If you’re on holiday right now and are tempted to pack some title deeds in your hand luggage before heading home, according to the property experts these are the best seaside resorts to buy a home this summer.
Contents
Tropea, Calabria, Italy Castiglione della Pescaia, Tuscany, Italy Rethymno, Crete, Greece Lagos, Algarve, Portugal Calheta & Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal Viana do Castelo, Norte, Portugal Rovinj, Istria Peninsula, Croatia Protaras, East Coast, Cyprus Biarritz, Anglet and Bayonne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France La Baule-Escoublac, Loire Atlantique, France Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, France Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden Estepona, Costa del Sol, Spain Orihuela Costa, Southern Costa Blanca, Spain Santa Eulària des Riu, Ibiza, Spain Los Alcazares, Costa Calida, Spain Castellón Coast, Costa Azahar, Spain Kalkan, Antalya Province, Turkey St Julian’s, Malta Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland
Tropea, Calabria, Italy
Tropea is a spectacular seaside town perched atop limestone cliffs on the Tyrrhenian Sea in southern Italy’s Calabria region. Its medieval old town, filled with narrow alleys, Baroque churches and sun-drenched piazzas, overlooks soft sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water.
Often dubbed “the Amalfi Coast without the crowds,” Tropea combines southern charm, dramatic scenery, and real Italian authenticity, with far less tourist traffic and far more value for money. The area is increasingly on the radar for international buyers and digital nomads, drawn by its affordability, local cuisine (including the famous red onions!), and a lifestyle that blends beach days with mountain excursions.
With over 300 days of sunshine a year and recent improvements in local infrastructure, Tropea is no longer just a hidden gem, it’s a rising star in Italy’s second-home market.
Tropea, Calabria, Italy
Buying property in Tropea
Focus on the historic centre for character-filled apartments with balconies and sea views. The Marina district offers newer homes with beach access, while Capo Vaticano (ten kilometres away) has villas with panoramic coastal views.
Sensible budgets:
Check out some properties for sale in Calabria.
Getting there:
Castiglione della Pescaia, Tuscany, Italy
Located on Tuscany’s southern coast in the Maremma region, Castiglione della Pescaia is a perfectly preserved seaside town that blends medieval beauty with beachside elegance. Its historic hilltop centre, complete with cobbled streets and a 15th-century fortress, overlooks a modern marina, pine forests, and one of Italy’s cleanest stretches of coastline, repeatedly awarded Blue Flag status.
The town is a favourite summer escape for wealthy Romans and Milanese families, yet it remains relaxed, authentic, and wonderfully liveable. It offers a mix of stylish beach clubs, local markets, walking and cycling trails, and proximity to natural parks like the Parco della Maremma.
With its balance of cultural charm, excellent beaches, and proximity to wine estates and thermal spas, Castiglione della Pescaia is an exceptional destination for buyers seeking laid-back Tuscan luxury by the sea.
Castiglione della Pescaia, Maremma, Tuscany
Buying property in Castiglione della Pescaia
Look in the medieval upper town for views and charm, the marina and beachfront area for walkability, or just outside town in Punta Ala or Roccamare for secluded villas and private beaches.
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Rethymno, Crete, Greece
Set on Crete’s northern coast, midway between Chania and Heraklion, Rethymno blends golden beaches, Venetian architecture, and a relaxed, year-round lifestyle. The town’s old quarter is a beautiful maze of alleyways, pastel façades, fountains, and vibrant cafés — all overlooked by a 16th-century fortress. Its long, sandy beachfront stretches for miles, with calm waters and a lively promenade.
Despite being Crete’s third-largest town, Rethymno feels intimate and walkable. It’s popular with expats, digital nomads, and second-home owners seeking authenticity, affordability, and a slower pace of life. The surrounding hills offer olive groves, mountain villages, and historical monasteries, perfect for weekend exploration.
With good local healthcare, universities and businesses open even in winter, Rethymno is as much a liveable destination as it is a holiday escape.
Rethymno, Crete
Buying property in Rethymno
Explore the Old Town for charm and culture, or the seafront promenade for modern apartments. Nearby villages like Adele, Platanes, and Atsipopoulo offer peaceful, authentic alternatives just a short drive away.
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Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
Lagos is one of the Algarve’s most vibrant and scenic seaside towns, offering a blend of dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, cobbled streets, and a lively marina. Located in the western Algarve, it has a rich history dating back to the Age of Discovery, visible in its 16th-century walls and forts.
The town is popular with international buyers thanks to its year-round sunshine and friendly expat community. You can be meeting friends in its excellent restaurants, one of its nearby golf courses or on the new padel courts that are taking expat heartlands by storm.
For even more high-octane thrills, surfing, sailing, dolphin watching and hiking are all on offer nearby, especially along the breathtaking Ponta da Piedade coastline.
Unlike some Algarve resorts that shut down in winter, Lagos maintains a lively atmosphere year-round, making it ideal for both holiday homes and permanent relocation. Its mix of Portuguese authenticity and modern comfort gives it enduring appeal for all ages.
Camilo Beach in Lagos, Algarve
Buying property in Lagos
Look in Porto de Mós for sea-view villas, Meia Praia for modern apartments near the beach, or the historic town centre for charm and walkability. Albardeira offers quiet, residential villas just outside town.
Sensible budgets:
Check out properties for sale in Lagos .
Getting there:
Calheta & Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal
Tucked into Madeira’s sunny southwest coast, Calheta and Ponta do Sol are two of the island’s most sought-after seaside spots for those seeking peace, natural beauty, and ocean views, without the bustle of Funchal.
Calheta is home to one of the island’s only sandy beaches (imported from Morocco), a sleek marina, and a growing scene of modern holiday villas tucked into the hillside. It offers restaurants, a supermarket, and cultural venues like the Casa das Mudas art centre.
Just 15 minutes away, Ponta do Sol is a picture-postcard village known for its cliffside setting, charming main square, pebble beach, and famously sunny microclimate. It’s a favourite among both retirees and remote workers, thanks to its tranquil atmosphere and creative community. Both towns are surrounded by lush valleys and levada hiking trails, offering an ideal blend of sea and nature, all within 30 minutes of Funchal.
The village of Estreito da Calheta
Buying property in Calheta & Ponta do Sol
In Calheta, explore the hills above Prazeres, Arco da Calheta, or Estreito da Calheta for villas with panoramic sea views. In Ponta do Sol, focus on the town centre or the nearby hills of Canhas for a more traditional village setting with easy coastal access.
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Viana do Castelo, Norte, Portugal
Set at the mouth of the Lima River on Portugal’s Costa Verde, Viana do Castelo combines historic elegance, Atlantic beaches and spectacular green hills.
Its medieval centre is full of tiled mansions, baroque churches and sunny café-lined squares. Overlooking it all is the iconic hilltop basilica of Santa Luzia, with panoramic views across sea and forest. The town is well known for its strong cultural identity, from traditional gold filigree to colourful folk festivals. Surf beaches like Praia do Cabedelo attract water sports lovers, while nearby trails and nature reserves offer hiking and cycling.
An hour’s drive inland are the lovely cities of Braga and Guimaraes, and the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Less touristy than the Algarve or even nearby Porto, Viana is a hidden gem — offering a slower pace, fresh seafood, and strong value for money, all within easy reach of major cities and airports.
Praia do Cabedelo, Viana do Castelo
Buying property in Viana do Castelo
Look in the historic centre for charming apartments, Cabedelo beach for surfside homes, or the hillsides of Santa Luzia for villas with sea views. Darque and Areosa offer good value and proximity to nature.
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Getting there: Porto Airport , or 1.5 hours by regional train. Lisbon is 4 hours away by car or intercity rail.
Rovinj, Istria Peninsula, Croatia
Rovinj is a breathtaking Venetian-style port town on Croatia’s northwestern Istrian coast, often compared to Italy’s Cinque Terre – but with more space, better prices, and fewer crowds. Its old town rises in a jumble of pastel façades atop a peninsula, crowned by the baroque Church of St. Euphemia.
Narrow cobbled streets, working fishing boats, art galleries, and wine bars give Rovinj an intimate, timeless feel. The surrounding coast is dotted with pine-fringed beaches and quiet coves, while inland you’ll find vineyards, hill towns, and truffle-rich forests. It’s also known for excellent gastronomy and a strong Italian cultural influence.
With Croatia now in both the EU and Schengen Zone, buying and visiting are easier than ever – and Rovinj has emerged as a stable and desirable choice for lifestyle buyers and long-term investors.
Rovinj, Croatia
Buying property in Rovinj
The Old Town is full of charming, characterful apartments. Look in Borik or Centener for modern homes with sea views and easier parking. Rovinj South offers villas and quiet residential streets near beaches.
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Protaras, east coast, Cyprus
Protaras is a sun-soaked resort town on the eastern tip of Cyprus, famed for its turquoise waters and soft sandy beaches — including Fig Tree Bay, regularly ranked among Europe’s best. It’s more peaceful and family-friendly than nearby Ayia Napa but still offers a lively summer scene with seafront restaurants, beach bars, and water sports. The area is modern and well-planned, with wide promenades, coastal walking trails, and excellent swimming conditions.
While primarily a holiday destination, Protaras is increasingly appealing for international buyers seeking a high-quality second home or rental investment in a safe, accessible location. The season is lengthening, infrastructure is improving, and Cyprus’s low taxes and English-speaking legal system make property ownership relatively straightforward. Plus, with the east coast’s dry, sunny climate, Protaras delivers a true Mediterranean lifestyle for much of the year.
White church on the shore in Protaras
Buying property in Protaras
Look near Fig Tree Bay and Pernera for easy beach access and amenities. Kapparis is quieter and more residential, while Paralimni (just inland) offers traditional village charm and better value.
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Biarritz, Anglet and Bayonne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Nestled between France’s southernmost Atlantic coast and the Pyrenees the Bayonne–Anglet–Biarritz area offers an irresistible blend of history, surfing, architectural elegance and year‑round sophistication.Biarritz has long the playground of European aristocracy, with the likes of Queen Victoria a big fan, and the grandeur survives today with its Belle Époque palaces (like the Hôtel du Palais) and casinos.
Within walking distance of Biarritz is the suburb of Anglet, a world‑class surfing centre that takes advantage of the Atlantic rollers that almost seem to come into the town itself (indeed, on occasions they do!). Anglet is a long row of glorious sandy beaches backed by pine forests, among which are interspersed small housing developments and golf courses.
Within walking distance again is Bayonne, with a more traditional Basque vibe. It has half‑timbered houses painted in red and green lining the Nive river, narrow pedestrian lanes, a majestic Gothic cathedral and heritage architecture that’s a UNESCO gem.
Cote des Basques beach in Biarritz (JeanLucIchard / Shutterstock.com)
Buying property in Biarritz, Anglet and Bayonne
Anglet is a liveable little town, where architect-designed modern homes border golf courses. It’s super-handy for Biarritz Airport and with a lively indoor market. In Biarritz, top choices are seafront apartments or villas near iconic landmarks like the Hôtel du Palais or elegant districts such as Beaurivage and Saint-Charles. And in Bayonne the historic centre, with its Basque architecture and riverside outlook appeals for its cultural authenticity and more accessible pricing.
Sensible budgets: It’s not a cheap area, but you can find two-bedroom flats from around €250,000 and houses from €450,000. But this is a place where you can spend a lot of money.
Getting there: Couldn’t be easier, with Biarritz Airport right in the middle. If you choose the train, Biarritz is four hours from Paris.
La Baule-Escoublac, Loire‑Atlantique, Pays de la Loire, France
It’s the kind of French resort where, when you discover it, you wonder why everyone isn’t here. This glamorous slice of France’s Atlantic coast is home to La Baule’s nine kilometre sweep of fine golden sand, lined with Belle Époque villas, pine groves, seafood restaurants and luxury boutiques.
Le Pouliguen, just next door, offers a quieter harbour-town feel with a charming market, sheltered beaches and coastal walking paths. Both are part of the Loire-Atlantique region in western France, with strong Breton influence, mild oceanic climate and a laid-back yet sophisticated seaside lifestyle. It’s ideal for beach lovers, foodies and Francophiles wanting a classier, less crowded alternative to the Riviera.
La Baule Escoublac bay from Le Pouliguen
Buying property in La Baule
Look for classic villas or smart apartments near La Baule’s Benoît and Lajarrige districts, or the elegant Quartier des Oiseaux. In Le Pouliguen, the port area and coastline around Nau beach offer both charm and sea views. Nearby Escoublac also has newer developments.
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Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, France
Menton sits at the very eastern tip of the French Riviera, right on the Italian border, blending the glamour of the Côte d’Azur with a more relaxed, garden-filled charm.
Known as the “Pearl of France,” it boasts pastel-hued Belle Époque buildings, subtropical botanical gardens and a fun cultural scene, including its famous Lemon Festival each February.
Sheltered by surrounding mountains, Menton enjoys a particularly mild microclimate, reminiscent of southern California with healthy average of around 316 sunny days per year making it ideal for year-round living. Even in winter time, the temperature is mild compared to many other parts of the French Mediterranean coastal area, protected as it is by the mountains.
You’ll find several beaches here, a pretty port and a working harbour with superb views out across the sea. You will also find excellent dining options and shopping in the wonderful market “Les Halles”. It is close to the Italian border, so a trip over there for lunch is something many visitors and residents do.
L’heure bleue in Menton
Buying property in Menton
The Garavan district is highly prized for sea views and proximity to the old port. Vieille Ville (Old Town) offers colourful, historic homes on narrow lanes. For something quieter, try Val de Gorbio or Terres-Chaudes, just inland but still walkable.
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Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
The Stockholm Archipelago is a vast, enchanting scatter of over 30,000 islands, stretching east from Sweden’s capital into the Baltic Sea. Just minutes from central Stockholm, this region offers a unique mix of raw Nordic nature and stylish Scandinavian living. Rugged coastlines, pine forests, wooden cottages and crystal-clear waters create the perfect backdrop for kayaking, sailing, swimming off rocky outcrops, or just unwinding in a sauna with a sea view.
Many islands are car-free, accessible by ferry or private boat, fostering a peaceful, off-grid lifestyle. Summers are golden and bright, while autumns and winters offer crisp, reflective beauty. For Swedes, this is the dream location for a summer house (or sommarstuga ), and increasingly, international buyers are discovering its low-key charm and high quality of life — all within easy reach of one of Europe’s most liveable cities.
Wooden homes and boathouses on the Stockholm Archipelago (Nowaczyk / Shutterstock.com)
Buying property in the Stockholm Archipelago
Consider Vaxholm for ferry access and services, Sandhamn for yachting and nightlife, or Möja and Runmarö for nature and serenity. Lidingö is ideal for year-round living.
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Estepona, Costa del Sol, Andalusia
Historically overshadowed by the more famous Marbella conurbation 25 minutes east, today Estepona is seriously on the up and firmly on foreign buyers’ radar. It’s a former fishing village that has evolved into a perfectly rounded resort that oozes Andalusian charm and ticks just about every box.
Recent and ongoing investment there includes the pedestrianisation of the old town and waterfront areas, the expansion of its hospital, new cultural hubs including the Mirador del Carmen art centre and future Starlite music venue, luxury hotels, Michelin-star restaurants and beach clubs. In 2023 it was crowned Europe’s second-best city by the Academy of Urbanism.
Pleasantly lush and often dubbed ‘the Garden of the Costa del Sol’, at its core Estepona offers the go-to package of long sandy beach (around 20 kilometres in total) with palm-fringed promenade, picturesque ‘pueblo’ style old town and marina with fishing port where the daily catch is landed. Add to this growing new residential districts, a lively festival calendar, balmy year-round climate, world-class golf and easy access to some of Spain’s most glamorous spots – what’s not to like?
Estepona, in Andalusia
Buying property in Estepona
The old town and port area (Puerto de Estepona) are the most central and liveliest areas. Other areas still a short walk away include Las Mesas and Seghers and the northern district of Parque Central. Outside of the town, the ‘New Golden Mile’ with its sparkly complexes stretches eastwards, while golf communities, including Valle Romano and Estepona Golf are to the west.
Sensible budgets:
Two-bedroom apartments from €250,000, three-bedroom townhouses from €400,000 or villas from around €500,000.
Getting there:
Malaga’s airport is about 50 mins’ drive or Gibraltar’s is around 45 minutes away. There are also bus services.
Orihuela Costa, Southern Costa Blanca, Alicante
A firm favourite with British and northern European homeowners, Orihuela Costa is arguably Spain’s most expat-friendly and best value second home destination. Essentially a collection of small beach resorts and urbanisations, it’s the beating heart of the southern Costa Blanca. Which means you’re rarely more than a short walk from a supermarket and local drinking hole and English is widely spoken. While the choice of properties within walking distance of the beach and a lively promenade, with a full range of bars and restaurants, is huge.
Orihuela Costa is a year-round destination with a good local bus service for moving up and down the 16-kilometre stretch of coastline, including a service to the shopping mall La Zenia Boulevard. For golfers, there are four quality courses all no more than 10-15 minutes apart, namely Las Colinas, Campoamor, Las Ramblas and Villamartin. Seafarers can get their fix too, thanks to marinas at Cabo Roig, Campoamor and Torre de Horadada.
Dehesa de Campoamor, Orihuela Coast
Buying property in Orihuela Costa
Popular beach areas include Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Dehesa de Campoamor and Mil Palmeras. Off the seafront, La Florida, Villamartín and Los Dolses are favourites.
Sensible budgets:
Two-bedroom apartments from €150,000, three-bedroom townhouses from €225,000 or villas from around €300,000.
Getting there:
Airports at Alicante to the north or Murcia to the south-west are each around 40 to 45 minutes’ drive.
Santa Eulària des Riu, Ibiza, Spain
On the east coast of Ibiza, Santa Eulària des Riu is the island’s sophisticated, family-friendly resort town, known for its palm-lined promenade, upscale marina and art galleries.
Unlike Ibiza’s party-centric west, Santa Eulària offers a gentler, more cultured lifestyle: think boutique shopping, wellness retreats, local markets, and stylish beach restaurants. It’s also home to Ibiza’s only river (the “Riu” in its name), leading to the historic Puig de Missa hilltop church. The town is popular among year-round residents, digital nomads and second-home owners looking for balance between tranquillity and accessibility.
Its clean, swimmable beaches and well-kept infrastructure make it ideal for retirees or families who want the beauty of Ibiza without the chaos. You still have easy access to the island’s famous beaches, clubs and countryside — but can retreat to peace and sea views at the end of the day.
Cala Mastella, Santa Eulària des Riu, Ibiza
Buying property in Santa Eulària des Riu
Focus on properties in Siesta (a peaceful hillside suburb), Jesus (a short drive inland with chic villas), and seafront homes near the Passeig Marítim. Nearby Cala Llonga offers a more resort-style beach community.
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Los Alcazares, Costa Calida, Murcia
This corner of Spain, still heavily agricultural, used to be overlooked in favour of the more developed Costa Blanca, 20 minutes up the road. These days though, house-hunters are discovering how their euros stretch that little bit further if they extend their search into Murcia and along the Mar Menor. Los Alcazares is the main resort there and while increasingly popular with foreigners, it’s still very local and attracts as many Spaniards. Health tourists, including the then King of Spain, began visiting the town in the early 1900s to bathe in the Spa water at the La Encarnacion Hotel.
Stretched along the shoreline of Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, the resort’s centrepiece is its 7km string of sandy beaches, connected by a wonderful promenade dotted with bars and chiringuitos. The calm, tidal-free waters are ideal bathing conditions for families but also for all types of water sports. The resort has its own marina too. While the internationally acclaimed La Manga Club Resort is a 20-minute drive away, Los Alcazares has a choice of less exclusive golf courses on its doorstep, including the Mar Menor Resort, Roda Golf Resort and La Serena Golf.
Your quiet, relaxing retirement in Los Alcazares? (David Moreno Hernandez / Shutterstock.com)
Buying property in Los Alcazares
Most of the newer homes are in the northern part, namely the Los Narejos area. Value for money make plot and build villas popular. For a more traditional home and lifestyle, head to the original old town. Serena Golf, at the southern tip of town, has attractive new-build.
Sensible budgets:
Villas from €275,000 (or €325,000 new), townhouses from €175,000, apartments from €125,000.
Getting there:
Murcia Airport is just 30 minutes’ drive, while Alicante is around an hour.
Castellón Coast, Costa Azahar, Spain
Spain’s Costa Azahar — the “Orange Blossom Coast” — runs north of Valencia, and its Castellón stretch offers some of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets: long, uncrowded sandy beaches, natural parks, and authentic Spanish seaside towns.
Unlike the more touristic Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol, the Castellón coast remains refreshingly low-key and affordable, but is steadily gaining attention thanks to improved transport and luxury developments.
One standout is Porta de Mar, a high-end, sustainable community between Benicàssim and Oropesa, featuring elegant villas and apartments, sea views, green space, and walkable amenities. This region also boasts dramatic inland landscapes, charming old towns, and a lifestyle that’s relaxed yet well-connected. With over 300 days of sunshine, blue flag beaches, and proximity to Valencia, the area is attracting international second-home buyers seeking value and quality of life.
The Costa Azahar
Buying property in Castellón
Explore Benicàssim for its beachside buzz and music festivals, Oropesa del Mar for family resorts, and Alcossebre for peaceful coves. Porta de Mar offers modern, eco-conscious homes in a prime seafront setting.
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Kalkan, Antalya province, Turkey
Nicknamed the ‘Saint Tropez of Turkey’, Kalkan is one of Turkey’s most desirable resorts. An old fishing town set deep in an amphitheatre shaped bay under the verdant Taurus Mountains, the views alone are enough to win over house-hunters. Eating out is another treat too. Recent years have seen Kalkan evolve into an internationally acclaimed gastronomic hot spot, one that attracts high profile international visitors. The old town, beautifully preserved thanks to strict planning rules, is a gem. Its narrow cobbled streets are lined with boutiques, cocktail bars and quality dining spots. Today the resort reportedly has more than 100 restaurants catering to all budgets, many with stunning terraces looking out across the bay.
The coastline is another of Kalkan’s ace cards. It has a pebbly local beach beside its busy harbour, a hub for local fishing boats, water taxis and boat trips. A stroll out of town or short bus-ride takes you to beautiful unspoilt spots, many run as beach clubs. Nearby Patara, part of a national park, is often ranked in Europe’s top 10 beaches.
Your home, with a beach at the end of the street, in Kalkan
Buying property in Kalkan
The higher you go up the hillside the better the view, but longer your walk to amenities. Apartments in the old town are close to the action but can be noisy and lack in views. On the eastern side of the bay and still within walking distance to the centre, Komourluk and Kisla are popular areas. Directly above the centre is Ortaalan, a newer district known for its luxury villas. Higher still is Kiziltas, with space for large plots and villas with fantastic views. Or with its own mini bay and beach clubs, try Kalamar Bay on the western edge of town.
Sensible budgets: Two-bed apartments from £225,000, villas/ semi-detached villas from £375,000, large villas from £450,000. Luxury homes upwards of £650,000
Getting there: Dalaman is the nearest airport, with transfers taking around 90 minutes. Or Antalya Airport is around three hours’ drive.
St Julian’s, central east coast, Malta
St Julian’s is a buzzing resort set around a set of bays and home to luxury hotels, modern apartment blocks and some of Malta’s best leisure amenities, night-life and shopping. It’s a lively year-round destination, ideal for couples, resident professionals or families who like being in the centre of the action.
St George’s Bay at the resort’s northern end offers a lovely calm sandy beach and more relaxed holiday feel. The main St Julian’s Bay is more urban with apartment complexes, old townhouses and restaurants lining the waterfront and bathing areas. Notable areas include Paceville, Malta’s late-night party district, the upmarket Portomaso marina development, historic Spinola Bay and the seafront promenade that goes through neighbouring Sliema almost as far as Valletta.
One big draw for buyers are the choice of Special Designated Areas (SDAs) – these are zones where EU and non-EU citizens can buy freely, exempt from foreign ownership rules and permit requirements applicable across the wider island.
Complementing its balmy Med climate and pretty coastline, Malta is a historic gem with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Valetta. A British colony for more than 150 years, means English is a joint official language, shops and cafés have old British names, driving is on the left!
St. Julian’s, Malta
Buying property in St Julian’s
St Julian’s SDAs, where foreigners can own more than one unit and are free to rent out their property, include Pender Gardens, Mercury Suites, Mercury Towers, the eco-friendly ORA Residences and Portomaso. These all offer modern luxury apartments, typically within a complex with on-site facilities such as gym. Older resale properties tend to be away from the waterfront areas.
Sensible budgets: Small apartments from £400,00, large/sea-view apartments from £550,000, penthouses from £850,000 houses/villas from £1million.
Getting there: Malta’s international airport, located in the south, receives year-round flights from the UK. Nowhere is a long transfer – resorts in the north are just 35-40 minutes’ transfer.
Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland
With roots as a medieval fishing port, today Kinsale is a colourful resort with a reputation as both hip arty and top foodie destination. The eastern gateway to the famous Wild Atlantic Way and often dubbed the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, it is regularly ranked among the country’s most desirable coastal destinations. Private spots on the fringes of the town have attracted
Try not to be enchanted by its pretty waterfront of brightly coloured buildings, including spots for a drink and bite, and marina and ancient harbour, which keeps the town in freshly landed seafood. Behind this are the narrow streets of its old town, home to cosy restaurants (said to total more than 50 now), art galleries, boutiques and food shops.
The town’s picturesque location in a bend of the Bandon estuary, looked over by the two fortifications of Charles Fort and James Fort, lends itself to a second marina on the other side of the river, next to popular Dock Beach. Sailing, fishing and all types of water sports are a way of life in Kinsale, but the surrounding countryside offers all kinds of outdoorsy activities. Tapping into its rich culture and gastronomy, each year the town hosts an array of events, including Kinsale Gourmet Festival, Kinsale Fringe Jazz Festival and even a competition to find the best chowder in all of Ireland. Can you imagine a more enriching place to live in the Emerald Isle?
KInsale (Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com)
Buying property in Kinsale
Being within with walking distance of town or one of the waterfront coves around the estuary, such as Summer Cove. Scilly on the edge of town has attracted has attracted some high ticket sales recently, as has Sandycove and Oysterhaven.
Sensible budgets: From €300,000 for a small cottage/terrace, from €500,000 for a detached house or bungalow or €1million for country house with sea views.
Getting there: Cork Airport is just 25 minutes by car, the next closest being Kerry Airport (2 hours), or Dublin Airport is three hours. Rosslare Harbour, with ferries to the UK, is also three hours.
