The Mediterranean region is synonymous with a laidback lifestyle, fabulous food and stunning sunshine, and it’s one part of the world where many of us Brits really long to live. From Spain to France, Greece to Italy, all have Mediterranean coastlines and all are popular favourites with holidaying Britons, expats and retirees looking for their place in the sun.
However, the popularity of the region can make for expensive property prices, a high cost of living and inaccessibility for many. The good news is however, there is a real diversity of nations all hugging the Med so that there are actually a few affordable pockets left where you can still get in on the lifestyle.
If you’d love to live in the region but you can’t afford top dollar, here is a choice of 5 affordable countries for Mediterranean living that could suit the soon-to-be retiree, the family searching for a better quality of life, or the adventurous individual looking for opportunities abroad in a wonderful part of the world.
Turkey
Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline is very long and therefore you have a massive choice of destination to choose from. You can opt for the tried and testing tourism resorts and establish a new business abroad, you can select an expat-frequented haunt and set up home in a ready made community, or you can really step off the beaten track, get away from the airports and the motorways and find tiny villages and communities where the Western world has yet to have any real influence.
The cost of living in Turkey is very low – as long as you shop and eat like the locals do. By this we mean shopping at markets, eating in the local cafes and buying and consuming what’s in season and produced locally. If you prefer to drink in expat bars, shop at supermarkets and eat out at designer restaurants instead, Turkey will be as expensive as the UK!
In terms of property prices, we would always advise anyone to move to live in a country before committing to buying a home there – and this is absolutely the case in Turkey and right across the Med. This is because there are 2 prices, tourism prices and local prices! Until you move in, settle in, make an effort to integrate and get to know the locals you will be paying well over the odds for big ticket items like a home. So, don’t rush in, and when you are ready to commit you will see how much cheaper homes are in Turkey than in the likes of Spain.
Morocco
Despite the fact that Morocco practically touches Spain, it couldn’t feel less European if it tried! The nation is desperately poverty stricken in parts, it has about a 40% literacy rate and some people will feel the country is really alien to them. We would say that you need to cast off your conservative blinkers and look more closely at this stunning nation. It is populated with some of the most open and giving people in the world – yes, ‘giving,’ even if they have nothing in the way of material assets to give!
However, if you are thinking of making Morocco home you need to learn to respect local culture and religion, and know that English is really a third language so you’ll need to brush up on your French and Spanish. The Mediterranean coastline has been developed in places, for tourism and property for sale to Westerners – so whether you want to live amongst your own kind or you want to step off the beaten track and find your own place in Morocco, you can do so.
Some say the cost of living is high in this fabulously vibrant country – we would say that it’s all relative. If you’re surrounded by poverty and you’re shopping in supermarkets you’ll feel that everything is a ridiculous expense. If you’re more in tune with your new environment and you’re living, shopping, eating, working like those around you, you will find that even a tight Western budget will go a very long way.
Egypt
Ironically, Egypt isn’t really famous for its Mediterranean coastline – it’s better known for it’s incredibly majestic history, the pyramids, Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings. What’s more, much of its massive tourism revenue is generated from Red Sea resorts – however it’s Mediterranean coastline is as perfect as any other Mediterranean coastline, and it does offer you the chance to get in on a hugely desirable part of the planet for very reasonable prices!
Egypt is also an exciting country to consider because of ongoing economic and political change that’s proving positive towards the advancement of the nation. Like Morocco there are parts of extreme poverty in Egypt still, but you really get a feel for the fact that the aggressive reforms and the strong levels of foreign direct investment are moving the country forward. Property prices in Cairo can be sky high, property prices in little known towns and villages dotted along the Med can be affordable. The same goes for Egypt as it does for Turkey in terms of not buying until you know the nation well…but you get the feeling that Egypt could be an investment destination worthy of a long-term bet.
Northern Cyprus
Unlike Southern Cyprus which is as famous for its fabulous lifestyle as it is for being massively over-priced, Northern Cyprus has realised that its short-lived property boom and hiking of goods and service costs was absolutely unsustainable. Many of the expats who speculated on the island over the last few years have left – thanks goodness – and those who remain realise that they have found a paradise on earth, and a diamond that may well be rough around the edges but which is absolutely divine!
The lifestyle in Northern Cyprus is excellent – and you can still find well-priced property stock. You can shop very well and very cheaply in local markets, and if you want some sophistication it is also available in the form of funky bars, restaurants and clubs.
The Mediterranean coastline has been over-developed in places – so avoid those places! You can find a totally private inlet, cove, shingle beach or even sandy edged Med-facing bay on any day of the week and claim it as your own for a few hours sunbathing, a picnic or a barbeque, and the only thing to come and disturb you might be a wandering goat!
Northern Cyprus is also very in touch with its European heart, and despite the fact it is a Muslim nation where Turkish is the first language, English is widely spoken and you can enjoy a totally Western life, socialise with English expats and integrate easily.
Tunisia
Last but by no means least is Tunisia - which has been a really late starter in terms of attracting expats and even foreign property owners. The Mediterranean coastline in Tunisia is relatively well populated with tourism resorts and it has grown in popularity as a great place to holiday and enjoy a very luxurious and laid back experience – however, perhaps because English is little understood outside of the tourism resorts, Tunisia has not become a popular place to live, work or retire if you’re from the UK.
Despite this fact, Tunisia is certainly worth considering – you will need to speak good French and even consider venturing down the route of learning Arabic if you want to fully integrate. The advantages you will gain include living in a country that remains absolutely authentic and unspoilt, and where the local people believe that family is of the utmost importance and where if you want to become a part of the local community, you will be welcomed and accepted openly.
It is not an easy nation to move to because of the language barriers, but these are really the only limits to you enjoying a fantastic lifestyle on an affordable part of the Mediterranean.
