For some, Europe’s seaside towns are their annual getaways; And for others, they choose to settle here permanently. While the reasons vary – some are digital nomads whose careers allow them to work remotely, and some are retirees who want to find an exciting new place to spend their golden years – there are many benefits to moving to a seaside resort in Europe, where a leisurely stroll on the beach is part of everyday life. Best of all, settling in a seaside community across the ocean doesn’t cost a lot of money and is often much cheaper than in the United States
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best European beach destinations to live in if you’re thinking of moving there – from lively resorts where you can enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year, to equally exciting spots that are colder but full of culture and history for those who don’t mind snowy winters and milder summers.
Alicante, Spain
Known as the gateway to the Costa Blanca in Spain, this Eastern Mediterranean city has easy access to some of Spain’s best beaches, its architecture reflects its rich history, and the cost of living is surprisingly low.
According to Euronews, renting an apartment on the outskirts of Alicante costs only 600 euros per month. International Life magazine estimates that you can cover your daily expenses for less than $2,000, a figure that includes housing and private health insurance in the city of about 379,000 people.
Finally, Alicante is a popular second home destination for many United Kingdom and Nordic residents. In addition, it has a large expat community, making it easy for newcomers to adapt to their new environment.
Malaga, Spain
Last year, InterNations ranked the southern city of Malaga as the best place in the world for expats to live and work (Alicante ranked second), ranked first for work-life balance and overall cost of living, and second for leisure options.
Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol region, dating back more than 2,000 years (in fact, it is one of the oldest cities in the world) and has a spectacular historic center, museums and many beaches. Also the birthplace of Picasso, the city has a vibrant arts scene and hosts several festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
Valencia, Spain
With over 300 sunny days per year, Valencia typically doesn’t average above 85 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 65 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, making Valencia an excellent choice for those looking for warmer weather. The city of about 840,000 people has an abundance of outdoor recreation year-round, with more than 20 miles of scenic coastline, numerous parks, cultural and historical sites, and restaurants (after all, it’s the birthplace of paella).
While Valencia is ranked third overall in InterNations’ latest report (topping the list in 2022), the city has the best quality of life globally and ranks first in terms of healthcare affordability.
Lisbon, Portugal
The capital of Portugal is favored by retirees and digital nomads due to its sunny weather, great dining options, rich cultural life, beautiful hilly cityscapes and laid-back lifestyle. Lisbon recently ranked first in a survey of the most affordable monthly rents – the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $1,125.
But anyone who thinks that Lisbon is just a tourist destination for adults is very wrong. Little ones will also love Lisbon because of the wide range of activities designed for them, as well as the large parks and green spaces scattered throughout that offer fun for people of all ages. Lisbon is also a safe city. According to the Global Peace Index, Portugal is the seventh safest country in the world.
Carvoeiro, Portugal
The Algarve is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle. Here, one can enjoy a higher quality of life because the area has the best of both worlds – all the amenities within close proximity and the vibrancy and charm of a big city, the area attracts tourists, retirees, and digital nomads with its sun-drenched beaches.
While the coastline is dotted with resort-style towns and villages, López recommends Carvoeiro for its scenic beauty, steep cliffs, white houses and bold red roofs, as well as a variety of amenities, including great golf courses and great restaurants. The town is also known for its spectacular Main Beach, a stretch of golden sand nestled between rugged limestone cliffs.
Nice, France
With an international airport, world-famous film festivals and some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Nice is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, frequented by globetrotters and A-listers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is home to museums, parks, charming neighborhoods, and of course, the 4.3-mile United Kingdom Avenue that stretches along the azure waters of Angel Bay.
If you want to buy an apartment, it is advisable to choose an area that is located in the center, which will make it easy to reach all the attractions of Nice. Neighborhoods such as Carré d’Or, Musiiciens, Port, and Wilson are all great options. Nice offers a wide choice of neighborhoods, while other popular areas such as Cimiez, Mont Boron or Fabron, although located a little further up the hill and quieter, offer great living spaces and beautiful sea views.
Split, Croatia
Croatia’s picturesque islands, historical attractions, sunny coastline, and affordable lifestyle have made it quite popular among expats in recent years. Split is the country’s second-largest city after the capital, Zagreb, and residents can stroll through the streets of the old town, admire the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, and enjoy the numerous museums, restaurants, and cafes. Split Airport offers regular flights to and from some of Europe’s largest cities.
According to the 2023 report, the cost of living in Split is also the third-lowest in Europe, with an average cost of living here for expats of $1,585 per month.
Antibes, France
Antibes is a city that thrives year-round and offers a variety of experiences for all. Unlike the raucous party atmosphere of Cannes, Antibes exudes a more earthy charm.
While many associate the resort of Antibes with its bustling summer scene and world-famous marina (where a large number of mega yachts are moored in July and August), Antibes is also close to Sofia Antipolis, a 2,400-hectare tech community known as the Silicon Valley of Europe, where more than 40,000 employees from 2,500 companies work every day.
Stockholm, Sweden
When you think of seaside towns, you may not think of the capital of Sweden, but the city is built on 14 islands, many of which have sandy beaches and swimming areas, which are crowded with people in the summer.
Once a prison island, Langholmen Island is now an outdoor retreat for residents with its small beaches, coves and picnic areas. The island of Tantobadet in Tantolunden Park is another popular holiday destination for families.
Last year, Stockholm was named one of the cities with the highest work-life balance in the world. If you’re tired of all the beaches in town, you can explore the larger Stockholm archipelago area, with up to 30,000 islands, islets, and reefs.
Naples, Italy
Who wouldn’t want to live in the birthplace of pizza? It is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Eastern Mediterranean and thousands of years of history and culture. Add to that an epic hike on nearby Mount Vesuvius and a leisurely cruise on the Amalfi Coast, and moving to Naples sounds like a great idea.
The cost of living and housing here is also significantly lower than in big cities such as Milan and Rome, which attracts a large number of expats and retirees.