to idyllic outposts in these waters.

In fact, spending time on the Mediterranean, which today touches 21 countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, can feel like stepping back in time…

But it’s also known for fun in the sun. People from all over the world are drawn to its warm waters and golden- and white-sand beaches for vacations, winter escapes, watersports, and laidback vibe. Life is simply better here in so many ways…

Living in this region can literally add years to your life. The Mediterranean diet of fresh, locally sourced olive oil, fish, fruit and veg, along with moderate consumption of red wine, is renowned for promoting long, healthy lives.

Another factor in the long lifespans you’ll see across the Mediterranean is the strong social bonds in many areas. This is a part of the world where community still plays a critical role in daily life. People gather at markets and on plazas. They take time to celebrate festivals and local traditions. Multiple generations of families often spend time together regularly, even live in the same household or in the same neighborhood.

And then there’s the laidback, stress-free vibe that is intrinsic to seaside living.

In short, the lifestyle in the Mediterranean is, simply put, incredible. And that extends to your cost of living. While daily living costs can vary significantly depending on where you live, many areas are highly affordable.

And, as I’ve discovered over the years, the low cost of real estate in many Mediterranean locales is not as uncommon as many think.

My name is Ronan McMahon. I’m an international real estate scout. My team of researchers and analysts and I spend a small fortune on research and travel as we search out the best real estate opportunities in some of the most appealing locations around the world. Some of our favorite spots on our beat are the spectacular shorelines of several Mediterranean countries. Often, what we find and the deals we make pay off with potential investment opportunities that I share with members of my Real Estate Trend Alert group

This report is not so much about potential returns on investment but rather finding appealing properties in the best destinations. Whether you want dreamy luxury or bargain prices, you’ll find something worth checking out in this report.

What all the properties have in common is that they are close to or right on the beach, often with a spectacular view of the sun-kissed Mediterranean seaside.

Crete, Greece

There are 6,000 or so isles in the Ionian and Aegean seas; 227 are inhabited. The largest and most populous of the Greek islands, Crete, is known for its mix of bustling seaside towns, little rural villages in the inland countryside, ruins of ancient civilizations, and awe-inspiring mountainous terrain. Of course, there is no shortage of spectacular Mediterranean beaches. With those benefits, it’s no wonder that these islands have been held up as the ideal escape for centuries.

Life is relaxed here, with your time spent swimming in crystal clear waters, enjoying natural beauty, learning the rich history that surrounds you, meeting friends for meals at homey tavernas…a few reasons why it’s a favorite vacation destination for Europeans.

On the quiet, less touristed far eastern side of the island, on the northern coast, is a one-bedroom walk-to-the-beach apartment with a partial sea view for €45,000 ($48,400). Nearby Analoukas beach is undeveloped and uncrowded. And the seaside town of Siteia, with its small port with fishing boats and pleasure craft, is close by. The perfect place for a shopping and meals out.

To the west is, Heraklion, the largest city and capital of Crete. On the outskirts, you have a two-bedroom luxury villa set on a hill for €425,000($457,200). Built of stone, with a large garden, it has a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and the sea. Look the other way and you can take in views of snowcapped mountains in the distance.

Sicily, Italy

A crossroads of the Mediterranean for thousands of years, Sicily is the largest island in the sea and one the most densely populated.

Over the millennia, it was ruled by Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians, the Spanish, the Vandals…just to name a few. Thanks to its strategic location, important militarily and the ideal hub for trade all over the Med, it’s simply always been a desirable location.

With this complicated history, it’s no wonder that, to this day, it retains a distinct character from mainland Italy. A different way of life…different attitude…even different cuisine.

Today, potential homeowners, often expats from colder European countries also find a lot to like in Sicily, like sunshine and warm weather (its mild year-round) and a slower pace of life. Of course, they also come for the stunning beaches on every shore, historic cities, ancient temples, and quaint little villages.

In the northeastern corner of the island is a one-bedroom apartment with a sea view that you can take in from the living room, balcony, or bedroom. The beach is a five-minute walk.

It’s listed at €77,000 ($82,800) and comes fully furnished. Nearby Giardini Naxos is a popular town and resort area, with plenty of dining—try the seafood risotto, entertainment, and other fun. And there is also an archaeological site for Naxos, the oldest Greek settlement in Sicily.

On the southern edge of Sicily, near the lively beach resort of Marina di Ragusa, is a three-bedroom villa with a large garden area and private swimming pool. The large covered terrace, with table for six, is perfect for entertaining and outdoor dining. It comes fully furnished and is listed for €450,000 ($483,700). This villa is a half-mile to the golden sands of Playa Grande. Beyond beautiful beaches, Ragusa features a large marina, restaurants, entertainment, and busy nightlife.

A bit inland, about 20 minutes drive, is Ragusa, a hilltop town known for its Baroque architecture. There are ornate churches, sweeping piazzas, and grand buildings connected by narrow winding streets. So, you get the best of both worlds—beachside fun and an Old-World vibe nearby.

Costa Blanca, Spain

Spain’s Costa Blanca (White Coast) is about 125 miles of coastline in the Alicante province, on the southwest coast. It’s been a favored destination for holidaymakers from the U.K., Scandinavia, Germany, and Ireland since 1970s. Many own second homes here, as do many Spaniards. The unique microclimate means that winters are very mild and dry with lots of sunshine, perfect to enjoy the beaches. Although to be sure, there is definitely a summer high season.

For centuries, Torrevieja was a simple fishing village and center for salt production (collected from local lagoons). Today, it’s a bustling town with plenty to do, including waterfront restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Simply strolling down the boardwalk on a pleasant late afternoon, people watching, can be a joy.

With the international airport in Alicante just 40 minutes away, it’s also easy to get to.

In the heart of the action, a short walk to the famed Playa de Los Locos, is a well-appointed one-bedroom apartment available for €109,000 ($117,200). And it comes fully furnished.

In the Torre del Moro area of Torrevieja is recently renovated three-bedroom villa overlooking the Mediterranean listed for €489,000 ($525,800). The rooftop terrace features a summer kitchen and plenty of room for outdoor dining and lounging. There is a community pool and multiple beaches, as well as all the modern amenities, are within an easy walk. It comes furnished.

Antalya, Turkey

Antalya, along the coast of south-central Turkey, is one of the country’s premier vacation destinations. Antalya city’s Old Harbor is filled with motor yachts and the surrounding beaches are lined with resorts and hotels. You can indulge in all sorts of tourist fun in this area. And, with warm summers and comfortable winters, you can do it almost year-round.

But Antalya also a place to enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine, the region’s rich history (it was founded as a port in the 2nd century BCE and the historic center shows its past as an important Greco Roman city), and, of course, pristine beaches. While some can be quite busy, there are always stretches of sand along this often rugged coastline where your group might be the only visitors.

To the east of Antalya city, near the town of Belek, amidst resorts and golf courses, is a one-bedroom apartment listed for $97,197. It’s sold furnished, and there is a community pool. Several Blue Flag beaches can be found close by.

Even further east is the resort destination of Alanya. While the town center can be quite busy and somewhat of a party, the surrounding areas are a haven for nature lovers and beachgoers.

An upscale sea view villa is listed for $663,000. It has four bedrooms, an American-style kitchen, and a hot tub on the expansive terrace. It comes furnished, and the beach is a few hundred feet away.

 Sardinia, Italy

Like Sicily, Sardinia is in many ways a country within a country, known for distinct, traditions, culture, and cuisine, especially in outlying towns and villages that strive to hold on to the old ways. It actually has much in common with Corsica, a French island just 7.5 miles north, although Sardinia is said to be more developed. By comparison, mainland Italy is 120 miles east.

The more than 1,200 miles of coastline alternates between sandy beaches and rocky coves, although there are clear, pristine waters anywhere offshore. The interior is mountainous and mostly dedicated to agriculture.

Sardinia came to prominence as a vacation destination in the 1960s thanks to the Costa Smeralda, a stunning 12-mile stretch of coastline renowned for its stunning beaches and luxurious resorts.

Away from the glitz and glamor, Sardinia can be a very affordable place, while the landscapes are no less appealing.

A one-bedroom apartment, just 900 feet from the sea, is listed for €69,000 ($74,200). It’s in the center of the seaside town of Calasetta, which is not in Sardinia proper. Rather it is on a smaller island off the southwest coast that is connected by bridge called Sant’Antioco. It features some tourist attractions but is mostly charming little historic villages, stretches of undeveloped coastline, and quiet countryside.

On the higher end of the market is a two-bedroom luxury villa, set within a gated community, on the northern tip of Sardinia for €320,000 ($344,100). It’s 300 feet to beach. The panoramic sea view is best enjoyed from the large covered verandas, one off the living room, the other off the master bedroom.

The resort areas of Baja Sardinia and Cannigione, where you can do your shopping and dining…maybe enjoy a little nightlife…are a few minutes’ drive away.